Chapter 594 Patricia Killed Martin
All eyes in the room swiveled towards the entrance. The conference room door swung open from the outside, revealing Martha and Ian, who were assisting Mr. and Mrs. Langley in their slow entrance. Samuel trailed behind them, his presence an ominous shadow.Patricia's heart plummeted at the sight of the elderly couple. A flicker of deep displeasure danced in her eyes. She found Martha's insistence on involving Shane's grandparents in every matter distasteful. They were in their twilight years, deserving of peace and tranquility, not burdened with the worries of the younger generation.Rising to her feet, Patricia greeted them with a strained smile. "Why have you come?" she asked, her voice echoing in the tense silence.Martha, misinterpreting Patricia's expression as guilt and fear, felt a surge of satisfaction. "Of course, you wouldn't want them here!" she retorted. "Your actions have brought disgrace upon the Langley family! Today, Mr. and Mrs. Langley will see your true colors."Ignoring Martha's taunts, Patricia extended her hand to assist Mr. Langley, only to have him evade her touch. A pang of hurt twisted in her heart as she withdrew her hand, her gaze falling to the floor in disappointment. Shane's grandmother had fallen prey to the online rumors and had begun to harbor a dislike for her. Patricia felt a sting of betrayal. Had they too, stopped believing in her?Martha, basking in her perceived victory, helped Mr. and Mrs. Langley to their seats, along with Ian. They settled down next to the elderly couple, a united front against Patricia.With everyone seated, Dorian Sterling pocketed his phone. "Everyone is here. We can begin," he announced, his voice ringing with authority. Patricia, after a reluctant glance at Mr. and Mrs. Langley, took her seat at the head of the table.Alan, noticing Patricia's subdued mood, clenched his right hand into a half-fist and coughed lightly, a subtle reminder for her to regain her composure. Patricia flashed him a reassuring look, adjusted her mindset, and forced a smile. "I wonder what important matter Dorian has to discuss that requires the presence of all senior executives and shareholders."Dorian raised an eyebrow in response. "Sullivan should be well aware of the purpose of this meeting! I'm sure everyone has already seen the news online!" His words hung heavy in the air, plunging the room into silence. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, none daring to break the silence.The room's reaction was expected. Patricia had not only stabilized the Langley Group's stock prices since joining the company but had also secured several major deals, significantly contributing to the company's success. Her capabilities were well-known, and her audacity in firing Evander and Leander was still fresh in everyone's memories. Despite the news about Patricia, no one dared to offend her, fearful of meeting the same fate as Evander and Leander. With the situation still uncertain, the smart ones refrained from taking sides prematurely.Dorian, seizing the moment, gestured towards the large screen behind Patricia. All eyes turned to the screen, which flickered to life, revealing a photograph of Patricia and James locked in an intimate embrace, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.The room fell into a deathly silence as everyone stared at the image, too shocked to utter a word.
After ensuring that everyone had seen the photo, the screen transitioned to a news interface filled with articles about Patricia's alleged affair with James.A news article was clicked open, revealing the same image followed by a series of fabricated information. It claimed that Patricia and James had been involved before Martin's death, suggesting that they had conspired to murder Martin to inherit the Langley family fortune. It even went as far as to insinuate that Maria and Declan were their children, not Martin's.
The article further alleged that James had arrived right after Martin's death and had used his cunning to stabilize the company for Patricia, even suggesting that the decision to fire Leander and Evander was James' idea.
Every move Patricia made was ostensibly under James' guidance, narrated with such precision it was as if the author had been a firsthand witness.
A fleeting spark of amusement danced across Patricia's features as she stole a surreptitious glance at Alan, her countenance expertly neutral.The information was alien to her, yet Dorian had managed to excavate it with an unsettling ease. It was evident to Patricia that the objective was to portray her in a nefarious light, to depict her as the mastermind behind her husband's downfall.And thus, the trap was set.Upon the revelation of this news, the faces of Mr. and Mrs. Langley underwent an immediate transformation and their expressions were shrouded with worry. It was apparent that Dorian's scheme had come to fruition. He had at least succeeded in stirring the pot of her relationship with Grandma Shane.The large screen was broadcasting nearly all the news, and the previously hushed conference room erupted into a hubbub. "The news alleges that Sullivan and James conspired to kill Mr. Langley. Is it the truth or a fabrication?" "Mr. Langley's death was followed closely by James' appearance. The timing does seem suspicious.""Setting aside the accusation of Sullivan killing Mr. Langley, the rest of the story holds true! Do you think it's possible that the accuser has some evidence? Otherwise, this tale is too far-fetched."
"Could it be that Sullivan really killed Mr. Langley to seize control of the Langley family fortune?"
"It's no wonder she refuses to let go of the CEO position. She's been coveting it for a long time."The conference room was abuzz with too many voices. Amidst the clamor, Patricia caught fragments of their conversations and their doubts about her. Her red lips curled into a frosty smile."Dorian, did you call us here just to show us these news articles? You have lived for decades. Aren't you aware that you need evidence? What are you trying to prove with just these? That I cheated? Or that I killed Martin? Or that my two children are not Martin's? You can't be this naive to believe what others say, can you?"Dorian replied, "Isn't this photo enough to prove everything?"Patricia retorted, "Prove what?"Dorian evaded her question and asked again, "Is that woman in the photo you?"Patricia nodded. "It's me!"Dorian asked again, "Is the man James?"Patricia nodded again. "It's him!"Dorian said, "Isn't this enough to prove it then?"
Patricia laughed. "What does that mean? A kiss? He still had his mask on! If there was really something between us, why didn't he take off his mask?"Dorian replied, "You're sharp-tongued. I won't argue with you. Whether the news is true or not, it can be confirmed with a DNA test. Mr. Langley and Madam Langley are both here today! Bring Maria and Declan, and have Mr. Langley take a DNA test! If they are indeed Mr. Langley's children, it will prove your innocence."
Patricia felt slightly surprised and glanced at Martin.
Maria and Declan were surely Martin's children. There was no doubt about it. Once the DNA test was done, all the rumors would be debunked. Dorian's plot would naturally come to an end.
If that was the case, why would he do something that would harm others and himself?Could it be?Patricia had a hunch and feigned indifference, stating, "Let's do the test. I have nothing to hide."
Dorian gestured to his assistant with a nod, and the assistant reciprocated, ushering in the DNA tester who had been waiting outside. Trailing behind the tester was her daughter, Maria.