Chapter 316: She Is Captivated

Later, after finishing his work, Sebastian rushed to the ward. He found Madelyn asleep by Derek’s bedside. A nearby noise startled her awake. Seeing Sebastian, she sighed in relief. "Sebastian, it's you," she said, her exhaustion evident in her tone and expression.

Seeing her distress, Sebastian asked, "How is Dad doing?"

Madelyn replied gravely, "The doctor said Dad had a temporary cardiac shock from severe emotional distress. We were fortunate to get him here in time."

Sebastian stepped forward, gently cradling her head. "Don't worry. Everything's fine now, isn't it?"

"Yes," Madelyn nodded, but a sense of self-reproach lingered. "Sebastian, do you think I made a mistake? If I hadn't told Dad about those things, would he have fallen ill?"

"Don't think like that. It isn't your fault," Sebastian reassured her, stroking her head. "Dad was bound to find out eventually. It's better to have the pain now than prolong the agony. Letting him know saved him from greater sorrow later."

Madelyn felt somewhat better.

Meanwhile, Eunice wandered the streets, grumbling. She couldn't believe Madelyn had exposed her plan to increase Derek's medication. "Damn it! How did she find out? I can't go back home. But I'm not satisfied! Madelyn, you despicable woman! I wish you'd choke on water, suffocate on food… just disappear!" Her anger grew. She passed an exclusive club and went inside. Ordering several glasses of whiskey, she drank them rapidly.

Even without Regina, Eunice remembered her instructions: never easily hand over Thornton Corporation to Madelyn. She took stock of herself, realizing she had no leverage. "What should I do?" she wondered. "What if I find a strong backer?" She scanned the club, an enclave frequented by wealthy young men. "If I can snag a rich man… I'll be set for life! Argh… how am I supposed to do that?" The thought of losing Thornton Corporation distressed her further.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Janessa and Hayden chatted flirtatiously in the corridor. Since Felix's birthday banquet, Janessa had diligently maintained contact with Hayden, strengthening their relationship. Even Hayden's friends knew Janessa, and they all got along well.

During their conversation, Janessa saw Eunice at the bar. "Oh? Isn't that Madelyn's sister?" she thought, remembering the Thornton Corporation controversy Javier had explained. Seeing Eunice alone and desolate, an idea formed in Janessa's mind. "If I help Eunice now, I could potentially use her against Madelyn later." A sly smile touched her lips. She whispered to Hayden.

Hayden laughed and called over Kieran. "Kieran, do you see that woman downstairs?"

Kieran glanced down. "I see her. She looks pretty average."

"Yeah, but I need you to win her over; I have a use for her," Hayden instructed.

Kieran, nonchalantly, agreed, stating it was a favor owed to him. He immediately went downstairs.

"Can he manage?" Janessa worriedly asked.

Hayden's friends trusted Kieran implicitly. Kieran, from a prestigious family, was known as a spoiled rich kid, a womanizer who could charm anyone.

A commotion erupted downstairs. Everyone looked. Janessa saw Kieran's friends harassing Eunice. Eunice was terrified. Then, Kieran intervened, bravely fighting off the "hooligans." He swept Eunice into his arms. "Don't be afraid. I am here."

Eunice, still young, was captivated by the hero saving the damsel in distress scenario. She was instantly captivated by Kieran's charm.

Janessa and Hayden watched, amused and impressed by Kieran's actions.