Chapter 234
“What ridiculous accusations are you making? Do you really think Isabella could embezzle company funds so effortlessly? The staff isn’t incompetent!” Eleanor snapped at Ethan, her voice sharp as she tried to pull him away.
She had never expected that Ethan and Sophia’s so-called “revelations” would expose a glaring weakness in the subsidiary’s financial security.
“You’ve already pushed William to his limit. Why aren’t you leaving yet? Just deliver the gifts and stop causing a scene!” Eleanor demanded, only to feel Sophia’s fingers tighten around her wrist.
“Eleanor, I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” Sophia said, her tone dripping with false sincerity. “You’ve always treated Isabella like your own daughter, so of course you’d struggle to believe she’d misuse company assets.”
She paused, then added with saccharine sweetness, “I’m not jealous of her—goodness, no! I understand how important reputation is. That’s why we must clear her name, especially since the subsidiary’s losses happened under her watch. Doesn’t that warrant an investigation?” Her voice was laced with righteousness.
“Dragging Ethan away now will only make things worse. Can’t you all see that?” The murmurs of the onlookers grew louder, agreeing with her.
“Ten million is no small sum.”
“Embezzlement? That’s serious! If we don’t get answers, the entire company could collapse.”
“People could lose their jobs.”
The secretary beside Jonathan, ever quick-witted, noticed Eleanor’s rising panic and smoothly interjected, “Exactly. Ms. Sinclair is part of the Blackwood family. Shouldn’t this be addressed openly?”
Furious, Eleanor jabbed a finger at the secretary. “Whose side are you on? Have some decency!”
Her outburst only made Jonathan step forward, shielding the secretary with a sneer. “You’re acting like a common shrew!”
“A shrew?” Eleanor repeated, her composure cracking as tears welled in her eyes.
“Mom, calm down. This is about the company, not you and Dad,” Ethan cut in, trying to mediate.
But Jonathan wasn’t finished. “What man doesn’t have a mistress? You’re just old and bitter now!”
“Bitter?” Eleanor’s voice trembled with disbelief. “Are you blind?”
Meanwhile, the secretary and Sophia exchanged knowing glances, their eyes gleaming as they subtly stoked the flames.
“Mrs. Blackwood, there’s no need for this. We’re all adults here,” the secretary said smoothly.
“Eleanor, please! You and Jonathan need to stop this—everyone’s watching!” Sophia chimed in, pretending to be the voice of reason.
What was meant to be a dignified birthday banquet had devolved into utter chaos.
“Enough!”
The tension shattered as William slammed his cane down with such force that the table flipped, sending dishes crashing to the floor. The room fell into stunned silence.
Isabella, her brow furrowed in concern, quickly stepped forward and pressed a pill into William’s hand. She feared the stress might trigger a heart attack.
“William, please go upstairs and rest. I’ll handle everything here,” she urged softly, trying to guide him away from the disaster unfolding around them.
She had never imagined the Blackwood family would air their grievances so shamelessly in public, especially on a day meant to celebrate William. Each of them seemed consumed by their own schemes, and the spectacle was nothing short of disgraceful.
But after swallowing the pill, William remained seated, his expression softening. He met Isabella’s gaze with unwavering resolve, his voice steady.
“Don’t worry, Isabella. I’m here for you. No one will push you around as long as I’m still breathing.”
