The chauffeur promptly exited the vehicle, retreating to a spot some twenty yards away for privacy.
Nestled in a secluded area surrounded by verdant hills and lush trees, where no car dared to traverse its private roads, the Richardson Manor with its century-old history stood proudly. Inside the car, Maddox and Curtis, their conversation encapsulated within the vehicle's confined space.
Maddox was the picture of calm, his voice betraying no emotion, "You've got quite the reach these days, stretching all the way into my affairs."
Curtis, with a cool gaze, shot back, "You're the master of deception, leaving no trace behind."
"What a son I've raised," Maddox commented, "doubting me now."
"If you wish to avoid suspicion, that's possible." Curtis went straight to the point, "What really happened to Leanne's family that led to their kidnapping?" Ever since Leanne inquired about her father at VectorVista, Maddox had anticipated a day when this conversation would arise.
The sudden return of Hanley to the country had indeed stirred the calm seas.
"Why dig into it?"
"If things were fine, I wouldn't be here, wasting my days plotting against you," Curtis retorted, "I need the truth."
Maddox didn't attempt to deceive him with lies. After all, Curtis was too sharp for that. Yet, he wasn't about to unveil the whole truth either.
"Drop it," Maddox said, "Curtis, some things are better off not knowing for your own good."
"Just focus on getting along with Anne. Your mother mentioned you two are planning a honeymoon by the end of the month. You've been neglecting her these past years. Take this opportunity to treat her to a relaxing getaway."
Curtis felt his heart sink, as though it were being caged.
"So, you admit it's connected to you all."
His laughter was laden with irony, "How generous for you to adopt Leanne from the orphanage. It is a form of atonement, after all. If you're truly looking to atone, your sincerity is lacking. She lost her parents and became an orphan at such a young age, subjected to bullying. Your compensation is hardly adequate."
Maddox remained silent for a long while, offering neither defense nor denial, only advising, "Treat her well."
"I'd love to, but did you ever give me a chance?"
Curtis felt choked by the thick air of sarcasm and sorrow within the car, finding it hard to breathe. He opened the door, stepped out, and slammed it shut behind him.
Her parents died tragically and Leanne suffered in loneliness for years. What right did he have to expect Leanne to forgive and stay by his side?
The gloomy sky seemed oppressively low, the rain had stopped, yet it felt like more storms were brewing behind the dark clouds.
"Fancy some chocolate bars?" Amy leaned in, catching a glimpse of the unfinished resignation letter on Leanne's computer screen, almost dropping the jerky from her mouth.
"Are you quitting? Come on. It won't be the same without you here!"
Leanne replied, "It's far from dull as it is, with reporters swarming us every day."
Amy frowned, "Is it because Ruben made you the scapegoat? You've got that recording. He wouldn't dare."
"This environment is no good to stick around," Leanne's mood had been low these past few days, her voice faint, "Everyone's professional ethic is soiled."
Amy understood her meaning.
Sighing, she lost her appetite for the jerky, "I feel the same, especially with Ruben, the bad apple in our department. It'll never get better. Maybe we should go to Mr. Marshall and have him fight for our cause!" "Mr. Marshall has always been at odds with Ruben. He's a lot more upright."
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