Chapter 290 Turning Oneself In

On the way home, Eunice was visibly on edge. She was clearly terrified of getting wrapped up in this controversy.

Although Regina was also anxious, she was significantly more composed compared to her daughter. She gently reassured Eunice, “Don’t worry, your uncle isn’t a fool. He must have made ample preparations, and it won’t be easy for anyone to catch him. Even if he does get caught, your father won’t harm him. After all, he’s our family.”

Upon hearing those words, Eunice felt a sense of relief. Mom has a point. She regained the confidence to face whatever came next without fear.

The afternoon arrived quickly.

Madelyn was well aware of how cunning Zachary was. She knew that if she attempted to investigate him directly, she would be met with a slew of well-prepared excuses he had up his sleeve. Hence, she deliberately had Zachary arrested. Her sole purpose in doing so was to intimidate Livian, making it easier for her to force a confession.

Besides that, to make the situation appear more convincing, Madelyn even deliberately sought out her father’s informant in the finance department, Ian. She had him intentionally spread the false impression throughout the department that Zachary had confessed to all his crimes. Of course, all of this was also relayed to Livian.

Livian, who was already filled with trepidation, was completely terrified when she heard Ian’s claims.

Have mine and Zachary’s actions been exposed? Does this mean the police will be coming for me soon? I can’t let that happen! What we did was illegal, and if the police catch us, there’s no telling how many years we’ll be locked up in jail!

Plus, if Livian was arrested, Jeremiah would immediately proceed with the divorce. By then, she would undoubtedly be left with nothing but blame and poverty.

Then what happens to my child who hasn’t even turned two?

Livian was also supporting her parents who could no longer work. Would they starve to death if no one was around to take care of them?

Livian was truly on edge. Her mind involuntarily replayed Madelyn’s words over and over again.

Maybe I could escape such a horrible fate if I cooperated with Madelyn?

Livian carefully weighed her options in her heart.

In the end, she couldn’t overcome the fear in her heart and immediately beelined for Madelyn’s private office.

Upon spotting Livian, Madelyn smirked to herself. She knew that Livian would compromise.

However, Madelyn had no intention of agreeing to her request outright. Instead, she responded with a "It won’t be long before the police find a way to force it out of you.”

Upon hearing those words, Livian’s heart sank, and she immediately got on her knees before Madelyn.

“Ms. Thornton, I beg you to save our family! I’m truly at my wits‘ end. If you’re willing to give me a chance, I can give you the real ledger right away. It details all of Zachary’s illegal activities. I can also verify the records with you.”

At first, Madelyn was taken aback, but then she laughed. “Weren’t you reluctant yesterday?”

Livian shook her head helplessly and said, “To be honest, I have nothing but this lowly life of mine. I won’t harbor any resentment no matter what you do to me. But I’m worried about my child and the safety of my parents! If I help you, can you please ensure my child is brought to my parents? Also, this is my bank card, which holds my modest savings over the years. Can you please give it to my parents later for their livelihood?”

As she spoke, Livian rummaged through her pocket and pulled out a bank card, which she then placed on Madelyn’s desk.

Madelyn cast a casual glance, not rejecting the notion, though she was somewhat puzzled. “And what about you?” she asked.

“Me?”

Upon hearing this, Livian suddenly let out an indifferent, cold laugh. “I’ve made so many mistakes. Of course I need to turn myself in.”

She continued, “Since things have come to this, Ms. Thornton, I might as well tell you everything. The truth is, Zachary has committed far more crimes than what you can see. Ever since he became the finance manager, he has been involved in countless instances of false accounting and bookkeeping all for his personal gain. Truth be told, at the very beginning, I never intended to get involved in all this. But Zachary was incredibly attentive toward me and offered me numerous benefits. I couldn’t resist such a substantial allure, which led me to join him in performing such atrocious deeds.”

After saying all this, Livian heaved a sorrowful sigh as though expressing regret for all that had transpired.

Upon seeing her in such a state, Madelyn couldn’t help but feel a wave of sympathy. Livian was truly a pitiful soul, merely a pawn exploited by Zachary.

After that, Madelyn suddenly shouted, “You all heard that, didn’t you?”

As the last word left her lips, the door opened to reveal two figures: Derek and his assistant, Cyrus. Both of them wore grim expressions on their faces.

Livian’s heart jumped when she saw both men.

Then, she whirled toward Madelyn and exclaimed in disbelief, “Was this all part of your plan, Ms. Thornton?”

Madelyn chuckled awkwardly and explained, “Honestly I don’t enjoy engaging in such underhanded activities either. But how else am I supposed to uncover the truth?”

She paused for a moment before continuing, “But don’t worry, I will fulfill the request you made earlier. I promise to take good care of your family.”

Livian was completely dumbfounded.

In an instant, her eyes lost all their spirit, and she fell on her rear onto the ground.

She had always assumed that Madelyn was nothing more than a naive young girl who didn’t understand the ways of the world.

Only now did Livian realize that this young lady was not just ordinarily intelligent but terrifyingly so.

Still, Livian had already confessed everything. Struggling was futile.

In the end, Livian was utterly disheartened. She finally handed over the ledgers that contained records of Zachary’s embezzlement and fraudulent accounting.

After reviewing the evidence of corruption, Derek was immediately consumed by rage. He exploded in anger. “This is outrageous! That damned Zachary! How dare he pull off such dirty tricks behind my back!”

The ledger was slammed onto the table with force. Derek was so infuriated that he almost failed to catch his breath.

“Dad, please try to stay calm. I don’t want you to fall sick from all this stress,” Madelyn anxiously tried to soothe him.

Then, she turned to Livian and added, “Ms. Cook, the police will be here soon. You better get ready.”

Those words didn’t frighten Livian at all. Instead, she let out a sorrowful sigh, her face downcast, and she remained silent.

Before long, the police arrived.

Right before they left, Livian cast a meaningful glance at Madelyn. “Ms. Thornton, I’m counting on you,” she said.

Madelyn nodded earnestly, and then Livian was led away.