Chapter 420: Life in Peril
Afterward, Madelyn decisively pulled back. The Jiminez family was overjoyed, hastily tidying up the mess, with no time for anything else. However, the uproar this incident caused throughout the city served as a wake-up call for many businesses. It seemed that in the future, it would be best to avoid provoking Madelyn as much as possible. Otherwise, they might become the next Jiminez family—a real disaster.
As for Janessa, she had naturally heard the news and, for a moment, found it hard to process. She hadn't expected Madelyn to make such a grand move against the Jiminez family! Just when everyone thought the Jiminez family was on the brink of ruin, she unexpectedly pulled back. From this action, it was clear Madelyn's original intention wasn't to ruin them. What on earth did she really want then? Janessa was unaware.
The reasons might have been unknown to others, but it was clear Madelyn was targeting Janessa indirectly. At this thought, Janessa was incredibly infuriated, her face nearly turning purple with anger. It seemed Madelyn had indeed changed! Janessa vividly recalled those early days when Madelyn was utterly clueless, a naive fool Janessa constantly manipulated. But now, it was clear Madelyn had learned to use cunning strategies against her, striking with more ruthlessness than ever before!
Not only that, but Janessa speculated that the two clubs Rachel had entrusted to her had gone bankrupt because of Madelyn! After all, considering Cheryl's less-than-bright nature, she didn't possess such capabilities. Only with Madelyn strategizing behind the scenes could it have happened.
“Hmph, you wretch!” Janessa cursed under her breath, her eyes narrowing. “Madelyn, don’t think I don’t know these actions are veiled warnings! You think I’ll be scared? No way! As long as I’m having a hard time, don’t even dream of living comfortably yourself! Even if I have to exhaust all my strategies, I will strip away everything you possess! Your family, your love, your friends—I will destroy them all! From this day forward, we are sworn enemies!”
At night, after a tiring day, Madelyn dragged herself home, only to be greeted by Sebastian, who promptly invited her to dinner.
“How’s the Jiminez family doing now?” he asked, simultaneously serving her food.
Madelyn chuckled. “They’re out of hot water now.” After saying that, she glanced at Sebastian shyly. “But I must admit, I owe this success to you. Without your help, I wouldn’t have been able to take down the Jiminez family.” Madelyn knew without Sebastian’s substantial assistance, it would have been impossible to handle the Jiminez family.
Sebastian smiled gently. “Isn’t it only right for me to help my wife?”
Madelyn burst into laughter.
“What are you laughing at?” Sebastian asked, puzzled.
Madelyn waved him off with a beaming smile, a blush tinting her cheeks. “It’s nothing. I just feel that… you seem to be growing better at talking sweetly.”
“Is that so?” Sebastian smiled again.
Just as she was about to speak, her phone rang. Madelyn pulled out her phone. Seeing it was Cheryl, she answered, somewhat puzzled. Unexpectedly, she heard Cheryl’s frantic sobs. “Ms. Thornton, something terrible has happened to my family!”
“What?”
Madelyn immediately put down her cutlery, her tone anxious. “What happened? Don’t panic, take it one sentence at a time, and explain it slowly!”
Cheryl nodded, calming herself. “Ms. Thornton, this morning, my father was fine. But in the afternoon, he suddenly collapsed and fell into a coma. We rushed him to the hospital, and the doctors said he has a severe illness. They warned us his life could be in danger.” As she spoke, Cheryl sobbed. “But how could this be possible? My father has always been in excellent health, with a full body check-up every year. He never had any health problems, so how could he suddenly fall seriously ill? Everyone at the company is on edge…”
At that moment, Cheryl was like a drowning person, desperately clinging to Madelyn as a lifeline, yearning for salvation.
“Cheryl, just calm down!” Madelyn said, feeling compelled to soothe her. “First, head to the hospital. It’s too early to say anything for certain. Perhaps your father just experienced a brief shock! As for your company, I’ll help you analyze it once we’ve established your father’s condition.”
Upon hearing this, Cheryl felt as if she had been given a guiding light. “All right, thank you, Ms. Thornton! I’ll do as you suggested. Then, I’m off to see my father.”
“Go on, quickly,” Madelyn said, ending the call.
“What’s wrong?” Sebastian asked, puzzled.
“It’s nothing,” Madelyn shook her head. Nonetheless, she furrowed her brows, sensing something was amiss. Going by what Cheryl had said, how could her father suddenly fall seriously ill even though he was usually in good health? It seemed necessary to go and see for herself.
With these thoughts, Madelyn lost her appetite. She stood up, slipped on her coat, and left without finishing her meal. “Sebastian, I have to step out for a bit. I’ll be back later,” she said.
Sebastian watched her thoughtfully, shaking his head helplessly, but he didn’t say a word. He knew Madelyn too well; there was no stopping her. Hence, he simply let her be.
Before long, Madelyn arrived at the hospital. Rupert was already lying in the ward. Scarlet and Cheryl were seated beside the sickbed, both with red and swollen eyes. It was clear they had been crying.
“Mrs. Sherritt, Cheryl…” Madelyn nodded calmly, then asked, “How is your father’s condition?”