Chapter 421: You Are The Outsider

“The doctor said Father’s illness came on suddenly and is quite severe,” Cheryl said. “They suspect a peculiar strain of flu.”

Madelyn scoffed. “Do you really think that’s possible?”

“That’s impossible!” Cheryl exclaimed urgently. “Father has always been strong and healthy, extremely disciplined with his diet. How could he fall ill with such a strange disease?”

Scarlet, distressed, her nose running and tears streaming, added, “Isn’t that so? For years, Rupert believed ‘health is the foundation of everything,’ strictly managing our family’s health, even taking us for annual check-ups. How could someone who cherishes his health so much suddenly fall ill?”

Madelyn fell into deep thought. “Then there might be something odd. If it wasn’t a health issue, it must be unexpected circumstances. Otherwise, how could a perfectly healthy person suddenly collapse?”

As she spoke, Madelyn began to draw connections. Where exactly did things go wrong? Her thoughts drifted back to her previous life. Back then, her father’s annual check-ups rarely revealed any issues. However, one day, he suddenly collapsed. His robust health had, overnight, become fragile, making him vulnerable. The circumstances were strikingly similar to Cheryl’s father’s situation.

In Madelyn’s previous life, Regina and her daughter, Eunice, plotted against her father. Could the person plotting against Rupert also be someone close to him?

Madelyn’s eyes lit up. “Madelyn, has your father been closely associating with anyone recently?”

Cheryl was confused. “What do you mean?”

Madelyn explained, “Since your father’s situation wasn’t an accident, someone might have deliberately harmed him. Recall carefully who your father contacted recently.”

“Um…” Cheryl hesitated, deep in thought. Then, “I’ve got it, it’s Janessa!”

Madelyn feigned a cough. “Cheryl, I know you despise Janessa, and I do too. But I heard your father kicked her out of the house, hasn’t he? Try to be a bit more rational.”

“Don’t let your dislike for Janessa cloud your judgment. Blaming her too quickly might make you overlook the real culprit.”

But Cheryl remained adamant. “No, Ms. Thornton, trust me, my judgment is infallible.”

“Do you have any proof?” Madelyn retorted.

Cheryl shook her head. “Evidence? No. But something’s fishy. I remember that day. I was in the study with Father, discussing business, when Janessa suddenly returned home…”

Cheryl recalled that day. She and her father were engrossed in a discussion when Janessa unexpectedly burst through the door. “Dad, Cheryl.”

“Why are you here?”

As soon as Janessa entered, she greeted them. Unwelcoming glances made it clear her presence wasn't appreciated. Cheryl immediately called for the housekeeper. “Didn’t I make it clear Janessa isn’t welcome? Why are you still standing there? Escort her out!”

Rupert coldly scoffed. “You’re no longer part of the Sherritt family. Don’t bother coming back.”

To their surprise, Janessa laughed. “Dad, Madelyn, I’ve barely been here three minutes and you’re already eager to send me away. That’s not how our family treats guests, is it?”

Cheryl scoffed. “You said it yourself. Our hospitality is reserved for guests, and you’re not one.”

“It’s been a few days, Cheryl. You’ve certainly become more articulate,” Janessa said with a detached smile. She wasn't angry; she’d expected an unwelcome reception. She spoke directly. “I won’t linger. I wanted to check on Dad, and there’s something I need to discuss with him.”

Cheryl retorted, “Give it a rest! I can see right through you. You’re definitely up to no good!”

Rupert, indifferent, said, “There’s nothing more to discuss. Show her out.”

“Sure, Dad.”

Janessa let out a cold laugh, ignoring Cheryl, focusing on Rupert. “Dad, what I need to discuss is of utmost importance. It concerns our company. Are you sure you won’t listen? I can leave, but if the company ends up in ruins, don’t blame me.”

Cheryl defiantly walked away. Immediately, Rupert furrowed his brows. “Wait!”

“Since we’re already here, let’s clear things up before we leave.”

A smug smile appeared on Janessa’s lips. She knew his primary concern was always the company. He would keep her around. This scenario perfectly exemplified her surmise.

Janessa turned, offering a composed smile. “Dad, this involves confidential company information. I can share it, but I suggest we not discuss it in the presence of outsiders.”

“What?”

Cheryl, listening, realized the “outsider” was herself. She instantly lost her temper. “Let’s get one thing straight, Janessa. This is my house. Dad and I manage the company, not you. You’re the outsider here!”

This despicable woman can’t distinguish between guest and host properly?

Janessa remained casual. “Sure, whatever you say. But let me be clear, you can’t listen to this.”

Cheryl was livid, wishing she could strangle Janessa.

Rupert, exasperated, blurted, “Enough already! Will this ever end?”