In the previous investigation involving Kaitlyn, it was discovered that she had covert connections with a group of
individuals. These individuals were part of a small gang hailing from Centrolis, consisting of low-level thugs.
Subsequently, when Kaitlyn leaped off the cliff, these individuals dispersed and vanished without a trace.
Given Nicholas' influence, he could have easily captured them all, but he deemed it unnecessary. They were merely
insignificant figures unlikely to cause any major trouble.
It came as a surprise they had now resurfaced in the black market.
"Ian has already interrogated these individuals," Nicholas mentioned, sipping his tea. "They lack connections and
were simply making a living by engaging in minor disruptions and extorting protection fees. Eventually, they
entered the illegal drug trade, enticed by its profits, which led them to band together.
"Renee previously contacted them."
Zuko's expression darkened as he listened in silence.
"She asked them to purchase Safe Bet, a type of sleeping pill. This medication had been banned by authorities
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtyears ago but still circulate in the black market. According to their confessions, Renee paid them handsomely.
"After obtaining the drug, she ingested it in the recommended dosage, thereby not endangering her life.
Astonishingly, she even called them after taking the drug to ask about its precautions."
Nicholas then displayed the phone records of their conversations to Zuko, who squinted. Renee had contacted
these individuals before her suicide attempt.
"All of this was a meticulously calculated scheme on her part!" Zuko exclaimed bitterly. "She did it to manipulate
Toph into feeling guilty and trap him, all to achieve her goals!"
Nicholas' expression changed, and he released a long sigh.
"Zuko, I'm truly sorry... I never anticipated that Renee would take such a path."
"Dad, this isn't your fault," Zuko reassured him.
"After discovering all of this, I've pondered a lot." Nicholas looked at Zuko, his eyes betraying his conflicting feelings.
"Renee grew up in an abnormal environment from a young age, making it difficult for her to develop a sound mind.
Even though she used to be kind and weak and intended to bring Pammy back wholeheartedly... a personality like
hers will shift to the extreme when slightly provoked."
"What do you plan to do?"
"Melvin kept me separated from my child for over 20 years. I won't allow his daughter to harm my family any
longer," Nicholas stated.
Zuko nodded.
To some people, they might appear ungrateful. After all, Renee had not stooped to the level of seizing the
Thompsons' assets when she posed as Pamela.
The circumstances had changed, though. One could not deny her malevolence now just because she had once
been kind.
People changed—some for the better, while others became worse.
"Zuko, I'm not worried with you at the company's helm. But there's one more thing I need you to do."
"Go on, Dad."
Nicholas emphasized each word. "Strip Renee of her shares."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmZuko's eyes shone. He did not expect his father-in-law to share the same idea. He had been contemplating how to
regain Renee's shares. Unfortunately, he had not come up with a feasible solution after researching extensively.
If Nicholas supported the idea, however, then this issue would become much simpler!
Zuko smiled with confidence. "She got those shares and assets from you as gifts. The Thompson Group's bylaws
stipulate you can reclaim gifted shares, but there's a condition. You can only do it if the recipient's action is deemed
as a threat to the company or someone's safety."
"Given Renee's current state, she's bound to engage in something harmful to the company's interests." Nicholas
said, "So, you need to keep an eye on her. Once you catch her red-handed, you'll act on my behalf!"
He handed a document to Zuko, entrusting him with the authority to retrieve the shares. His signature was already
there.
"If it's not necessary, I won't attend the board meeting." Nicholas sounded conflicted. "I don't want to face her...
After all, Linda and I had always considered her as a daughter. We thought she would turn out like Pammy."
The reality was that blood ties were the most mystical. Some things were etched into one's genes and could not be
easily changed.