Chapter 383

Launching the Investigation

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“Of course not, sir. I wouldn’t dream of it,” Andy replied immediately, instructing the secretary outside to bring in a coffee service.

He had merely assumed suggesting a wait would prompt Robert to leave–he hadn’t expected the tactic to fail this time.

“Grandfather, please make yourself comfortable. I must attend my meeting,” Matthew said, rising from his desk.

Watching Matthew and Andy exit for the conference room, Robert let out a long, weary sigh. “What a stubborn boy.”

He was exceptional in every other aspect–why was his personal life such a persistent concern?

“Sir,” Andy ventured quietly as they walked down the corridor, “perhaps just agreeing to the chairman’s suggestion for a lunch wouldn’t be so difficult?”

“Is the presentation for the board fully prepared?” Matthew countered, his tone cool and diverting.

Seeing further persuasion was futile, Andy sighed inwardly. “All materials are finalized and ready.”

Well, it’s truly not my place to intervene.

After returning from Horizon Corp, Arabella went straight to her office.

Chloe brought in a fresh cup of coffee. “Ms. Hamilton, the hospital arrangements are confirmed. Jacob’s mother is scheduled for surgery this afternoon. Her prognosis is good, and she should be out of critical care soon.”

“Good,” Arabella acknowledged with a nod.

“Jacob… he really stumbled into some luck,” Chloe remarked thoughtfully. “Despite his serious error, he encountered someone as principled as you, who’s even ensuring his mother receives care.”

Arabella’s gaze grew somewhat distant. “I keep my word.”

“I know, Chloe said softly. That was precisely why she felt a twinge of sympathy for Jacob’s unexpected forfune

Arabella glanced at her assistant. “That will be all for now. You may return to your tasks”

“Yes” Chloe departed, closing the office door behind her.

Once alone, Arabella placed a call to Colton.

“What’s up?” His voice came through the line.

“I need a deep dive on Dylan and the current state of Johnston Group I want a complete picture–financials, recent ranką, any vulnerabilities. Leave nothing out, Arabella instructed, her voice cool and precise

Colton’s tone immediately shifted to one of for used seriousness “What’s happened?

Her demeanor was off—something was wrong

“The car ‘accident‘ was Dylan’s handiwork, Arabella stated flatly

10:43 am

Chapter 383 Launching the Investigation

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Colton’s response was a sharp intake of breath followed by muttered anger. “That reckless idiot! Has he completely lost his mind?”

To dare target Arabella–was he utterly foolish or just suicidal?

“Save the outrage. He covered his tracks meticulously afterward, so there’s no direct legal leverage at the moment. But an operation this clean suggests he didn’t act alone. I need you to find the supporting players,” Arabella explained.

“You think someone helped him with the cleanup?” Colton’s frown was audible. “His parents are the most likely candidates.”

“Very likely. Their indulgence of Dylan is well–known. It’s how they ended up with a son who acts without thinking of consequences,” Arabella noted dryly.

“I agree,” Colton said. “Beyond his parents, he probably wouldn’t trust anyone else with something this serious.”

After all, it was attempted assault with a vehicle.

Arabella let out a cold, humorless laugh. “His fear isn’t of me. It’s of Matthew.”

“You think he’s scared of retaliation from Matthew?” Colton sounded skeptical.

“He tried to harm me and failed. The natural impulse for someone like him would be to try again, not to go into cleanup mode. The fact that he prioritized erasing evidence tells me he’s terrified of Matthew’s response,” Arabella analyzed.

Colton considered this. “Then why not let Mr. Stewart handle it? His car was damaged too. If he gets involved Dylan will be terrified

out of his wits.”

“Unnecessary. I’ll manage my own conflicts,” Arabella said, a trace of complexity in her voice.

Matthew had intervened on her behalf before, a debt she hadn’t yet repaid. Involving him further would only deepen that obligation, and favors from a man like Matthew were not casually incurred.

“Alright. Let me know as soon as you find anything out,” Arabella concluded.

Colton set aside his curiosity and replied in a professional tone, “On it.”

After ending the call, Arabella picked up her coffee cup.

She took a slow sip, her eyes gradually darkening with focused intent….

All three Hamilton brothers had already arrived at the Maple Hotel.

“Frank, Ethan. You’re both early.” Alfred noted with a smile

“Wrapped up my last call and came straight over,” Frank replied. He then looked at Alfred 1 thought you were picki Arabella up?”

“I called her, but she said she was already en route and told me to meet you all here” Alfred explained

Ethan checked his wristwatch. “She should be pulling in any minute then”

As if on cue, the private dining room door opened, and Arabella walked in

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Chapter 383 Launching the Investigation

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“Frank, Ethan, Alfred,” she greeted them with a warm smile.

“Right on time, as predicted,” Alfred said, his expression softening affectionately.

Walking to the elegantly set table, Arabella glanced around. “Just the three of you? Hasn’t Naomi arrived yet?”

“She called Frank earlier. Said she was caught in crosstown traffic and would be late,” Ethan offered, sounding slightly puzzled.

Arabella’s brow furrowed slightly. “That’s odd. I’m sure I just passed her car in the valet circle.”

“Really?” Ethan’s confusion deepened. “Then where is she?”

“Maybe she’s just parking or finding the room. She’ll be up shortly,” Alfred said, not dwelling on it. He turned his attention to Frank. ‘Did you order already?”

Frank nodded. “Took the liberty of ordering the chef’s tasting menu. But here,” he said, sliding the leather–bound menu toward Alfred and Arabella, “look it over. We can always add more.”

Alfred picked up the menu, gently guiding Arabella to sit beside him. “Come on, let’s see if your favorites are all covered.”

‘She doesn’t need to look. You should be the one reviewing it,” Ethan interjected, giving Alfred a mildly teasing look. “You know Frank’s already ordered everything Arabella would want.”