Chapter 359: I Knew You Loved Me The Most
In the blink of an eye, another day passed, and Madelyn attended school as usual. As the term's end neared, she significantly intensified her revision efforts. She spent entire days in the library with Jillian or joined friends for coffee near the school gate, studying together.
As a result, Josiah and Tristan's academic performance improved significantly. From initially being at the bottom, they gradually ranked among their faculty's top fifty. Besides this, Madelyn also managed company affairs, usually going to the office after school to help.
That day was no exception; Madelyn took a taxi to the company. Upon arrival, she organized her desk files before heading to her father's office. Just as she reached the door, she heard a playful voice from within.
“Dad, please, just go with what I’m saying. I’m only trying to ease your burdens,” Eunice pleaded, tugging playfully at her father's sleeve.
Peering through the crack, Madelyn witnessed the scene, a cold smirk playing on her lips. As expected, unsolicited help usually meant trouble. She had always suspected Eunice's innocent act was a scheme, but hadn't anticipated her true colors revealing so soon. Madelyn continued to listen, her ear to the door.
“Eunice, aren’t you in your sophomore year? You haven’t finished your studies, and now you’re taking over company affairs. Isn’t that a bit early?” Derek politely objected.
He felt Eunice was still childish, despite rare displays of sensibility. In managing the company, she seemed to possess more enthusiasm than capability.
Faced with her father's refusal, Eunice feigned disappointment. “Dad, these are all excuses! Isn’t Madelyn just four years older? We both study finance, so why can’t I do what she’s doing?”
This left Derek speechless. After a moment, he managed, “Well, your sister is different from you.”
Eunice retorted indignantly, “What’s the difference? Is it because she grew up without a mother that you favor her? Dad, I understand you feel indebted to her, but now, my mother isn’t here either. Why are you still playing favorites? You’ve already let Madelyn down, and now, you’re going to do the same to me?”
As Eunice spoke, her tone became more demanding, her demeanor distinctly hostile.
He couldn’t help but think back. Indeed, he had let down Madelyn. Now, was he about to fail his youngest daughter as well? In the end, he sighed. “Eunice, let me think this through.”
“Dad, I just don’t get it. What exactly do you want from me? I admit I’m inexperienced, and Madelyn knows more. But anything she can learn, I can learn too.”
Once she finished, Eunice calmed down. Then, sincerely, she urged, “Dad, honestly, I’m just worried about how overworked you are. I merely want to help alleviate your burden.”
“I understand running a company is tiring, and you don’t want me involved prematurely. But Dad, are you planning to let Madelyn take over alone in the future? Can you imagine how exhausting that would be for her? Besides, she’s married. Apart from company affairs, she also has to deal with her husband. So, inevitably, she might be stretched too thin. Why do you refuse to let me assist you?”
After speaking, Eunice looked earnestly at her father. “Dad, please let me do this. I’ve made so many mistakes in the past. Now, all I want is to make it up to you.”
Hmph!
At that moment, Madelyn, standing by the door, let out a snigger. Eunice sure had a way with words; she was good at gaslighting their father. She kept insisting she wanted to help the company and Madelyn, but who knew what ulterior motives she hid? Madelyn had long been familiar with Eunice’s true character. However, judging from the situation, Eunice seemed firmly decided to interfere in company affairs. Based on her previous life's analysis, Madelyn knew Eunice would likely team up with her scheming mother to seize control of the company.
Madelyn couldn't help but remind herself to be more cautious around Eunice. At that moment, Derek sighed, a sign he was convinced.
“Since you’re so determined, you should learn at the company, just like your sister. Madelyn has a natural talent for managing it. Anyway, I hope you won’t disappoint me.”
After he spoke, Eunice’s eyes lit up with excitement. Immediately, she embraced her father, kissing him. “Dad, I always knew you loved me the most!”
Derek chuckled, now that everything was settled. At that moment, Madelyn opened the door. Seeing the extremely excited Eunice, a smirk crept onto her lips. “Congratulations.”
Eunice glanced at her. Despite her ingratiating tone, her gaze held a hint of defiance. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Madelyn.”
Madelyn chuckled. “I’m looking forward to seeing your performance.”
Then, Eunice left with a smug look.
“Dad, are you really set on letting her run the company?” Madelyn asked.
Derek sighed helplessly. “I just think I can’t shortchange her. If she really wants to learn how to manage the company, then let her do it. The sooner she learns, the better it will be for you when you manage the company in the future. She can help share the burden.”
“Alright then.” Madelyn smiled, choosing not to say anything more.
That night, in a private room at a renowned five-star hotel, Eunice, Kieran, and their close friends celebrated. Upon hearing of Eunice's successful entry into the company, Kieran felt a surge of joy. He kissed her face, his smile somewhat insincere. “Honey, you’re truly amazing. I’m so proud of you.”
He raised his wine glass, toasting Eunice. Eunice, brimming with joy, promptly downed a glass of wine. Subsequently, the other guests toasted her: “Come, let’s all raise a glass to the future CEO of Thornton Corporation.” Eunice’s ego swelled, and she readily joined the drinking.