Chapter 94: The Inheritance

Madeline’s gaze remained fixed on Room 316. Something felt undeniably wrong. Blanc immediately informed Chase of their discovery.

The accident that landed the patient in Room 316 seemed innocuous—a six-car pileup. Upon arrival at the hospital, she was covered in blood, her heart having stopped. Resuscitation was successful, but she remained unconscious for over a month.

“She’s been here for over half a year,” Bernard said. “It’s time for discharge. I’ve checked on her; her major bones are healing. I recommend she leave next month, even make it home for New Year’s.”

Chase studied the hospital’s surveillance feed. One screen displayed the live camera; another showed the patient's profile: Aimee Duncan, a 24-year-old former top student in foreign languages. She had finished an interview and was returning to organize her notes when the accident occurred. She appeared unconnected to the Harrison family.

“Aimee… why does her face seem familiar?” Chase murmured, tapping the desk. It wasn't that he recognized her; her facial features merely held a familiar outline.

“She’s lived in Gennemont her whole life, even attended college here,” Bernard said. “Her parents are professionals—a professor and a PhD in medicine working for a pharmaceutical company.”

Chase looked up. “You looked into all this?”

Bernard rotated his tablet, revealing a chat log with Sammy. Chase fell silent. Sammy’s efficiency was remarkable. At the time of the accident, the Quinn Group was likely in a meeting regarding their partnership with Typhoon Corp. Sammy, as chief secretary, should have been with Wendy, yet she still managed to research Aimee’s background.

“Everything indicates no connection to Madeline,” Bernard said, frowning. They weren't from the same world, yet Madeline’s fixation on Room 316 remained puzzling. Perhaps she’d noticed Blanc and was subtly guiding them toward Room 816, but that seemed unlikely. Blanc’s methods were always meticulous, and Madeline didn't appear capable of such manipulation. She was probably following orders.

“We’ll keep watching,” Chase said.

Typhoon Corp was an international company; their entertainment division couldn’t afford to appear weak. They were also collaborating with Fenon International, dealing exclusively with top-tier celebrities.

Upon arriving at Quinn Group, Chase went straight to the conference room. The meeting had concluded an hour earlier, but several key staff remained.

“Henry came in to sign today,” Maggie said as Chase entered. “He heard about the new entertainment division and looked like he’d sucked a lemon. He waited outside forever—said he had to speak with you.”

Maggie fell silent upon seeing Chase, but he and Wendy ignored it. Wendy’s eyes lit up, and she gestured him over. Sammy moved to make room.

“Still not done?” Chase asked.

“Just ironing out a few details,” Wendy replied. “We need to include Lemon. I’m meeting her and Caesar for dinner tonight. Familiarity is important if we’re to work together.”

Chase had no objections. Maggie, seeing their unconcern, continued. “I don’t think Henry expected to catch you, but he waited. Then he got a call and left.”

Sammy chuckled. “Care to guess who called?”

“His daughter?”

“Nope. Joy’s been well-behaved since the car accident; she’s back in school. The call was from the Harrison family’s butler. Apparently, Larry got swindled in a recent deal—lost seven million dollars. His parents were furious and wanted Henry to return and ‘watch the show.’”

Zynn, who had been drowsy, sat up straighter. “Wait, seriously?”

“It’s not exactly a secret,” Sammy said. “Larry thought he’d found a great opportunity, but it was a trap Henry had set. The company was registered under Henry’s name. Henry’s broke, and the million ended up in his account. The Harrison parents still don’t know.”

The Harrison family conflict clearly ran deep. Blood ties meant little; Henry distrusted his parents, let alone his cousin Larry.

“Henry’s not exactly smart,” Zynn said, “but Larry’s just plain dumb. No one in the Harrison family seems competent. How are they still standing?”

“Because of what Henry’s grandfather left behind,” Sammy replied. “And… well, Henry might be an idiot, but the family does have one clever person.”

Henry had a younger uncle—his grandfather's youngest son, born when the old man was in his seventies. He was raised as a prized possession, kept hidden. He was also the son of Bruno Harrison’s favorite mistress. Originally, the Harrison inheritance was intended for Henry’s parents, but the will was rewritten after the boy’s birth.

“You’re saying someone else is contesting Henry’s inheritance?”