Chapter 216
Felix glanced at the door as Thomas walked in with some cops.
Smirking, Thomas said, "Felix, you've been embezzling funds, leaking secrets, and dodging taxes. You're under arrest."
James, nearby, was fuming. He yelled, "Thomas, stop lying!"
Thomas sneered, "You don't get to talk here."
James had always kept an eye on Thomas, making it hard for him to pull any stunts. Thomas had hated him for ages. Once Felix was out, James would be the first to go after him.
Felix glared at Thomas. He said icily, "Shut up, Thomas."
Thomas, still smug, replied, "Felix, just cooperate with the cops. I'll take care of the Clinton Group."
A cop stepped forward, flashed his badge, and said, "Felix, a former employee turned themselves in today. The Clinton Group is under investigation for tax evasion. Please come with us."
Felix turned to James and said calmly, "Find Mr. Cox. He'll act as interim CEO."
Thomas laughed, "No need. I own 20% of the Clinton Group now. With you under investigation, I'm in charge."
Felix shot him a cold look and left with the police.
As Felix left, Thomas took his place behind the desk and smirked at James, and ordered, "Make me a coffee."
James glared, and demanded, "This is Felix's office. Leave now!"
Thomas mocked, "You think Felix is coming back? I'm the president now. If you don't like it, leave."
The 'evidence' Thomas had prepared would keep Felix locked up for life.
James stated, "I was hired by Felix. Only he can fire me."
Thomas laughed and called security to remove James.
Security arrived, and James, gritting his teeth, said, "You don't need to kick me out. I'll leave, but I'll be back."
Thomas shrugged as he mocked, "Dream on, James."
He then ordered the security guards, "Throw him out, or do I need to ask again?"
The guards looked at James apologetically, saying, "James."
James didn't make it hard for them and left the Clinton Group.
News of Felix's arrest spread quickly, tanking the Clinton Group's shares. Thomas became the new president and held a press conference.
Thomas stated, "As Felix's cousin, I'm ashamed of his actions. I'll take over and ensure this never happens again. I welcome your oversight!"
Watching Thomas on TV, Bella turned it off, her expression cold.
He talked a big game, but could he do that? She didn't believe Felix was guilty. Thomas must have plotted against him!
Lauren, peeling an apple nearby, sighed, and remarked, "Didn't expect the Clinton Group to change so fast. Guess we need to cozy up to Thomas now."
Her eyes drifted to Bella's flat stomach. The baby was just over a month old, so no obvious signs of the pregnancy yet.
Bella caught the hint and frowned as she retorted, "Lauren, stop dreaming. Thomas doesn't care about this baby. He hasn't visited me once in the hospital."
Lauren was quiet for a moment, then suddenly said, "I have an idea."
That afternoon, photos of Bella at the obstetrics and gynecology department hit the internet, causing a stir.
Soon, a nurse from the hospital confirmed Bella was there for a prenatal checkup, and Dawnridge was buzzing.
Someone snooped: [Bella's pregnant before marriage? Whose baby is it?]
Another assumed: [She's Thomas's fiancée. Must be his!]
One concluded: [No wonder they got engaged recently. Makes sense if it's because of the baby.]
Thomas saw the online chatter and rushed to the hospital.
He stormed into the ward where Bella was napping.
Lauren stood up quickly, and said, "Thomas, Bella's resting..."
Thomas ignored her and went to Bella's bedside, his face cold, and accused angrily, "Bella, did you do this on purpose?"
Bella woke up when Lauren started talking. She opened her eyes and met Thomas's angry gaze, then chuckled.
Bella remarked snidely, "I am pregnant with your child. People would find out sooner or later."
Thomas sneered, "Don't you like Felix?"
Bella sat up slowly, then replied, "I like whoever's in the president's chair at the Clinton Group."
Thomas looked surprised, then raised his eyebrows, saying, "I looked down upon you."
Bella explained, "I'm just protecting myself. You don't like this baby. If I didn't make it public, you might force me to get rid of it."
Thomas mocked, "You do have some self-awareness."
Bella declared shamelessly, "Of course. But I will have this baby, and I will marry you."
Thomas stated, "If you want to be with me so badly, move into the villa and live with me."
Bella smiled and agreed, "Alright."
After Thomas left, Lauren finally relaxed, still a bit shaken.
Lauren said, "Thomas is nothing like his TV persona. Facing him just now was terrifying. Bella, thank you for doing this for the Redstone family and me!"
Bella lowered her eyes, a hint of ruthlessness in them. She wasn't doing it for the Redstone family or Lauren. She was doing it for herself.
At the police station.
When Mitchell and Raymond heard Felix was taken in for investigation, they rushed over.
Mitchell asked worriedly, "Felix, what's going on? Did Thomas frame you?"
Felix, looking indifferent, said coldly, "Don't worry about me. Gianna's in Willow Creek. I can't go, so send someone to find her and protect her. Thomas might have people around me."
Mitchell frowned, and replied, "Got it. Need our help here?"
Felix answered calmly, "No, I'll be fine."
Mitchell reminded him, "Okay, if you need help, have the lawyer contact us anytime."
As they left the police station, both looked serious.
Mitchell turned to Raymond, and suggested, "Raymond, one of us should find Gianna, and the other should stay in Dawnridge to gather evidence for Felix. What do you think?"
