Chapter 895

"He's..." Eloise paused, letting out a heavy sigh. "With everything that's happened, I suppose he's been generous, not leaving me for the sake of our marriage."

Derrick chuckled. "With him keeping that woman for so many years, could he still hold it against you? You two are quite alike in that respect."

Eloise flushed, speechless. She'd expected hostility, despite her own reluctance to be there.

"Enough stories," Derrick said impatiently, glancing at her. Knowing Nathaniel held them hostage, he understood Eloise hadn't come for a social call. "What are you really here for?"

She hesitated, glancing toward the door, then whispered, "You haven't transferred your shares to Nate, have you?"

The couple exchanged a scornful look.

"So that's why you're here!" Derrick snorted. "Eloise, you've been married into the Tanner family for years. Have Stephanie and I ever mistreated you? How could you help your son seize our property?!"

"No, that's not it!" Eloise shook her head, quickly producing the document Nathaniel had given her. "Nate asked me to bring this for you to sign. I know you won't, but I don't know what he'll do if you don't. He won't listen to me anymore."

"Do you think I'm afraid of him? I've handled worse. A child wouldn't worry me," Derrick scoffed, ignoring the agreement. "It's not fear, it's the worry that he... he cares about no one. He even got Ari in jail. As you said, you've always treated me like family. I don't want to see you suffer. I..."

"Then take that and get out of our sight, along with your son! If you're sincere about helping, get him to release us."

"I told you he won't listen. But Derrick, are you truly trapped? Is there no other way out?" Eloise's tone grew pointed, her eyes flitting toward the door, anticipating an interruption.

Derrick frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing bad. I'm just saying that Benedict—"

"Don't you dare mention him again!" Stephanie interrupted, furious. "Derrick almost died last time Ari brought him up at the hospital. Are you trying to kill us? If so, hurry up. Let's see if you get the shares!"

"Steph, I don't want to upset you. Since we're here, let's be honest. I know Derrick's hospitalization was part of his plan, and the truth is, while we were scheming, my son gained the upper hand. Since Derrick faked his illness, he wouldn't have been agitated until he needed emergency procedures, and Benedict's death may not be real. If he's not dead, is he hiding somewhere? Is he part of your plan, Derrick?"

Arianna's words had planted that seed in Eloise's mind. The couple remained largely unresponsive. Stephanie only stared at her husband, worried he might collapse. Grimacing and clutching his chest, Derrick felt nothing but annoyance.