Chapter 385: The Mastermind Behind

Tristan teased Madelyn, "Hey, Madelyn, haven't seen you around! You've lost weight. So, how does it feel to be a CEO? Pretty awesome, huh?"

Madelyn retorted irritably, "Cut the crap."

"I'm being serious," Tristan laughed. "The press conference was amazing! Josiah and I were watching you—you really had the air of a CEO, right, Josiah?"

Josiah gave a prideful huff, secretly agreeing.

Jillian stepped forward, smiling brightly. "Madelyn, we were worried about you! It's great to see you're okay."

Madelyn pinched Jillian's cheek. "Aw, my Jilly is just too adorable."

Jillian grinned. The group broke into laughter.

Josiah suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right, Madelyn. About Eunice, I've made progress in my investigation."

"How's it going?" Madelyn asked, looking at him.

Josiah explained, "Your step-sister has been closely associated with a man named Kieran. Their relationship seems romantic."

A romantic relationship? With Kieran?

Madelyn furrowed her brows. "Is Kieran the playboy sole heir of Jiminez Corporation?"

"Exactly," Josiah nodded.

"So it was him," Madelyn murmured, falling into deep thought. She knew Kieran; a notorious playboy infamous for his lackadaisical lifestyle and skill at picking up women. Rumors painted him as a casanova who effortlessly charmed women. More importantly, he was handsome and from a prominent family. Jiminez Corporation was a household name in department stores. Countless women fell for his charms. However, Thornton and Jiminez Corporations barely interacted. Logically, there was no blood feud, no clear motive.

As Madelyn processed this, Josiah added, "Actually, Kieran and my cousin Hayden are good friends."

"Really?"

Madelyn nodded skeptically. "If it's Hayden, it's plausible. But isn't he too busy with his own problems to target me? Furthermore, his standing in the Blume family fell significantly after breaking his hand; his military demotion even made the papers. Hayden is my enemy, but his retaliation shouldn't have been this swift."

Josiah continued seriously, "There's one more crucial thing. Recently, Hayden has been spending a lot of time with Janessa. You weren't aware of this, right?"

"What? They're hanging out together now?" Madelyn's eyes widened in disbelief.

Josiah nodded. "So, I suspect the mastermind is—"

"Janessa!" Madelyn gasped, gritting her teeth. "That woman is detestable! I thought she'd calmed down. I can't believe she's still lurking in the shadows, colluding with Hayden!"

Tristan shrugged helplessly. "I never saw it coming. Didn't expect those two to team up."

They finally had a reasonable hypothesis. Eunice had undoubtedly been manipulated by Janessa, Kieran, and others into making foolish decisions.

"Damn it! Janessa is revolting!" Madelyn exclaimed. While Madelyn was preoccupied, Janessa exploited Eunice and meddled, emerging unscathed. Madelyn had underestimated Janessa. Even though Janessa transferred schools, her schemes never ceased. This time, she used Eunice to attack the company—who knew what she'd attempt next? Madelyn wouldn't let this slide.

Madelyn narrowed her eyes in determination. She needed to retaliate.

Meanwhile, Eunice wandered the brightly lit streets, replaying her unceremonious return home. Last night, she sought solace in her mother, Regina. But upon entering, Regina harshly berated her.

"Eunice, you've let me down! I worked so hard to raise you, and you can't even handle this small task. How are you supposed to avenge me?"

Eunice sobbed, "Mom, Dad kicked me out. He'll never forgive me."

Regina sighed, feeling helpless. "Don't you have a boyfriend? Didn't he promise to help you regain control of the company? You should find him tomorrow. He might help."

Eunice nodded; she had no other options. She went to the hotel where she stayed with Kieran. Upon reaching her room, she saw discarded items outside—her belongings.

What's going on?

Her heart jolted. She unlocked the door and found a naked couple on the bed—Kieran and another woman. The revelation hit her like a bolt from the blue. Stunned for a few seconds, she burst into tears and began hitting the couple with her slippers.