Chapter 715 Shady Business
Knowing that Victoria was intentionally changing the subject, Christina decided to go along with it. “Okay, spill the beans. What shocking information did you discover?”
Victoria took a sip of her juice, half a cup vanishing quickly, and then cleared her throat before cautiously surveying their surroundings. Satisfied that only Lyle, whom Christina trusted, was present, she began to share the information she had uncovered. “Last night, shortly after we left, something happened at David’s residence. The banquet was abruptly cut short, and there are rumors that a dispute arose between the Labarge cousins over an uneven division of their company. During the altercation, David accidentally stabbed Winston, leading Winston’s family to insist on involving the police. However, David’s mother intervened. She managed to suppress the incident and create an opportunity for further discussion.”
Christina probed further, “But weren’t Winston and David working well together? Why did they suddenly go their separate ways?”
“It appears that Emilia’s entanglement with the two cousins served as the indirect trigger of the altercation. After all, it is difficult for any man to accept his partner betraying him and becoming involved with his own brother. Emilia’s manipulation skills are truly remarkable. She managed to captivate and manipulate both brothers.”
Victoria couldn’t help but sigh as she continued, “One of the main reasons is David’s discontent with a cerrain high–ranking executive in the company. He holds prestigious titles but contributes little to the actual work, yet still receives substantial rewards. David believes that he has put in immense effort for the company, only to be given the position of vice president. He demanded a larger share of the company’s stocks and dividends, or even the opportunity to take over the company itself, but Winston refused to agree. Since David couldn’t do much about the high–ranking executive, he resorted to targeting Winston. This led to a major argument between the two men, and David announced that he would be working independently from that point onward.”
After taking a sip of her juice to quench her thirst, Victoria went on. “Last night, Winston attended the banquet with the intention of making David’s mother their mediator, hoping she could persuade David to change his mind. However, things took a turn for the worse as they started bringing up old matters and arguing with one another. Eventually, it escalated to a physical altercation which was only brought to an end when David ended up stabbing Winston.
“Interestingly, the mysterious high–ranking executive has never shown his face since the company was established. He’s only responsible for providing funds and projects. Occasionally, he’d issue some orders, leaving Winston and David to handle all the legwork. However, this is just one version of the story. There’s another version where it is rumored that the Labarge cousins are involved in some shady business and offended some people they shouldn’t have. They made a fortune through unorthodox means, and now those people are closing in on them. Fearing the consequences, David suggested parting ways and venturing into their respective business endeavors.”
The information Victoria had discovered aligned closely with what Nigel had told Christina. Christina believed that the deteriorating relationship between the Labarge cousins was indeed connected to both versions of the rumors.
It was Nigel who had provided the funding to establish the company. Despite having already ama*sed a fortune fifteen years prior, the cousins sought to repeat their misdeeds, this time aiming at their former benefactor, Nigel.
Winston and David had stolen the a*sets that Nigel had transferred overseas. It was only a matter of time before this secret would be unearthed by Yerek
In the face of their own interests, Winston and David harbored mutual distrust, fearing betrayal from one
another. This prompted them to hastily go their separate ways in order to safeguard their respective gains and minimize any potential damage.
“Did Winston agree to call off their partnership?” Christina asked.
“David is out to kill him. It’s only natural that Winston wouldn’t want a ticking time bomb by his side. Early this morning, he got in touch with a lawyer to draft a contract. However, resolving the situation completely might not be easy, considering how David managed to rise to his current position. His mother is aware of the situation. She’ll be reluctant to let go of Winston, who played a huge role in her son’s
success.
With that knowledge in mind, Christina instructed the other woman, “If Winston and David end up parting ways, you must let me know immediately.”
Victoria realized that something exciting was about to happen, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Christina, do you already have an idea in mind?”
“To be honest, I managed to extract plenty of valuable information from Anya on the day of the incident. Winston has in his possession a recording that serves as evidence of their collaboration with Nigel in harming my parents fifteen years ago. He’s been using it to protect himself, and unfortunately. I haven’t been able to find out where he’s hiding it.”
“You’re not planning to approach Winston and David under the pretext of cooperation to obtain the evidence, are you?”
“That’s right. It’s the most practical option I have thus far.”
Victoria hung her head in despair, repeatedly slapping her own lips with her hand. Seeing this, Christina was momentarily taken aback. She swiftly intervened, gently grabbing Victoria’s hand to prevent her from causing harm to herself.
“What are you doing. Victoria?”
“I shouldn’t have shared this information with you. You’re putting yourself at risk by doing this, and if Mc Hadley finds out that I was the one who leaked the information to you, he’ll kill me. Christina, please have mercy on me. I’m begging you. I’m not even married yet, and Sebastian doesn’t deserve to be widowed before he gets the chance to marry. Please spare my life, and let’s find someone else to handle this, okay?” Victoria stared at Christina with teary eyes as she pleaded. Desperate to dissuade the latter from acting on her risky plan, she was on the brink of dropping to her knees.
Victoria had come to regard Nathaniel as her elder brother. She was fiercely loyal to Christina, but at the same time, she couldn’t afford to offend the man.
After all, she had fallen in love with a certain somebody’s a*sistant.
“I’ll inevitably come into contact with Winston and David at some point. I can’t hide forever,” Christina said solemnly, weighing the pros and cons of her plan. “If I personally approach one of them to discuss cooperation. I’ll be able to demonstrate my sincerity, and the chances of successfully gaining their trust will increase exponentially. People tend to be complacent with time, especially since they have successfully deceived the Gibson family twice in a row.
Despite that, Victoria remained unconvinced by the plan. “How about I personally approach them on behalf of Lesley Group? David previously attempted to curry favor with my brother but to no avail,”
Although Christina knew that Victoria genuinely wanted to contribute something to the plan, she couldn’t help but throw a bucket of cold water on her enthusiasm.
“You have enough on your plate with the issues surrounding your relationship with Sebastian. Since you have to deal with your family, you shouldn’t get involved in this. Aren’t you afraid that your brother will seize this opportunity to impose a bunch of conditions on you?”
Victoria furrowed her brows, and a frown soon etched itself on her delicate face. In a dejected tone, she said, “Christina, am I really that useless? I can’t even handle my own family affairs, and now I’m burdening others with worry.”
She just wanted to be with someone she loved, but it seemed nearly impossible for her to make it happen.
“What are you think about? I think you’re doing great. You’re willing to go against your family for the sake of your lover. It took you and Sebastian considerable effort to convince your brother to accept your relationship. Are you just going to give up halfway?”
Victoria shook her head fervently. “No way! I can already picture our wedding, and I’m just waiting for the day he marries me. I’ve put a great deal of effort into this relationship, so I’m not going to let all my hard work go to waste.”
Just as Christina was about to offer a few words of comfort to Victoria, she caught sight of a familiar figure at the corner of the restaurant not too far away.
