Chapter 288 Facing The Consequences
After swiping a few times, Madelyn placed the video directly in front of Livian for her viewing.
“What’s going on?”
Livian’s complexion fluctuated between shades of red and white. Her panic was palpable in her gaze.
Madelyn was extremely pleased by Livian’s reaction. It was exactly what she was aiming for.
Not wanting to beat around the bush any longer, Madelyn confessed, “In fact, I’ve always known that you and Zachary were colluding. After all, he brought you into the company to serve as his assistant. When he was promoted to finance manager, you became the deputy manager. Over the years, Zachary must have given you quite a few benefits for you to work so tirelessly for him, right?”
“What exactly are you trying to say?” Livian asked, her gaze on Madelyn particularly guarded.
Madelyn chuckled softly and replied, “I saw you hand over a ledger to Zachary in the video. If I’m not mistaken, that ledger must contain a number of secrets, right? My motives are simple; all I need is for you to hand that ledger over to me.”
Upon hearing this, a fleeting look of guilt flashed across Livian’s eyes, but it disappeared almost instantly.
She then continued firmly. “I’m sorry, Ms. Thornton, but I have no idea what you’re talking about. I indeed handed Mr. Zimmer a ledger in the video, but that was just a regular account book we use for daily financial reports. If you insist on having it, I can get it for you when I’m back at the office.”
“To get me a fake one?” Madelyn scoffed, but having anticipated this turn of events, she wasn’t particularly bothered.
“Just drop the act, Ms. Cook. You clearly know I’m not talking about some ordinary ledger, but the ‘real’ one you’ve hidden away. Of course, you’re working on behalf of Zachary, I wouldn’t dream of you just casually handing it over. That’s why I’m willing to negotiate an exchange with you.”
A surge of confidence radiated from Madelyn’s very being as if victory was already in sight.
“Ms. Thornton, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Livian’s expression visibly twitched, yet she still gritted her teeth and insisted on her ignorance.
Madelyn was left with no choice but to be blunt. “I heard you’ve been considering a divorce with your husband lately. Is that true? I saw it with my own eyes just a while ago.”
At that point, Livian was left speechless.
“Besides, before coming here, I specifically investigated your situation,” Madelyn stated, her voice devoid of emotion. “Your husband not only wants to divorce you but has also joined forces with his lover to seize your rights and assets. You, on the other hand, are powerless to fight him. As a result, you’re currently in a state of utter desperation. Soon, both you and your child will be homeless.”
These words pierced Livian’s heart like a needle.
Livian suddenly exploded with indignant embarrassment. “What right do you have to investigate my family, Ms. Thornton!"
Madelyn smiled lightly, brimming with confidence as she continued, “If I didn’t know you well enough, I wouldn’t have come to you so boldly. But don’t misunderstand; I mean no harm. I’m simply here to propose a deal. I’ll teach that shameless couple a lesson on your behalf and help you reclaim what’s rightfully yours, and all I ask in return is that ledger. Not a shabby deal at all, don’t you think so?”
Madelyn scrutinized Livian’s expression intently.
Livian appeared somewhat dazed as though she was quietly debating with herself.
In the end, however, she steeled herself and said, “Ms. Thornton, I still don’t understand what you’re talking about. Besides, this is my private matter. I can handle it myself, so don’t trouble yourself.”
“Hahaha!” Madelyn burst out laughing as if she had just heard a hilarious joke.
Madelyn finally decided to put on a serious face. She asked earnestly, “Ms. Cook, why do you think your husband is so set on divorcing you? In this world, it’s rare for a man to jeopardize his marriage for a third party. Unless, of course, something more enticing comes along that makes him abandon you. As for what could be more enticing, I think I need not elaborate, do I?”
She added, “I advise you not to overestimate your abilities. The family background of that mistress is something you cannot contend with. Even if you exhaust all your efforts to fight her, in the end, you will be thrown out with not a penny left to your name. To put it bluntly, even your poor parents could get dragged into this. You don’t need me to paint a picture of how miserable their lives could become, do you?”
Madelyn finished her argument in one breath. If this woman has some ounce of intelligence, she’ll know what to do next with all these conditions laid out.
Biting her lip with difficulty, Livian had to admit she was tempted to accept Madelyn’s offer.
Indeed, her husband’s side piece was the heiress of a wealthy family. Said heiress had promised her husband that she would give him shares in her company if he divorced his wife. It was precisely because of this that her husband was so desperate to divorce her without considering the consequences.
Livian truly wanted to teach that despicable couple a lesson, but she was well aware that the actions she had taken to help Zachary were indeed criminal.
If I admit my involvement, wouldn’t my life be utterly ruined?
Left with no choice, Livian had to grit her teeth and continue, “Again, Ms. Thornton, I honestly have no idea what you’re trying to say. If we’re not on the same page, I’d rather leave. Please, feel free to do as you wish.”
After saying that, she stood up, seemingly ready to leave.
After all the trouble of getting here, Madelyn couldn’t possibly just let Livian go.
“Ms. Cook! Surely, you don’t think I’ve gathered such a measly amount of evidence, do you?”
Madelyn stood up, her voice intimidating though her tone was soft. “Do you think I’m oblivious to your actions? In reality, I had no particular need to seek you out. I came to you because you are a mother, and I was hoping to appeal to you more gently. But I guess you’re determined to reject me, aren’t you?”
After saying this, she scoffed coldly and declared, “Fine if that’s the case, don’t regret it later. My tactics aren’t as straightforward as you might think. By tomorrow morning, someone will be at the company to take Zachary away for investigation. Do you really think you can escape? It’s better to cooperate with me and confess now rather than get caught later and be unable to clear your name. Of course, you’re free to refuse, but be prepared to face the consequences then!”
After finishing her statement, Madelyn felt there was no further need for discussion. She promptly stood up, turned around, and walked away.
Livian plopped back into her original seat, utterly dumbfounded.
Recalling Madelyn’s words over and over again, she suddenly felt a sense of unease.
Can I trust Madelyn’s words? If Zachary’s really arrested first thing in the morning, I’ll definitely be dragged into this mess. Then what about my child!