Chapter 373

Eleanor nodded thoughtfully. “I remember you mentioned before that the shop’s initial reputation wasn’t good.”

Jessica vented her frustrations. “That’s right! Despite several years of operation, it failed to make a profit and has been running at a loss. We had to resort to discounts and promotions at the end of the year just to cover costs for rent and wages. I truly feel guilty towards Aunt Helen. She believed in me and invested in The Gilded Tower with me. Yet, instead of earning any profit, we’ve only faced losses.”

“Business is tough these days, Jessica. There’s no need to feel too guilty. I’m sure Mother understands, don’t you, Mother?” Carissa interjected, turning to look at Helen.

Helen felt a bit confused. What was with that look? Carissa had instructed her to stay silent if possible before entering, and now she was being questioned. But, catching Carissa’s subtle hint, she could only nod and respond awkwardly, “Yes.”

Carissa continued, building on Helen’s answer: “Yes, exactly. It’s not your fault, Jessica. It’s tough to run a business.”

Jessica quickly agreed, “Yes, of course! Business is quite difficult.”

Carissa took out a document. “I’ve reviewed this contract. My mother-in-law holds a 70% stake in The Gilded Tower. Apart from the initial investment, she has also contributed additional funds over the years to support the business. Every expenditure is documented. Jessica, you must have contributed the remaining 30%, correct?”

Jessica felt something was off about the question but couldn’t pinpoint the issue, so she could only nod in agreement. “Of course. Whenever there was a need for additional funds, I contributed my 30%.”

Carissa nodded approvingly. “That’s reasonable. Since my mother-in-law holds 70%, she should contribute 70% towards any additional funding, and you should contribute 30%, Jessica.”

“Of course, that’s only fair,” Jessica said, her gaze fixed on Carissa. What exactly was Carissa getting at? Had she not seen the account books, or had she already reviewed them? And what about Eric? Why did no one report back about someone from Hell Monarch Estate retrieving the account books? Such negligence in handling affairs must be addressed and corrected!

Eleanor read the room and understood that Carissa must have reviewed the account books and seen the profits. The account books were evidently retrieved from The Gilded Tower, and Eric must have been caught off guard. He likely had been brought back to Hell Monarch Estate for interrogation. With how spineless he was, he would likely confess everything under questioning.

Carissa’s voice broke the silence. “Jessica, as long as you find it reasonable, it’s settled. If the additional contribution is 70%, then naturally, the profits should be 70% as well.”

She opened one of the boxes and pulled out the top account book. “This is what our accountant has worked on for an entire day. I’m sure their minds have been overworked from sorting out the accounts for these years. Aunt Eleanor, Jessica, please have a look. Despite the poor business climate outside, The Gilded Tower has actually been doing well and has made considerable profits.”

Jessica’s expression changed abruptly. “What? Profits? How is that possible? We just injected additional funds into the shop a few months ago!”

She took the account book and looked at the final figures. Her eyes widened in shock. “This can’t be real! This can’t be the actual account book.”

Eleanor frowned. “The account book should be real.”

“Mom?” Jessica looked up, unable to understand why her mother was undermining her. At this point, she should definitely not acknowledge the account book as genuine.

Seeing the confusion in Jessica’s eyes, Eleanor sighed inwardly. How foolish. The books were taken from The Gilded Tower, and there would be witnesses. Moreover, a comparison with Eric’s handwriting would confirm their authenticity. How could they claim the books were fake?

Eleanor’s voice turned stern. “Jessica, how do you manage your staff? Didn’t you ever inspect the store? You didn’t even realize you were being deceived. How can you face Helen?”

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jessica grew furious. “Eric dared to deceive me? I’ll have him brought here immediately!” How bold of him!

She signaled to the steward nearby, who was about to leave, but Carissa’s cold voice stopped him. “There’s no need to fetch him. I’ve already detained the treacherous servant in the estate. I was only waiting to confirm with you that you were unaware and were also deceived before sending him bound to the Supreme Court, Jessica.”