Chapter 874

Eloise paused. "Try your best to acquire as many shares as possible, and quickly convert them to cash. Understood?"

"Mom, that's illegal," Arianna gasped, her heart pounding.

"Try to make it look legitimate," Eloise said casually. "It's been done before. But be quick. I'm worried your uncle is planning something. Have your people secure the lobby entrance."

"Okay," Arianna replied nervously, feeling as if she were preparing for war.

"Ari, we can only rely on ourselves. Wait, there's Nate. I'll ask him for help," Eloise added, a hint of resignation in her voice. Though her marriage was beyond repair, her children remained her anchors.

Meanwhile, Joseph sat in a daze after Eloise's call, jolted back to reality only by Elizabeth's sharp kick.

"Do you miss her now? Go back then! Don't give me that face!" Elizabeth snapped.

"What's your problem?" Joseph sighed. "El called. My brother's left the hospital. He and my sister-in-law have disappeared."

"Oh," Elizabeth replied, dismissively. "So what? They're not bedridden. They can leave anytime. Besides, he's old. Why worry?"

"You wouldn't understand," he retorted, his annoyance evident.

Elizabeth, a beautiful, curvaceous woman, possessed a fiery temperament that often exasperated him. Unfortunately, her intelligence was her greatest weakness. Her occasional naivete could be charming, but in serious situations, her foolishness was infuriating.

This was one such moment. After Damian's arrest, she'd only cried and lashed out. She'd pressured Joseph to rescue Damian, yet offered no practical solutions or considered their options. Her constant whining, once endearing, now grated on his nerves. He missed Eloise's sharp mind and insightful approach. She noticed details he often overlooked, offering crucial support in times of crisis.

"You're right! I don't understand! I'm not your wife, so why are you here? Your son's in custody, yet you're worrying about your sick brother? I don't understand you!" Elizabeth yelled.

"If it weren't for my brother, could I afford your lavish lifestyle—the cars, the house? Use your brain for once instead of crying and throwing tantrums! If crying freed Damian, go ahead!" he shouted, rising and walking away.

"What are you doing? Where are you going?!" Elizabeth cried out, astonished.

"Elizabeth," he said sternly, "if my brother set a trap for us, everyone—you, Damian, all of us—would be finished." Elizabeth stood frozen, shock etched on her face.