Chapter 456 Isn’t She Already Dead?

“Of course,” Cheryl said with smug satisfaction. “I guess this trip wasn’t in vain after all. After what I said earlier, I doubt anyone would dare to criticize me again.”

Since news of Janessa’s death spread, netizens stopped criticizing her. However, the blame unexpectedly shifted onto Cheryl, with everyone labeling her the indirect murderer. The situation upset Cheryl considerably. Fortunately, the funeral held that day provided her with an opportunity to prove her innocence.

Sure enough, two hours later, the heart-wrenching speech Cheryl gave at the funeral was made into a video and uploaded online. Seeing her self-reproach, netizens lacked the heart to blame her further. The spiteful comments unanimously transformed into wishes for the deceased's peace and strength for the living.

Meanwhile, Rachel scoffed at these reports. Cheryl, she thought, was impressive in her own way. To think she'd hijacked Rachel's plan, making everyone believe Janessa was dead and using it to her advantage. She’s quite the schemer, but with Janessa "dead," there’s no point dwelling on it.

At that moment, Madelyn, in Thornton Corporation’s office, saw the news about the funeral. An indescribable feeling welled up within her. She couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong, but a persistent unease settled in her heart. In her previous life, Janessa had harmed her, leading to Madelyn's demise in prison. However, in her current life, everything had changed drastically. Almost everything that had happened differed entirely from her previous life. Her deep grudge had been inexplicably avenged, meaning she was embarking on a brand-new life, completely disconnected from her past.

It should have been a cause for joy, but instead, Madelyn felt uneasy. Something felt off, though she didn’t know why. It was as if she’d buttoned her shirt incorrectly, causing an uncomfortable feeling she couldn't shake. Overwhelmed with anxiety, she decided to call Septimus.

“Mr. Septimus, could you assist me once more?” Madelyn asked politely.

Septimus chuckled. “Ms. Thornton, you’ve had me assist you countless times already.” She had no other option but to seek his help.

Septimus’s gentle smile morphed into a hearty laugh. “Ms. Thornton, you really do know how to push your luck, don’t you?” Switching his phone to his other ear, he continued, “All right, if there’s anything I can assist you with, feel free to tell me. However, you’ll owe me a meal for this later on.”

“Of course,” Madelyn chuckled. “Could you do me a favor and keep an eye on Janessa for me during this period?”

“Janessa? Isn’t she already dead?” Septimus had seen the news about Janessa’s funeral that morning and was amused by her request.

“I know she’s already dead, but I still worry. So, please do it for me, all right?” Madelyn pleaded.

“I understand,” Septimus seemed to grasp her intentions. “You want me to keep an eye on Janessa, just in case something goes wrong, for peace of mind, right?”

“Indeed,” Madelyn nodded.

“Very well!” Septimus agreed, adding with a hint of jest, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to keep a close eye on Janessa’s ashes so she doesn’t come back to life, all right?”

Madelyn burst into laughter before abruptly ending the call. However, Septimus’s assistance put her considerably more at ease. Finally, she felt a sense of relief.

Madelyn glanced at the time, realizing it was late. She tidied up and left work. Ten minutes later, she arrived at Lockhart Group. After finishing her work, she went to find Sebastian, who usually finished later. He habitually worked overtime for half an hour, so she almost always found him there.

Sure enough, she saw Sebastian, but he had already shut down his computer, and his desk was neatly organized. He seemed ready to leave.

“Sebastian, are you leaving work now?” Madelyn asked, a puzzled look in her eyes. She thought to herself that he wouldn't usually leave so early.

Sebastian raised his eyebrows with a faint smile. “Grandma just called. She wants us to come home for dinner now.”

“No need,” Sebastian replied casually. “You’re always the most beautiful. We can just head over directly. She’s already urging us to come.”

He immediately stepped forward, taking her hand and leading her away. Madelyn followed, taking a moment to examine herself. She was thankfully decently dressed. They headed toward Lockhart Manor. On the way, Sebastian casually took her to a supermarket and bought premium health supplements to gift to his grandparents.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the manor. After stepping out of the car, Madelyn stared at the towering structure and felt anxious. Luckily, Sebastian was firmly holding her hand. “Let’s go.” Only then did Madelyn muster the courage to enter.

Dinner was already served, and a delightful aroma filled the air. Agnes, Steven, Sebastian’s parents, Nigel and Marsha, were seated on the couch, eagerly awaiting their return.

“Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, we’re back,” Sebastian greeted his family.

“Oh, my darlings, you’ve finally come to visit this old soul. If you two hadn’t shown up, I was about to miss you both to death.”