Chapter 884

"This man is her father, but I'm not—we're not siblings," Nathaniel said, pointing at himself and snorting. "Besides, a score needs settling, even with a sibling, let alone her."

"Even if the same man didn't father you both, you are both my children. Can't you work with her for my sake?" Eloise pleaded, her distress evident. "Besides, you won't gain company control by undermining Arianna. Don't forget, you're not a Tanner. It won't be easy for you."

Nathaniel chuckled, a hint of bitterness in his tone. "See? Even you treat me as an outsider. Why should I bother working with Arianna? Besides, Tanner Corporation will change its name soon."

"In your fucking dreams!" Joseph cursed, struggling to his feet.

Nathaniel shot him a frigid glance and laughed. "Say what you like. You, all of you, will witness it."

"What are you trying to do?" Eloise asked, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Perhaps you think you have everything planned, but you might not know that even if you kill all of us, you won't be able to take over Tanner Corporation. Derrick owns more than half the shares, and his family has been missing. Without his shares, you won't get the shareholders' support, and—"

"How do you know I don't own his shares?" Nathaniel interrupted, a smug grin spreading across his face.

"That's impossible!" Eloise exclaimed, incredulous. "He values his shares more than his life. You'd need his signature to transfer them. Now that his family is missing, how on earth—" She paused, frowning, suspicion dawning. "Unless you had something to do with their disappearance?"

"Didn't my brother get discharged from the hospital?" Joseph asked, confused. "He was discharged, but whether he got home safely… that's another matter. Did you not find him at home? Don't waste your time; he's not at any of his properties."

"So it was you all along," Eloise whispered, shaking her head in disbelief. "No, this is impossible! How could you?"

"Yes, you don't believe I could do it. I'm just a loser in your eyes, huh? Well, I'll prove I can do it, and that I'm the only one who can do it well. Don't worry, Mom. You'll lead a good life; I'll take care of you."

Eloise remained speechless.

Joseph, his face contorted with rage, staggered towards Nathaniel. "This wasn't what I wanted! Lying on the floor… You two have worked so wonderfully together! Eloise Neville, I never realized how ambitious you were! I always thought you were content vying for my attention while helping Derrick's family. I never expected you to want everything we own. I truly put a fox in the henhouse, haven't I?"

Eloise initially wanted to explain, but his final words elicited a bitter chuckle. Her gaze hardened. "Yes, you put a fox in the henhouse, and that fox sacrificed over twenty years slaving for the Tanner family. How ungrateful of you!"

"Enough drama! I have unfinished business. Oh, and your precious son is free and with his useless mother. I'll ensure they're safe if you cooperate, or else…"