Chapter 384: The Real Victim
“Dad, I was blinded by foolishness. I only wanted more influence in the company, to help you. Please forgive me!” Eunice pleaded, sobbing. She clutched Derek’s pant leg, tears streaming down her face.
Madelyn laughed coldly, her tone laced with contempt. “Eunice, you’re foolish. Father agreed to your internship; you'll have a place here. Why resort to such tactics? You nearly destroyed Father’s years of hard work! Your vanity nearly buried the company. What do you say for yourself?”
“Shut up!” Eunice shouted. “If not for you, I wouldn’t be like this! If not for you, the Thornton family would be mine! You evil woman! You’ve stolen everything!”
Eunice’s anguished screams echoed. Slap! A loud slap echoed through the air.
Derek, livid, ordered, “Eunice, get out! Madelyn works for our family's good, but you're a curse! I treated you well, and this is how you repay me? You’re no longer welcome in the Thornton family. Leave this house and never return!” He continued, “I, Derek Thornton, declare you are no longer my daughter!” He leaned back, collapsing onto the sofa, eyes shut, and passed out.
“Dad!” Madelyn cried, darting forward. “Cyrus, call an ambulance, quickly!” Cyrus immediately contacted the ambulance and helped Madelyn sit Derek up.
Eunice’s gaze overflowed with hatred. “Damn old man, why don’t you just drop dead? When you’re gone, this will be over!” Rage tinged her eyes. Then, unnoticed, she lunged forward like a wild beast, clutching Derek’s throat.
She shrieked, “Go and die! You’re annoying! You always favored Madelyn. Where do I fall short? You never acknowledged my mother and me! Just die! You’re a disgusting sight!” She seemed intent on choking him to death.
“Eunice, have you gone mad? Let go!” Madelyn and Cyrus desperately tried to pull her away, but their efforts were futile. If this continued, Derek would be choked. Madelyn kicked Eunice, sending her flying.
Eunice felt a sharp pain in her chest as medical staff rushed in. They lifted Derek onto a stretcher, followed by Madelyn and others. Eunice was alone in the vast office. She lost her senses, yelling wildly, then swept documents from Derek’s desk onto the floor. Finally, she stormed out, eyes full of resentment.
Soon, the ambulance arrived at the hospital. Madelyn remembered her father’s previous fainting spell from anger. The doctor advised against further emotional distress. Unexpectedly, he fainted from anger again. Madelyn was filled with self-reproach, almost in tears.
Just then, Sebastian approached, his tone calm yet worried, “How is he?” Madelyn threw herself into his arms. “Sebastian, it’s my fault! I shouldn’t have upset my father.”
Sebastian couldn’t bear to see her cry. He patted her back, soothing her, “It’s all right. This isn’t your fault. Don’t worry; Dad will be fine.”
“I’m so scared,” Madelyn said forlornly, burying herself in his embrace.
“Don’t be scared. I’m here.” Sebastian comforted her.
Cyrus, observing, found the scene intriguing. The decisive Madelyn was gentle as a lamb in front of a man. Everyone has their match, he thought.
The emergency room door swung open. A doctor emerged. Madelyn rushed over, “Doctor, how’s my father? Is he okay? Is his life in danger?”
The doctor smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry,” he said, “though…”
Madelyn patted her chest, soothing her anxiety. “Okay, that’s great.”
Derek was moved to a single ward to rest. Madelyn spent hours by his bedside until Cyrus relieved her. She returned home with Sebastian.
On their way home, Sebastian held her hand, comforting her, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” Madelyn nodded, but emotions warred in her heart. It was chilling that Eunice harbored such deep resentment.
But this time, who manipulated Eunice? Who plotted against her, using Eunice as a pawn? Could it be her stepmother, Regina? No, Regina wouldn't be that careless; her involvement would be easily exposed. She would have been more meticulous.
The matter required a thorough investigation. The next day, Madelyn returned to school after a leave of absence for company matters.