Chapter 872

Arianna was amazed as she pieced together the truth. She wasn't Derrick's initial target, yet she found herself ensnared in her uncle's vast web. He'd been plotting this from the outset. "He's a sly and vicious man!" she thought.

Outraged, Arianna said, "Mom, if Uncle Derrick isn't genuinely ill, it's all over for me."

Eloise saw the despair in Arianna's eyes. Taking her daughter's hands, she said lovingly, "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you while I'm alive. Don't forget, the presidency of Tanner Corporation awaits you; you will inherit the family business!"

"Yes, you're right! I'll be the sole successor!" Arianna declared with newfound determination. However, she knew that even with her mother's support, she couldn't inherit anything while Derrick lived.

"Mom, even if Uncle Derrick isn't sick, we can still take other measures."

"What?"

Arianna hesitated, then said, "Never mind, it's nothing. Let's wait and see what the true situation is." If Derrick was healthy, she could always remedy that. Since he enjoyed feigning illness, Arianna would ensure he played the part forever.

Their unsettled feelings deepened upon returning home to an empty house. Joseph hadn't been home for days, likely at Elizabeth's.

Eloise honestly didn't care about his whereabouts; they'd already confronted each other. She'd given up on him, but things were different now. Her daughter's safety, and the family's future, were at stake. She needed to speak with Joseph.

The phone rang three times before a woman answered. "Hello?"

Eloise's blood ran cold. "Get Joseph on the phone!"

"Why should I?" Elizabeth mocked. "I won't!"

Eloise gritted her teeth. "Elizabeth, stop playing games. I don't want to fight. Just get Joseph on the phone. It's urgent."

"Pathetic," Elizabeth snapped. "Your daughter made sure my son took the fall, and you call me? I've put up with you for a long time, Joseph's sake. Now I'm getting even!"

Eloise fumed. "Don't worry, I'll be waiting. But this isn't the time for this. Where is Joseph? Is he dead?"

Elizabeth's sickeningly sweet voice echoed. "Joseph, she's asking if you're dead."

Joseph's voice followed. "Tell her not to worry. I'll be sure to die after she does."

"Did you hear him?" Elizabeth said, before attempting to hang up. "Spend time with your daughter instead of bothering us!"

Eloise quickly interjected. "What I have to say concerns your son. I'll say it once; if you hang up, that's it."

Elizabeth remained on the line.