Chapter 128 Clear Accounts Between Father and Son
In just a few hours, bad news about the Wellington Group spread like wildfire, quickly topping trending searches.
Tiffany's embarrassing arrest at the golf course went viral online.
Normally, a big conglomerate like the Wellington family could easily pressure the media to block the news.
But Evelyn acted first, leaving the Wellington family scrambling. Even if they tried to suppress it, it wouldn't work.
The major shareholder of the TV station was KnightSpear Group. If they wanted, they could broadcast Tiffany's arrest 24/7.
Talented netizens even made reaction memes from Tiffany and Debra's embarrassing moments and posted them on Twitter. One was crawling, the other leaning back—hilarious.
Patrick was busy trying to calm public opinion and get Tiffany out of the prosecutor's office, already overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, Evelyn, having won the first round, happily returned to the KS WORLD hotel.
She sat in her office, playing games while video chatting with Landon, updating him on the day's events.
"I've booked a VIP room at our hotel restaurant. The day after tomorrow, I'll meet with Mario to secure Starhaven by the end of this week!"
Evelyn was in high spirits, enjoying her game.
"Tiffany is being interrogated by Simon. Don't be fooled by his playful demeanor; he's serious at work. He won't let her off without valuable info," Landon said from his CEO office, looking sharp in a suit. His smile was gentle but authoritative.
"It doesn't matter. Tiffany will eventually be released," Evelyn said confidently.
"Do you want her to be released?" Landon's tone was intriguing.
"What can I do if I don't? We might not convict her." Evelyn narrowed her eyes, "Tiffany's gotten this far not just because of Patrick's favor, but also her cleverness. She colludes with Rodolfo, embezzling funds. Rodolfo's her accomplice, while she orchestrates from the shadows, enjoying the spoils without getting her hands dirty. She's planned everything meticulously."
Landon nodded thoughtfully, "Good point. It's just a pity."
"Not at all." Evelyn's smile was as beautiful as a poppy, "As long as we profit, it's fine. I never intended to completely destroy Tiffany. I want her to lose her position as vice-chairman and Patrick's trust. I want Patrick to feel the Wellington family lost this project because of Tiffany. This will create a rift between them. Tiffany will feel like she's in prison within the Wellington family."
"Evelyn, do you know what I want to do most right now?" Landon leaned forward with a smile.
"What is it?"
"I want to retire immediately to make room for you." Landon sighed and clapped his hands, "Really, no one is more suitable to be the CEO of KnightSpear Group than you."
At this, Evelyn's face fell with frustration.
That list of blind dates felt like a mountain pressing down on her.
Just then, Jennifer's call came in.
Evelyn picked up her phone, her face lighting up with joy, "Landon, I have to go. Jennifer is calling me."
"Alright, I heard Jennifer is back in Mugden. Spend more time with her and take good care of her," Landon gently reminded.
"I will. She's my sister. If I don't take care of her, who will?" Evelyn always felt a bit guilty towards Jennifer. As the youngest, Jennifer should have been more cared for and loved at home.
The reality was that Evelyn had always been Charlie's favorite daughter, and the family adored her.
She unintentionally took away a lot of the love that should have gone to Jennifer, and she felt guilty about it.
So, as an older sister, Evelyn always tried to give Jennifer extra care whenever she could.
But Jennifer never shared her troubles, only her joys, making it hard for Evelyn to know how to help.
"Jennifer, you're back in Mugden?" Evelyn asked with a bright smile.
"Yes, Evelyn, I'm already at school," Jennifer paused, then asked shyly, "Are you busy today? Do you have plans for tonight?"
"You want to hang out with me?" Evelyn saw right through her.
"Yes, yes!" Jennifer responded eagerly, "Since you came back, we haven't had a proper get-together. If you're free tonight, can I treat you to dinner?"
"Just dinner? Not going for a drink?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow.
"If we're drinking, then let's also sing. We haven't done karaoke in a long time. I wonder if your singing skills have declined," Jennifer teased.
"I'm a natural-born singer," Evelyn cleared her throat, "Just wait and see, I'll show you!"
Meanwhile, the Wellington Group's high-level meeting had just ended, and Patrick issued three important directives.
"First, quickly mitigate the negative impact caused by Rodolfo and Tiffany on the group, control public opinion, restore the Wellington family's image, and prevent the stock from plummeting!"
"Second, remove Rodolfo from all his positions within the group and thoroughly investigate and purge anyone associated with him!"
"Third, temporarily suspend Tiffany's appointment as vice-chairman of the board. Further arrangements will be made once the case is fully investigated."
After the meeting, the high-level members left the conference room under immense pressure, sighing heavily.
"Edward, wait a minute. I need to talk to you," Patrick called out with a stern face.
Edward, who had already reached the door, stopped, turned back expressionlessly, and sat down gracefully.
Patrick and Edward sat at opposite ends of the conference table, the atmosphere tense.
"How do you plan to handle today's situation as the CEO?" Patrick asked coldly, clearing his throat.
"By the book," Edward lowered his eyes, showing no emotion, and said coolly, "Aunt Tiffany is already in the prosecutor's interrogation room. All she can do now is confess everything she knows and cooperate with the investigation. There's no other way."
"I'll find a way to handle Tiffany's situation!" Patrick's chest tightened, his voice hoarse with anger.
"Do you think you can?"
Edward's face was calm, his dark eyes unfathomable. "I've already found out that the prosecutor handling Rodolfo's case is Simon."
"Simon?" Patrick was stunned.
"Charlie's second son, Evelyn's brother," Edward clarified.
Patrick gasped, his pupils contracting sharply.
"From the beginning, Evelyn planned every step ahead. Naturally, Rodolfo and Tiffany handed her the opportunity. At this point, as the chairman, you should think further. Consider how to respond to the stock market crash when it opens tomorrow morning," Edward said, ready to end the conversation.
"Wait!" Patrick leaned forward abruptly, his eyes sharp. "I remember you had close contact with Dr. Fred from Yatuok. If the Wellington family can hire Dr. Fred as a technical advisor for our biotechnology division and secure his patent support, it would definitely save the market! Contact Dr. Fred immediately and try to bring him here for detailed discussions within the week!"
Edward's brow furrowed slightly, responding nonchalantly, "Okay."
Patrick breathed a sigh of relief.
"But I have one condition," Edward added.
"What is it?" Patrick asked.
"I want to be the vice-chairman of the Wellington Group's board," Edward said, his eyes narrowing with a hint of a smile.
