Chapter 81
Chapter 81 Are You Alright?
Maia was sure she would never mistake her cousin’s voice. She could still recall what Theo said in the basement parking lot. Ms. Maia, thank you for your cooperation. I’m sure you're drained. Please let us take over from here.”
“Thank you. I'll be counting on you.” Maia nodded at them.
Moments later, she turned to look at the man still holding her hand. Her annoyance grew as she snapped, “How long do you plan on holding me?”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
“If | could choose, I’d say forever.” He smiled playfully at her irritation. He could not help but think that she looked cute when upset.
Baz entered the room seconds later.
“Have you found out who they were?” Cedric asked
Baz shook his head apologetically. “The person on the other end was cautious. The call was made from a burner phone. We couldn’t trace who they were.”
“What call?” Maia looked at them in confusion. She could not make out what Baz was referring 1. to.
‘Ms. Maia, you didn’t know? Mr. Cedric received a call that a man would threaten you with a gun in Prismara Hospital's basement parking. So Mr. Cedric kept asking for your whereabouts. He asked me to bring men to the hospital as he rushed over alone.”
Maia realized why Cedric had asked for her location and arrived within minutes. It was all because someone had informed him. Who was it? Was the mystery caller a friend or a foe?
“We've tried checking the number, but to no avail. He was cautious and he didn’t want us to find him. Fortunately, you’re not hurt, and Mr. Cedric only suffered minor injuries.” Cedric’s hold on her hand tightened as he questioned, “Why did Theo choose you as his target?”
Baz added, “I was surprised as well. Who would’ve thought the one who wanted to harm you was your family? Ms. Maia, you’re in grave danger.”
He had even double—checked with the police a few times. Baz asked, “Was it because you took your uncle’s place as Starlight Entertainment's CEO?”
Maia smacked her lips together as she remained silent.
Cedric eyed him warningly. Baz immediately kept quiet and retreated to the side of the room. 1/3
“It's okay if you don’t want to discuss it.” Cedric would not force her into something that she was not comfortable with
Maia shook her head and said, “It’s not that | don’t want to tell you. | just don’t know how to put it. Mayb: Baz’s speculations were correct. | recently discovered that my uncle had been embezzling funds from the company.
So, | collected evidence and forced him to hand over his company shares to replace two thirds of the money he stole. Naturally, both would hate me.
“Jordon also discovered that Theo had stolen another 10 million dollars from the company.
We've forced him to sell two of his properties to cover part of the missing funds. Maybe that made him lose his mind and come after me.”
Cedric immediately instructed Baz to look into Theo's records. Baz nodded and left to do his work. As he was walking out, he bumped into a panicked Buck.
Buck came dashing into the room. His face looked terrified as he said breathlessly, “Ms. Hope’s mother had committed suicide in her room!”
The news shocked Maia. Her wobbly legs gave way when Cedric’s arms shot out to steady her.
When Buck noticed Maia’s paleness, he asked with concern, you with a gun. Were you injured?”
“| heard that a man threatened
She shook her head as she slowly regained her composure. “Yvette... when was she found in that state?” “Fifteen minutes ago. The police are on their way.”
“Does Hope know?”
Buck shook his head and said, “We still haven’t told her. We weren't sure of what to do, so we decided to keep this a secret. However, Ms. Hope will eventually hear about the news.
Maia took a deep breath as she started to leave for Yvette’s ward. Cedric stopped her as he insisted, “Let me come with you.” “It's fine. You should get some rest. Thank you for saving me.”
“Do you think | could just leave you walking around alone?” After the attack, Cedric could not help but worry about her safety. Maia did not want to waste time arguing as she rushed toward the scene. ‘Why is everything happening today? Is it just a coincidence?’
The hospital's sixth floor was cordoned off as the police inspected the scene.
Maia immediately asked, “What happened here? How is she?”
‘Ms. Maia, right now, the police are still investigating However, from our evidence, there wasn’t any suggestion of foul play. The victim left a letter addressed to you confessing to your mother’s murder.”
“What?” Mata looked at the officer in disbelief.
“We've sent the letter to the lab to dust for fingerprints. Rest assured, we'll return the letter to you after we've ensured it’s safe.” Maia was utterly stunned. Her mother had not committed suicide—Yvette had murdered her!
As she turned towards Yvette’s body, her mind was in a mess. She did not expect to be able to find the murderer so soon.
Maia was more confused than ever. ‘Why did she do it? Yvette already had Dad's love and everything she wanted. Why did she still choose to kill Mom?”
It didn’t add up, and Maia’s mind raced. ‘Was it because she had wished for Starlight Entertainment, too? Or was she worried Mom would reunite with Dad?‘
Her eyes were red from the news. Maia did not even have the strength to keep herself standing upright. Suddenly, a pair of strong arms circled her waist as she was pulled into an embrace.
“Are you alright?”
Maia could not hold back anymore as she started to sob uncontrollably.