Chapter 289 The Show Is About To Begin

Livian’s thoughts continued to run amok. What about my parents? Jeremiah’s causing a fuss about the divorce again. If something happens to me, wouldn’t that provide Jeremiah the perfect opportunity to proceed with his case?

As that thought crossed her mind, Livian became even more exasperated.

In truth, Madelyn hadn’t expected their conversation to fall apart. She initially thought she had Livian at her mercy through both threats and temptations. She was certain Livian would compromise for multiple reasons. However, she didn’t expect Livian to hold on so stubbornly.

However, Madelyn wasn’t afraid of Livian’s rejection, as she had already made a plan for this situation.

After that, Madelyn pulled out her phone and called a person named Yannick Knox. Oceanic Empire had bases in various regions of every country. Yannick was a minor leader of one of Oceanic Empire’s local bases in the city, and he was responsible for managing the domestic staff and other related affairs. Madelyn had troubled him for favors many times. The back-and-forth between the two of them had nearly evolved into a friendship.

Yannick seemed to have grown accustomed to Madelyn’s frequent disturbances. He answered Madelyn’s call smoothly. “Ms. Thornton, what seems to be the matter this time?”

The words “this time” made Madelyn feel a bit embarrassed because she indeed often troubled him. With a somewhat sheepish grin, she said, “I hate to impose on you tonight, but could you help me sneak into a place and get control of someone there? Please, you mustn’t reveal your identities.”

Naturally, Yannick wouldn’t dare to refuse her. After all she was still holding the token of Oceanic Empire given to her by Phantom. Even if he didn’t want to agree, he simply didn’t have the nerve.

And so, that night, Yannick made his move.

Everything was incredibly serene within Zachary’s pitch-black house. At that very moment, Zachary had already fallen into a deep slumber, dreaming about taking over the entire Thornton Corporation. Suddenly, a quiet figure approached the edge of his bed. After aiming accurately at Zachary’s head, the figure swiftly pulled a small sack over it.

Zachary was startled awake in an instant, and he frantically tried to rip open the sack. However, his hands were restrained by someone else a moment later. Zachary was terrified. Without hesitation, he screamed, “Who’s there? Who are you?”

Of course, Yannick wouldn’t respond. All he needed to do was carry out his tasks in silence.

Unexpectedly, Zachary had an incredible amount of energy. Suddenly, he flopped onto the bed and thrashed about like a fish out of water whenever someone tried to pull him up, all while screaming.

Yannick was utterly speechless. This man was seriously annoying to death. And so, with a swift move, he knocked Zachary out cold.

The next day, after handing over her child to her housekeeper, Livian headed to the office. Upon her arrival, she was immediately greeted by the news of Zachary’s arrest. He had been taken in for questioning by the police under suspicion of corruption and criminal activities.

“Goodness, I never would have guessed that Mr. Zimmer was that kind of person.”

“Exactly, I even heard that Mr. Thornton and him are somewhat related. But he didn’t hesitate to turn against his own kin. That’s just too ruthless!”

What?

When Livian heard those words, she was stunned. Immediately, she sought refuge in the restroom to call Zachary, intent on verifying whether the news she heard was a rumor.

Alas, no one answered her incessant calls. Her hand started trembling subconsciously.

Livian had to admit that this time, she was genuinely shaken. Madelyn’s words from yesterday began to replay in Livian’s mind. She had initially thought Madelyn’s claims were empty threats, but she hadn’t expected all of it to come true!

Meanwhile, Derek had just received the news in the chairman’s office. He was extremely surprised. He immediately called in his assistant and ordered, “Have someone investigate Zachary right away, Cyrus!”

“That won’t be necessary, Dad.” Suddenly, Madelyn pushed the door open and entered from outside.

“Maddie?” A puzzled Derek asked, “Why are you here so early today?”

It was only morning, and usually, Madelyn wouldn’t come to the office this early. In reality, Madelyn had intentionally taken a day off to be there. After all, the matters concerning Livian hadn’t been settled yet.

She laughed and replied, “Dad, you don’t have to handle this matter personally. Let me take care of it. I promise to deliver a result that will satisfy you.”

None of that cleared Derek’s confusion. “So, you’re saying you’ve known about this all along?”

“Indeed.” Madelyn nodded without hesitation and added, “And I’ve already made my move. Just sit back and enjoy the show.”

Upon hearing this, Derek was left speechless. Since Madelyn wanted to prove herself and accomplish something on her own, all they could do was wait and see.

And so, the office was hustling with gossip the entire morning. Almost everyone was whispering about Zachary’s arrest.

Most people accused Zachary of corruption, while a minority who sided with Zachary insisted it was a misunderstanding. For a time, the arguments between the two sides were at a standstill.

Regina and Eunice had had informants planted within the company for a while now. Upon hearing that such a big event had occurred, they practically rushed over without a moment’s delay. As soon as Regina and Eunice stepped into the office, they began to plead for mercy.

Regina was sobbing as she pleaded to Derek, “Mr. Thornton, please think this through. Zachary is my older brother, and at the end of the day, we’re all family. How could he possibly do something that would harm the company? There must be a misunderstanding!”

“Yeah, Dad, how could Uncle Zachary possibly be involved in corruption? Please, you have to help him!” Eunice pleaded with a sense of injustice on Derek’s other side.

Both mother and daughter continued to defend Zachary’s innocence. However, Derek didn’t buy their acts. He replied scoffingly, “Of course, I know he’s your relative. But would I bother investigating him if there was really nothing going on?”

Moreover, there had recently been an issue with the accounts that he hadn’t even begun to confront Zachary about. Now, with this additional complication, it was hard not to harbor suspicions.

“But Dad, Uncle Zachary-”

Eunice was still stubbornly trying to explain something but Derek interrupted her impatiently, “Enough. I don’t want to hear more about this. Besides, I haven’t even questioned you about this yet. Regina, you were the one who brought Zachary into this company. If you and Eunice don’t want to get entangled in this mess, then go home immediately!”

It seemed Derek was truly serious this time. Even though Regina and Eunice felt a sense of unwillingness, they had no choice but to leave.

On their way home, both of them were incredibly anxious. Yet, their anxiety wasn’t because of Zachary’s situation, but rather the fact that a significant portion of the funds embezzled by Zachary had ended up in their accounts.

"Won’t we be dead if they find out about this?"

With that in mind, Eunice wailed, “Mom, what should we do?”