They realized that if the current problem was successfully resolved and the company regained stability, it could lead to York’s reinstatement and Estelle losing her sole leverage. This would make it significantly more challenging for her to regain control of the company in the future.
Before Estelle could respond, Melody anxiously interjected into their conversation, “Cristofer, don’t forget that the company is a result of merging the Hudson Group and the Hans Group. By assisting us, you would be preserving your parents’ legacy. Moreover, you and Gretchen are soon to be married. You will become family…”
Cutting her off, Cristofer coldly interrupted, “I will not be family to Gretchen or you.” His tone turned resolute. “It seems we need to settle this once and for all. Unless Gretchen agrees to donate her lung to Estelle, I will not lift a finger to help the company. Frankly, I don’t care whether the company goes bankrupt or not.”
“But Cristofer, don’t you have any concern for the Hans Group? Your parents would be deeply disappointed if they knew…”
Cristofer sneered and responded, “If it weren’t for the sake of my parents if the company didn’t exist as a result of their tireless efforts, do you believe it would have survived until now?”
Melody’s face turned ghastly pale when she heard that.
“What’s more,” Cristofer added. “Karma is real. Just wait and see. It won’t be far before the evildoers are punished. ”
“What do you mean?” Melody asked, staring at him.
“I mean it quite literally,” Cristofer stated. “Those responsible for the car accident that took my parents’ lives, the death of Mrs. Moorsum, Yvonne’s alcoholism, and Yohan’s septicemia will face the consequences they deserve.”
“You don’t have the audacity…”
“Well, by the way, I have gathered sufficient evidence,” Cristofer interjected. “It is time to hold you and Gretchen accountable for your actions.”
With those words, he stood up and swiftly left the office.
“Cristofer!” Gretchen attempted to chase after him but was halted by Melody’s intervention.
“Stay here!” Melody roared in anger.
“But Mom…”
“Can’t you see his true nature?” Melody exclaimed, a mixture of worry and frustration in her voice. “You’ve been with him for six years, yet he has no intention of marrying you. He doesn’t trust you and has been secretly spying on you!”
Melody’s words left Gretchen more panicked than angry. She turned to her mother anxiously and asked, “What should we do now, Mom?”
With a darkened expression, Melody remained silent, not offering a response.
Melody’s eyes filled with a vindictive gleam only after Estelle left the room. She spoke with a venomous tone, “Gretchen, it seems we must resort to our final option.”
****
After exiting the office, Cristofer addressed Vincent, who was waiting outside. “Let’s go.”
Vincent glanced back at Estelle and suggested, “Mr. Hans, Miss Hudson is also coming out. Shouldn’t you wait for her?”
Cristofer regarded him wearily, his eyes reflecting fatigue. “Why should I wait for her?” he replied. “To endure her scolding and indifference?”
“Mr. Hans…”
“Forget it. Let’s go. Are there any updates from Frank?” Cristofer urged him as he started to walk.
Vincent nodded in agreement. “Yes. Despite the severe damage to both cars, the technical team, headed by Frank, conducted a thorough inspection and discovered traces of talcum powder in Mr. Hans’ car.”
“Talcum powder?”
“Yes,” Vincent confirmed. “As per Frank’s findings, both cars’ brake systems were intact during the inspection. However, talcum powder was discovered on the clutch and brake pad of Mr. Hans’ car. Talcum powder can potentially lead to brake failure. Nevertheless, it might be challenging to establish concrete evidence that implicates Gretchen in tampering with the brakes using talcum powder.”
Despite mentally preparing himself, Cristofer still felt a pang of heartache.
He felt it both pathetic and ridiculous that a small amount of talcum powder could kill three people’s lives.
“Ask Frank to give me a detailed investigation report.”
“Okay.”
While they were talking, Estelle caught up with them.
Seeing this, Vincent tactfully left first.
“Cristofer, have you located the two Land Rover cars?” Estelle halted Cristofer and inquired.
“Yes,” Cristofer nodded in confirmation.
As Cristofer’s gaze fell upon Estelle, he couldn’t help but feel a deep affection and admiration for her beauty and grace. A sense of warmth enveloped him, causing his serious expression to transform into a gentle smile.
In his thoughts, he contemplated their journey together, whispering to himself, ‘Estelle, please wait for me. I have nearly fulfilled all your desires. Soon, we will be able to escape from this place.’
“How did you find them?”
“Someone powerful found them and told me about it.”
Upon hearing this, Estelle mistakenly assumed that Mr. Mysterious had located the cars, and her anxiety surfaced as she asked nervously, “Did he personally inform you? Have you actually met him?”
“No, it was his assistant who relayed the message to Vincent after he discovered the cars,” Cristofer clarified.
Estelle nodded in relief, grateful for the information.
“And regarding the evidence of Gretchen and Melody’s crimes, did this man also uncover them?” Estelle inquired.
Cristofer took a deep breath and responded, “Estelle, I have come to understand the true nature of Gretchen. I will not marry her.”
“This is your private affair. We have nothing to do with each other now. You don’t need to tell me your decision.”
“We are indeed divorced. But we have known each other for so many years, after all. Can’t we be friends in the future?” Cristofer asked.
Estelle smiled bitterly and said, “There’s no need for us to be friends. Cristofer, I don’t hate you anymore, but it doesn’t mean that I’ve forgiven you. I won’t forget the harm you have caused to me, even if you repent. Let’s just be strangers.”
Her attitude toward Cristofer today was better than before.
On the one hand, Cristofer had found the cars in the car accident and could help prove her father’s innocence. On the other hand, looking at his face, she would think of Mr. Mysterious and subconsciously turn gently to him.
“Regardless, please inform me if you require any assistance. I want to seek justice for the suffering endured by Yohan and Yvonne and the tragic loss of Mrs. Moorsum and my father. They were the most significant individuals in my life, and I genuinely wish to contribute somehow,” Estelle expressed earnestly.
The hopefulness in Cristofer’s eyes gradually diminished, giving way to disappointment. He mustered a smile, though it seemed forced, and replied, “I can manage everything on my own. Please don’t worry.”
“Then… What are you going to do next?”
“I am now in a new relationship,” Cristofer said, smiling genuinely. “I won’t bother you anymore.”
Upon hearing his words, Estelle felt a great sense of relief and responded in a relaxed tone, “That’s good to hear. Treat that girl well, and above all, trust her.”