Chapter 229
Allison stepped out of the villa, took a deep breath, and began working, immediately tackling the problem. She quickly dialed Gordon's number.
"Gordon, I need you to investigate someone for me. His name is Deandre Schultz. He's currently the acting president of a subsidiary under the Stevens Group. Get me everything you can—background, finances, relationships—everything."
Allison already had a general sense of the scheme Colton and Melany were concocting. They were persistent, constantly buzzing around her, trying to provoke her. Since they wouldn't back down, she decided to strike first. If it were just a trivial emotional entanglement, she would have handled it herself. But this involved a Stevens Group subsidiary—a much more serious issue. Mishandling it could create ripples that might draw Keanu's attention. He was getting older and didn't need the added stress of family drama.
The voice on the other end of the line sounded sulky. "I'm not doing it…" Gordon's initial excitement at Allison's call had quickly deflated. He had been hoping she wanted to visit Cobweb, but instead, she'd gotten straight to business. "Three times, boss! You said you'd come see us three times!" His voice brimmed with indignation. "Even someone who breaks promises wouldn't be this bad!"
Allison sighed. "I've been swamped with issues lately. I'll definitely visit Cobweb once things settle down." Since her divorce, there hadn't been a single peaceful day in Ontdale.
Despite his complaints, Gordon was already gathering the information and sending it to her in real time. "Boss, if you need it, I can deploy some people from Cobweb to protect you. Most of the trouble you're digging into seems to be tied to the Stevens and Lloyd families. Are they harassing you? I could dig up some dirt on them, leak a few commercial secrets, and bring them down—all under Cobweb's name." Though his voice remained calm, the irritation was clear. To Gordon, Ontdale was full of people who didn't know their place.
"No need," Allison replied, skimming through the documents he'd just sent. "Cobweb, as the world's largest information network, must remain discreet and impartial. We can't involve ourselves in personal vendettas or compromise our principles for the sake of trivial disputes."
"Yeah, yeah, I figured you'd say that," Gordon grumbled, sounding wounded. "You're always so strict. Fine, I'll just wait for you here until you have time to visit me."
Allison chuckled. "Gordon, you're always so dramatic." She hung up, a soft smile lingering on her lips. Her expression turned serious as she focused on the information before her.
Deandre Schultz, thirty-four years old, had no formal education or notable skills. When he assumed leadership of the subsidiary, he filled it with relatives and friends, leading to chaotic management. Productivity plummeted, and many employees were being paid for doing absolutely nothing. As for why headquarters hadn't flagged the subsidiary's poor performance, that was obvious—Deandre had protection.
Allison's gaze narrowed as she scanned the address of Deandre's residence. If she remembered correctly, Lindy Stevens, Colton's mother, visited Deandre's place at least three or four times a month. Deandre might lack business acumen, but he had a smooth tongue and a pretty face—qualities that seemed to have earned him Lindy's favor.
"It seems Lindy is involved," Allison murmured to herself. She recalled her time at the subsidiary, trying to identify the source of its financial losses. After months of diligent investigation, just as she was close to uncovering the truth, Lindy intervened and had her kicked out. She'd even warned Colton that Allison was drawing too much attention and damaging the Stevens family name. Allison had been blindsided by that betrayal, never expecting that, years later, she would be accused of causing the very downfall she had tried to prevent.
Before she could delve further into the files, her phone rang again. It was Keanu.
"Allison, tomorrow is my eightieth birthday," Keanu's voice boomed cheerfully. "I haven't seen you in ages, and I miss you dearly. You must come."
Allison forced a polite smile. "Keanu, I don't think it's appropriate. Colton and I are divorced now. There's no need for me to attend."
"Nonsense!" Keanu cut her off sharply. "I made myself very clear last time. The Stevens family only recognizes you as Colton's wife. Since you're no longer that, you're my granddaughter." His voice turned icy. "As for that so-called grandson of mine? Colton is just a useless fool."