Chapter 360: A Difficult Move
Kieran watched coldly from the sidelines, finding her foolishness amusing rather than concerning. Given the circumstances, he decided to simply observe and benefit from the situation.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Hayden was nearing discharge after a few days' rest. His family completed the discharge procedures and began making arrangements for his return home. Janessa remained, discussing matters with him.
“Now, I’ve been stripped of my military rank and my hand is crippled. I’m just an ordinary soldier, Janessa. Do you still find me attractive?” Hayden asked, pale-faced on the hospital bed.
Madelyn's abduction had cost him dearly: his military standing, his family's affection, and his left arm. He remembered Janessa's initial approach, attributing it to his charisma. But now, he doubted himself.
Janessa cursed inwardly upon hearing his question. "Hayden, you’ve got some nerve," she thought. "From the start, you lacked charm; I used you. Did you think I liked you? Ha, you’re unworthy!" Of course, she maintained a façade of admiration.
“Hayden, there’s no need to worry. I’ve always been attracted to you, not your rank. No matter how you change, I’ll always admire you,” she said.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Hayden sighed in relief.
Janessa continued, charmingly, “But Hayden, don’t you want revenge? Even I’m indignant on your behalf. Without Madelyn, you’d still be an admired commander. But now…” She bit her lip, avoiding his gaze.
Hayden lashed out, “I hate her! That despicable woman! Since encountering her, misfortune has plagued me. She destroyed everything I valued, reducing me to worthlessness. How could I not hate her?”
Janessa, displaying considerable indignation, empathized, “Indeed, Hayden, I understand. If it were me, I would…” She added, “So, Hayden, don’t you want to get back at that bitch?”
Janessa observed Hayden's furious expression. “Of course I want to! I want that woman dead! I can’t stand the thought of her existence!” he grimaced, imagining strangling Madelyn. Even that wasn't enough; he'd devise a hundred ways to torment and humiliate her before her death. Only then could he soothe his frustration.
However, reality differed. Hayden realized that confronting Madelyn wasn't as easy as he thought. The extent of her support was unknown; further action could lead to a worse situation—even death.
Thinking this, Hayden hung his head, expressing his powerlessness. “But what good is hating her? Madelyn’s patron is extraordinarily powerful. I despise her, but I can’t retaliate. Can you understand how painful this is?”
Janessa furrowed her brows. She'd noticed this before: every scheme against Madelyn was thwarted, leaving her to face the consequences. Yet, she knew Madelyn had no influential patron. Who was helping her?
Squinting, Janessa implored, “Hayden, let’s not rush. We need a careful plan. There will be a chance for vengeance. For now, focus on recovering, okay?”
Hayden nodded; there was no other choice. He left the hospital with his family. Janessa took a taxi to her aunt Rachel's upscale mansion. Rachel was reading a newspaper, her expression somber.
“Aunt Rachel, I’m back,” Janessa greeted.
Rachel nodded silently.
Janessa asked, “Aunt Rachel, I need your help. Could you look into something for me?”
“What’s the matter?” Rachel lowered her newspaper.
Janessa detailed Madelyn’s background, asking, “Aunt Rachel, please help me investigate who’s backing Madelyn. Why is she so powerful? Otherwise, we can’t act against her.”
Rachel fell into deep thought, summoning the butler, Ernest. “Ernest, contact Javier; tell him to investigate this.”
Ernest, Rachel’s confidant, nodded, “Understood.” He carried out the instructions.
“Thank you, Aunt Rachel,” Janessa smiled.
Rachel coldly huffed, “Don’t thank me yet; there’s something unsettled.”
Janessa’s face stiffened. “What is it, Aunt Rachel?”
Rachel reprimanded, “Did you not take my request to reclaim Sherritt Group seriously?”
Janessa, flustered, explained, “Aunt Rachel, I want to reclaim the company even more than you do! How could I not take it seriously?”
Rachel’s anger barely contained itself. “Why haven’t you made any progress? Sherritt Group is thriving, collaborating with Lockhart Group, clearly wary of you. Why are you unconcerned? Or are you no longer interested?”
“That’s not true!” Janessa protested.