Chapter 415: Deliberately Targeted

“Madelyn, are you all right?” Jillian circled, casting a worried glance at Madelyn. She feared Madelyn might have hurt herself.

Madelyn nodded. “I’m fine.” She looked at her father with deep concern. “Dad, are you okay?”

Derek had regained his composure. He nodded. “I’m fine. But we should really get home as soon as possible.”

Madelyn nodded, fully aware she had stirred up trouble. She knew staying longer would only invite unpleasantness. She helped Derek up, with Jillian’s assistance, and they returned home together.

Half an hour later, at the Thornton residence, Jillian and Madelyn arrived. Sebastian soon joined them.

“Dad, please don’t believe a word that man said today,” Madelyn soothed. “He was obviously making things up. Just pretend nothing happened.”

Derek weakly shook his head. “Maddie, you don’t need to comfort me. Despite my age, I’m not senile. I can discern truth from lies. There’s no smoke without fire. Regardless of whether Eunice was manipulated, she harbored ill intentions. This time, she was wrong. At my age, my wishes are few. I hope you take over the company soon. I also hope Eunice, while abroad, can improve herself, so she can assist you when she returns. I desire little more—only that you two sisters are safe, secure, happy, and fulfilled.”

Madelyn felt moved. “Dad, rest assured. I will take over the company so you can retire peacefully.”

Feeling comforted, Derek nodded. “I’m happy you think that.”

Jillian watched, feeling a pang of sorrow. Though Madelyn seemed to lead a glamorous life, wasn’t she, in reality, a pitiful soul? Wasn’t everyone struggling, giving their all?

Madelyn coaxed her father upstairs, then took Jillian to the dressing room to change. Afterward, they left together in Sebastian’s car.

Chapter 415: Deliberately Targeted

“Hmph, of course I won’t just let it go!” Madelyn huffed, her conviction unwavering. “It was supposed to be a pleasant gathering. I was minding my own business, but they stirred up trouble, even upsetting my father. How could I tolerate that? If I don’t teach them a lesson, they’ll think the Thornton family is a pushover. They might bully us in the future. It’s one thing to bully me, but how dare they target my father? He’s not young, yet they deliberately targeted him! They’re gravely mistaken if they think they can push me around. Just you wait; I’ll make them pay!”

Madelyn spoke with unwavering conviction. Jillian nodded, deciding silence was best. Sebastian, glancing at Madelyn through the rearview mirror, saw her indignation and anger. She was determined to retaliate. He decided to help.

The following day, Madelyn summoned Cyrus. “Cyrus, keep a close eye on Jiminez Corporation. If they land big deals, snatch them.”

“This…” Cyrus said, perplexed.

“What, do you disagree?” Madelyn’s voice rose.

Cyrus lowered his head. “Ms. Thornton, you’re overthinking it. I’m just an assistant. I was wondering why, as we’ve always minded our own business, you suddenly want to compete with Jiminez Corporation.”

Madelyn scoffed. “They brought it upon themselves!” She added, “Carry out my instructions.”

“Understood.” Cyrus nodded.

“Oh, right…” Madelyn stopped him. “Try not to let my father know. I’m worried he’ll accuse me of acting impulsively.”

Cyrus nodded. “Got it.” He set out to handle the matter.

Madelyn sat, squinting. She mumbled, “Janessa, you surely don’t think I’m the same old Madelyn, do you? Hmph… I’ll show you where you’ve gone wrong.”

Chapter 415: Deliberately Targeted

The CEO of Jiminez Corporation, William, was busy in his office. Suddenly, there was a brisk knock. “Mr. Jiminez, there’s trouble!”

“Come in.” William raised an eyebrow. “What’s the trouble?”

“Our projects are having issues!” A woman in professional attire rushed in, presenting a contract. “Mr. Jiminez, our projects were going smoothly, but clients backed out. Several projects inexplicably ran into funding issues. Our properties are vacant, and we can’t continue construction!”

“What?” William shuddered, glancing at the contract. “What exactly is going on? Have you looked into this?”

“We did check, but we couldn’t find anything—”

“Useless!” William slammed his hand on the table, cutting her off. He began a logical analysis. “Since the company’s inception, we’ve never encountered such issues. Someone has targeted us maliciously.” He raised a finger. “Investigate thoroughly. If you don’t solve this before nightfall, everyone’s salary will be cut in half!”

“What?” The woman’s expression fell.