Chapter 432: I’ll Wait For You To Come Back

The next day, at the break of dawn, Madelyn awoke and showered. Descending the stairs, she found Sebastian already enjoying breakfast. She joined him, and they shared the meal in quiet harmony. Sebastian didn't inquire about Madelyn's recent activities, and she didn't offer any information. She quietly peeled an egg and placed it in his bowl. Their meal was largely silent, yet the atmosphere was pleasant. Lydia, who initially intended to speak, hesitated, unable to interrupt the subtle peace between them.

At last, they finished breakfast. Before leaving, Sebastian announced, “This afternoon, I have a business trip to a nearby city. Remember to take good care of yourself. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Huh?” Madelyn responded, clearly reluctant to let him go. She immediately embraced him. “You must be careful. I’ll be waiting for your return.”

Sebastian chuckled, kissed her forehead, and then they departed for work. Madelyn greeted Derek before going to her office. There, she brewed coffee, powered up her computer, and settled into her workday routine—a habit she’d established over the past few days.

Jillian arrived, greeting Madelyn with a smile. The sunlight streaming through the window filled the office with a warm, tranquil glow. Madelyn felt content. A knock interrupted. “Ms. Thornton.”

“Good morning, Ms. Thornton,” Cyrus said, launching directly into his report. “Ms. Thornton, there were changes in Sherritt Group’s stock market last night.”

Madelyn raised an eyebrow. “What changes?”

“The stock market surged by a full percentage point…” Cyrus reported.

“What? How could this be possible!” Madelyn was shocked. Given the company’s recent struggles, a rise seemed impossible. There had been no positive developments, and the fact that their stocks hadn't plummeted was already unexpected. How could they have risen?

“What on earth is going on?” Madelyn asked Cyrus, bewildered.

He was equally confused. “I’m not sure. I saw the news upon arriving and immediately came to report it.” Madelyn nodded.

Jillian, also puzzled, said, “Madelyn, according to financial principles, Sherritt Group is at a critical point. Unless something exceptionally positive boosts the market, a rebound is impossible. A whole percentage point increase is inconceivable.”

“That’s why something feels off,” Madelyn mused. “Could it be that…” Suddenly realizing something, she gasped. “Could it be Janessa secretly holding shares?”

Jillian exclaimed, “Oh my God! That’s illegal.” However, they couldn’t find another explanation. Jillian suggested, “Madelyn, let’s not jump to conclusions. Let’s observe the situation further.”

Operating the stock market privately skirted legality. Undetected, significant profit could be made; detection, however, brought legal repercussions.

Meanwhile, at Sherritt Group, Janessa arrived to find the company’s stocks had rebounded. She was overjoyed. After careful consideration the previous day, she’d devised a strategy of repurchasing stocks and subtly driving up the market. She couldn’t afford to watch the stock prices continue to fall; further losses risked shareholder revolt. She’d only slightly increased stability, a mere one percent, but this wasn’t enough to satisfy the shareholders.

During the meeting, complaints poured forth. “Ms. Sherritt, didn’t you promise an explanation? The stocks are about to hit rock bottom. Can you handle this or not?” “Exactly. Ms. Sherritt! What do you really plan on doing?” The shareholders continued their complaints.

The project manager added his concerns about project delays due to the stock market situation, warning of client doubt and further complications. Almost everyone at the meeting expressed urgency. Janessa had expected pleased shareholders, instead receiving even more reproach. Her spirits plummeted.

Alone in the conference room, she vented her frustration, angrily kicking the table and knocking over chairs. Only then did her anger subside.

Later that afternoon, after lunch, Madelyn and Jillian returned to the office. Checking the market, Madelyn found Sherritt Group’s stocks had bounced back by three points!

“How could this be possible?” she exclaimed. A small rise could be explained by market fluctuations, but this surge was inexplicable.

Jillian softly asked, “Madelyn, could it be Janessa, as you suggested, is really pulling the strings?”