Chapter 260 The Mastermind Behind the Scenes is Her
Thinking back to my lawyer days, I remember folks coming at me like I was their worst enemy, no reason needed. Now, as the manager of the Cooper Group, I still can't shake off the haters. This time, though, I'm determined to find out who's behind these attacks and put a stop to it.
Just around noon, right when I was about to grab lunch, the receptionist walked into my office with a takeout bag. "Ms. Cooper, your takeout's here."
I eyed the bag she was holding, feeling a bit suspicious. The food was in the restaurant's packaging, but something felt off—there was no receipt attached.
"I didn't order takeout. Are you sure this is for me?" I asked, my face showing doubt.
The receptionist frowned slightly, nodding with a hint of confusion. "The delivery woman specifically said it was for you," she replied.
A wave of unease washed over me when I heard her say "woman."
I stood up and asked, "Did you get a good look at her?"
The receptionist shook her head, puzzled. "She was in a delivery uniform, with a helmet, hat, and mask covering her face. I couldn't see her features. But her uniform looked brand new, so she might be new. She was very particular about making sure I handed the food to you personally."
The receptionist didn't know about the recent targeting I had been experiencing and was just trying to be thorough.
I took the takeout, trying to keep my expression neutral. "Alright, I understand. You can go back to your post. I'll eat in my office today instead of going to the restaurant." She didn't think much of it and left the takeout on my desk before heading out.
As soon as she was gone, I called Theo to my office.
I handed the takeout to Theo and explained everything that had happened.
Theo's expression grew serious. "Looks like this person is getting bolder and more frequent with their actions."
I asked Theo, "Any progress on the investigation I asked you to start this morning?"
Theo sighed and shook his head. "A lot of people have been paying attention to our company lately. We're a rising star in Wind City's business scene. But we haven't found any company with a clear motive against us. Could it be a personal grudge from your time as a lawyer?"
His words made me focus on the phrase "personal grudge."
"I've been out of law for a while. Even if there were personal grudges, it wouldn't make sense for them to surface now..." I trailed off, deep in thought.
I continued, "Unless the person couldn't act before, like those who were imprisoned because of my cases and have now been released."
Hearing this, Theo caught on quickly. "Should I look into it?" he asked.
I shook my head and said, "My old case files are at Stellar Legal Advisors. Lila can access them more easily."
I added, "The delivery person might still be watching from the company entrance. Can you order another meal under your name? Just make sure no one sees it."While waiting for the takeout, I called Lila and filled her in on everything.
Lila was momentarily stunned before she started analyzing. "Recently released? Clara got out a few days ago due to lack of evidence. She holds a major grudge against you, especially since you inherited most of Hayden's estate, which was a huge financial hit for her."
Hearing this, it felt like a light bulb went off in my head, and all the puzzle pieces finally clicked into place.
As I was deep in thought, the office door suddenly burst open. Clara stood there, glaring at me with a fruit knife in her hand.
"Why didn't you eat the takeout I sent?" Her voice was sharp. "I put a lot of effort into that gift, and you didn't accept it!"
I had anticipated her coming, but not this quickly. I stood up slowly, meeting her gaze.
"Clara, what you're doing is illegal. Do you really think you can escape the consequences of the law?" I said.
Clara let out a piercing laugh, stepping closer. "Illegal? You have no proof."
"Breaking into my office is proof enough," I said coldly.
"When you took everything from me back then, why didn't you mention the law? You inherited Hayden's fortune, which should have been mine!" Clara's voice wavered as she tried to justify herself.
"That was Hayden's legal will. I only received what was rightfully mine," I replied calmly, pressing the emergency alarm button under my desk.
"Your actions now will only land you back in prison," I added.
"I don't care!" Clara shouted, waving the knife. "Today, you'll pay!"
At that moment, a group of security guards, led by Theo, rushed in. Clara's face showed a flicker of panic as she collapsed to the floor.
Seeing this, I quickly dialed Edward's number, keeping the call connected.
Theo and the guards surrounded Clara, who stopped resisting and began to mutter. "Do you know what I've been through all these years? When I was young, I took care of Edward, who had emotional issues, living in constant fear of his mood swings. For him, I even neglected Anne's feelings."
Her eyes were hollow, as if she were revisiting the past.
Clara's voice choked with emotion. "When Edward finally grew up, Hayden fell ill, and I had to take care of him. He was dirty and smelly, but I tended to him diligently, hoping he would live a few more days. I gave everything to the Howard family, but in the end, I got nothing."
Hearing this, I felt a pang of sympathy and said, "If you hadn't tried to take the Howard family's assets for yourself, Hayden wouldn't have left you with nothing."
"I'm just an outsider in this house." At that, she suddenly looked up at me with resentment. "And you, you effortlessly inherited Hayden's fortune. What makes you so special? I can't accept it!"
I listened quietly, my emotions churning inside me. Despite her unforgivable actions, I could sense the deep pain she carried.
"Diana, where are you? I'll handle this," Edward's emotionless voice came through the phone.
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