Chapter 316

"Dad, the truth is..."

"William, you've seen the stark contrast between Sophia and Evelyn. Once you're fully recovered and discharged, I think it's time to officially bring Sophia into the company. The Mitchell Group will eventually be hers. As for Evelyn, I'm cutting her off. Her cold-heartedness makes her unworthy of anything from this family."

Margaret's resentment toward Evelyn was palpable. She couldn't shake the memory of Evelyn's indifference—how she had refused to help when they needed her most. In Margaret's eyes, everything that had gone wrong was Evelyn's fault.

William's expression darkened. "Enough. Be quiet."

He had been in a foul mood since waking up.

Margaret fell silent.

But Sophia couldn't hold back. "Mom, Dad, you're misunderstanding Evelyn. She has been helping since the crisis at Mitchell Group. She even brought in two crisis management specialists from Dresden to stabilize things. It was Evelyn who exposed Victor's embezzlement. Dad, if it weren't for her, you wouldn't have had such a smooth recovery."

Her words hung heavily in the air. Neither William nor Margaret responded.

Sophia lowered her voice. "Mom, please... stop blaming her."

Margaret stiffened. "She only stepped in to avoid being labeled heartless. Besides, she caused all this mess in the first place."

Sophia opened her mouth to argue, but a nurse entered with William's medication, cutting the conversation short.

With Victor's arrest, many of the Mitchell family's problems had been resolved. The injured employees received their rightful compensation, though their contracts weren't renewed. Their attempt to extort money had failed.

But the Mitchell Group's core issues remained. The debts were still massive, even after accounting for Victor's theft and the unfair contracts.

Following advice from Alexander's secretary, Sophia sold off multiple Mitchell Group properties to settle debts. The company's reputation in the business world continued to decline.

Still, it was better than bankruptcy. At least they still had a company.

As a result, Margaret dismissed most of the staff at Mitchell Manor. The once-lively estate now felt hollow.

William was discharged days later and returned home to recover. Since the accident, he had become withdrawn, often spending hours lost in thought.

Sophia confided in Evelyn. "Dad hasn't been himself lately. I don't know if it's because of the company, but he barely speaks to anyone. He just... shuts himself away. What do you think is wrong?"

"Did he react at all when Victor was arrested?"

"No."

"Not even surprise? Anger?"

"Nothing."

Sophia frowned. "Evelyn, why are you asking this? Is something wrong?"

Evelyn hesitated. "Would it be alright if I came by tonight?"

William was home now. It was only right that she visit.

If they’ll even let me in.