"However, Remington hasn't left the hospital since the crash. When we went to visit, he was extremely hostile and unhinged.

"He even threw caution to the wind and kidnapped Andrea. He wouldn't be acting this recklessly unless that girl's condition was critical. She definitely hasn't woken up."

Eartha didn't base her conclusion solely on his behavior.

She had already done her research. It was a long time after the crash before anyone spotted Remington's car racing toward the lake.

Judging by the timeline, even if he managed to pull Lizetta from the wreckage, she was undoubtedly on death's door.

She had consulted a doctor. Just five or six minutes of oxygen deprivation from drowning was enough to cause permanent brain damage.

Even if Lizetta hadn't drowned entirely, remaining comatose for this many days meant the chances of her waking up were slim to none.

Hearing this, her father let out a mock sigh.

"So young. What a pity."

A cruel smirk tugged at the corners of Eartha's lips. "Dad, what's the situation in Tranquil Meadows? Was Nelson able to handle the tragic news?"

"Ah, it's not looking good. I broke the news to him, and the old man couldn't take the blow. He passed out on the spot and was rushed into surgery. He's currently in the ICU. Jerome hurried back to Tranquil Meadows, but the old man isn't out of the woods yet. You'd think a man who weathered so many storms would be tougher, but he couldn't even handle a little setback like this. Time really takes a toll."

The patriarch added the feigned lament at the end.

His words sounded sympathetic, but he could barely hide the smug, triumphant sneer in his voice.

Eartha matched his hypocrisy with a fake sigh of her own.

"Nelson is getting old. Doesn't that mean the Madden Group is left without a leader? You'll have to step up, Dad. The capable bear the heaviest burdens. With so many employees relying on the company to feed their families, we can't let chaos ensue. You need to take charge."

Her father chuckled. "You're right. It's time."

He had only called to ensure there were no loose ends in Zion City.

Knowing Lizetta was still unconscious on the brink of death gave him all the reassurance he needed.

Nelson truly had collapsed under the weight of the tragedy.

Otherwise, the old man would have rushed to Zion City the second he heard his precious granddaughter's life was on the line.

However, before launching his takeover of the Madden Group, there was one last thing that worried him.

He warned Eartha, "Remington's

power cannot be underestimated If

he steps in because of his

attachment to the girl, things could get complicated. You know what mean, right?" Content Belongs

She understood perfectly. Her father was terrified that Remington would use his resources to help the Maddens weather the storm.

Even though interfering in another massive corporation's internal affairs wouldn't be

easy for Remington, he could easily throw a wrench into their plans.

"Dad, you want me to keep him distracted so he doesn't have the time to look

elsewhere. Don't worry, I'll figure something out."

Before hanging up, he asked one final question.

"What about Conrad? Does he suspect anything?"

"He definitely had his doubts, but he trusts us more. Don't worry. Nelson is down, and Elsa has been dead for years. It doesn't matter how much. they loved each other in the past Right now, Conrad knows exactly whose side he needs to be on."

Satisfied, her father ended the call.