Chapter 888

Eloise sighed and interjected, "Your uncle is in Nate's hands, too."

"What?!" Arianna exclaimed, looking over her shoulder. She paused, shaking her head. "No, it can't be."

"It's true," Eloise said. "Nate admitted it himself. Not just Derrick, but that woman and her son. The company is his now; it's been completely reshaped. I don't even know what to say."

Though she hadn't joined Tanner Corporation, Arianna had witnessed its growth. Seeing her son take over filled her with conflicting emotions; it no longer belonged to the Tanner family.

"No," Arianna murmured, falling silent. "What happened at the hospital made me realize Uncle Derrick isn't easily manipulated. If he could patiently orchestrate that trap, feigning illness with Aunt Stephanie's help, how could an outsider so easily take him hostage and seize Tanner Corporation?"

If even Arianna had failed despite numerous attempts, could Nathaniel succeed so easily? It seemed impossible. Derrick was a shrewd businessman with years of experience. Arianna found it hard to believe he'd fall for Nathaniel's scheme.

"Well," Eloise said, "I heard Derrick was taken after leaving the hospital. We couldn't have anticipated Nate's secret plans; we didn't even know your uncle was involved. Besides, didn't we fail to locate Derrick? He owns so many properties, yet he wasn't at any of them. Everything points to a kidnapping."

Arianna shook her head again. "No, it's not that simple." After a pause, a faint smile touched her lips. "Forget it. Perhaps he was incredibly lucky. I suppose I can only congratulate him from afar, then."

"Ari..." Eloise felt a pang of guilt. "I'll save you. I'll find a way!" She was determined to save Arianna, even if it meant begging her son.

"Just go," Arianna said, a mysterious smile playing on her lips as she stood and moved away. "I don't want to see you again." She had previously overlooked crucial details, but now she saw them clearly.

If Uncle Derrick had planned everything, his illness, hospitalization, and inability to manage the business were all feigned. The fact that he summoned two rarely seen shareholders indicated he still controlled the company.

And was Benedict truly dead? The news originated from an unreliable source, and no one had witnessed his body. Could it be part of Uncle Derrick's plan? If so, Nathaniel was merely a pawn caught in the same web.

He believed he controlled everything, but he was merely another target, much like Arianna herself. The game was masterfully played! Derrick Tanner was indeed a shrewd old fox, and the ultimate victor remained to be seen.