Chapter 351: Reclaiming the Family Fortune

“If you don’t want to talk about it, then forget it,” he said. He could tell Madelyn had no intention of telling him the truth, which left him feeling frustrated.

“Sebastian…” Madelyn gently tugged at his sleeve, but he ignored her. She pursed her lips helplessly. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell him; I simply can’t!”

Before long, the car pulled up in front of the house. After getting out, Sebastian ignored her and headed straight upstairs. Clearly, he was upset. She watched him go, wearing an innocent expression, unsure what to do.

After racking her brain for a solution to no avail, she blamed everything on Morgana. “It’s all that annoying Morgana’s fault! Everything was going fine until she stirred up unnecessary trouble. What bad luck! If I’d known it would come to this, I never would have lied about having superpowers. That way, I could have avoided these unwarranted troubles. Unfortunately, it’s too late for regrets.” She sighed and grumbled internally.

The following day at school, Madelyn was immediately surrounded by friends upon entering the classroom. Jillian, Josiah, and Tristan interrogated her like a criminal.

“Hey, where have you been all this time?” Josiah asked first.

“Have you been off on another secret mission?” Tristan demanded fiercely.

Jillian, ever gentle, said, “Madelyn, I haven’t seen you for days. Has something happened? You didn’t answer our calls or messages. We’ve been worried sick.”

Madelyn was moved by their concern. A long time ago, she had always felt alone. That’s why she cherished her friendship with Janessa, even when Janessa used and deceived her. Though she didn’t have many friends now, they treated her sincerely, and finally, she felt she was no longer alone. However, she still didn’t want to involve them in Oceanic Empire’s affairs.

Hence, she casually dismissed their concerns. “Nothing. I’ve been abroad these past few days. The signal must have been poor, so I didn’t receive your messages. My apologies.”

“Wow, you went on a trip without inviting us? That’s cold!” Tristan complained immediately.

Jillian was envious. “Madelyn, I envy your life. Once I have enough money, I want to travel abroad too.”

Tristan immediately responded, “What’s there to envy? If you want to go abroad, I’ll take you.”

“Sure, sure.” Jillian was overjoyed. Seeing everyone in a good mood, Madelyn smiled.

Then, she turned to Josiah. “Josiah, could I ask you to help me look into something?”

Josiah arched an eyebrow. “What’s the matter?”

“I need a favor. Could you look into my stepmother, Regina, and my stepsister, Eunice? I want to know what they’ve been up to lately,” she said, her voice filled with unease. “These two are tricky, and I’m sure they won’t give up easily. I can’t shake the feeling their recent disappearance indicates they’re secretly plotting something major. Josiah, Tristan, could you please investigate them for me?” Madelyn pleaded.

Josiah burst into laughter. “Hey, given our relationship, do you really need to beg me like this?” After speaking, he nodded. “Don’t worry. Leave it to me. I will investigate thoroughly.”

At ease, Madelyn smiled.

Hayden had been recuperating in the hospital since his injury, constantly in low spirits because half his left hand had lost all sensation. As the doctor said, it would never recover. Janessa was by his side, caring for him. Although she knew deep down that Hayden’s future might be over, she felt he was still useful to her, so she had no plans to cut ties with him.

Just then, the ward door was abruptly pushed open.

“How are you doing?” Kieran asked, placing the fruits and supplements he’d brought on the table.

Hayden sighed in desolation. “My life’s probably ruined. You tell me.”

Kieran responded with a nonchalant smile. “Well, you can’t really say that. You’ve got a ton of things to deal with. How could you just give up?” He paused. “By the way, there’s something I need to tell you. Eunice has completely put her trust in me. She even told me she’s been constantly thinking about reclaiming her assets, and she hopes I can help. What do you think?”

In reality, after just a few days, Eunice had fallen hopelessly in love with Kieran. She became utterly dependent on him, both physically and emotionally, and naturally, told him everything.

Kieran had little experience in business and hadn't been entirely involved in these matters. A nervous smile finally betrayed his desire.

“Are you thinking of using her for something? What benefit would I gain from assisting her?” Kieran was puzzled.

Hayden scoffed. “Who said I never engage in money-making business? Tell Eunice you’re willing to help her reclaim the company on one condition: once it’s done, you want half the company shares.”

Kieran hesitated. “Most people won’t agree to such a request.” Handing over half the company was essentially giving away half. No matter her name, Eunice would be the foolish one.