Chapter 238

"Mr. Reynolds, these purchase orders bear your personal signature."

Simon Reynolds reclined on the hospital bed, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "The signatures are indeed mine. But that only proves I approved the procurement requests. The funds were transferred through company accounts—what does that have to do with me personally? Even if someone embezzled, that's the purchasing department's problem."

Evelyn Sullivan tapped the documents lightly with her fingertips. "So you're determined to deny everything?"

"Why should I admit to something I didn't do?" Simon spread his hands. "My annual bank statements are all traceable. Feel free to investigate if you don't believe me."

"Oh, I will." Evelyn closed the file. "But until everything is clarified, I suggest you stay in the hospital and rest. No unnecessary outings."

A mocking smile appeared on Simon's face. "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."

The money had long been laundered clean. He'd like to see what tricks Evelyn could possibly uncover.

"We'll see."

As the elevator doors opened, a shrill voice rang out behind her. "Evelyn Sullivan!"

Evelyn turned to see Victoria Farley standing in the corridor, clutching a thermal lunchbox, eyes blazing with fury.

"Can I help you, Mrs. Farley?"

"How dare you ask?" Victoria charged forward. "Look what you've done to Isabella! You're coming with me right now to kneel and apologize!"

Evelyn stepped back, avoiding her grasping hands. "What happened to Isabella?"

"Stop pretending!" Victoria's voice rose sharply. "She jumped off a building because of you! You were jealous of her entering the design competition, so you framed her!"

"That's what she told you?" A trace of derision flashed in Evelyn's eyes.

"She didn't need to! I've always known you were wicked at heart!"

Evelyn had long given up explaining. In Victoria's eyes, Isabella could do no wrong, while Evelyn was always at fault.

Seeing her indifference, Victoria grew even angrier. "Apologize to her now!"

"What do I owe her?" Evelyn scoffed. "If anything, she owes me."

"Lies!"

"Isabella jumped because Ethan Sullivan gave her a taste of her own medicine after she drugged me. She had no way out."

Victoria grabbed her wrist. "You just stood by and let Ethan do that to your own sister?!"

Evelyn shook her off. "I used to think you were just biased. Now I see you have no sense of right and wrong."

"Evelyn Sullivan!"

"I've repaid any debt I owed you long ago." Evelyn enunciated each word clearly. "Tell Isabella that if she dares cause more trouble, I'll leave her with nothing."

Victoria froze in place as Evelyn turned and stepped into the elevator.

Inside the hospital room, Sophia Reynolds looked at her uncle with disappointment. "Uncle Simon, the company's annual dividends are substantial. Why would you do this?"

Simon's face darkened. "Whose side are you on? I'm your own uncle!"

"I stand with the truth, not family ties." Sophia gave a bitter smile. "Did you think about us being family when you took those kickbacks?"

"How dare you accuse me!" Simon slammed his hand against the bed. "Show me the evidence if you have any!"

"If you admit it now, there might still be time—"

"Get out!"

Evelyn had just exited the hospital when her phone rang.