A Replacement Bride

Chapter 410

Chapter 409 Another Problem Arises

Joaquin didn't see this twist coming. "Who's helping them? Who'd be that stupid? Everyone's trying to cut ties with them."

Katherine had no idea. "I told Carmine to look into it, so we have to wait." She paused and was about to say something when David knocked.

"Corey's awake. You should see him, Kathy."

She tucked her thoughts away and went to the room next door.

Corey was on the bed, taking his medicine. When he heard something rustle, he looked up and smiled weakly at Katherine. "You're here. Thank you for helping me."

She shook her head. He still looks pale. She checked his pulse, and a moment later, she pulled her hand back. "The poison is cleared, but you should still take some meds to stabilize your condition."

He nodded. "Of course."

A moment of silence later, she asked, "So, what will you do?"

She didn't ask any specific questions, but Corey got the gist of it. He stared at the ground, hiding the look in his eyes. His smile faded, and he didn't respond to her question. A pregnant pause descended upon them. Then, he hoarsely responded, "Nothing. David had told me everything. You did it for me, and you have my gratitude for that."

Katherine pursed her lips. "It's not all for you. He tried to take my grandfather's belongings from me, and I wouldn't take that lying down."

"I understand." Corey nodded. His skin was so pale that the blood vessels were almost visible. "I've lived my whole life as carefully as I could, worried that I might do something wrong and bring myself and the family trouble. Yet, he never saw me as a part of the family. I couldn't believe he would poison me. Then again, I should have seen it coming. He's blinded by greed and will do anything for money. Family is merely a bargaining chip he can throw away when he wants to. Family is nothing but trash for him." His lips had gone paler after saying all of that.

Katherine understood how he felt, but she said nothing about it. "You haven't fully recovered yet, so just rest up. Don't worry. Joaquin and my men will keep an eye on things so no one can intrude. You can stay as long as you like. If you want to return to the Grays, that's an option too."

Corey forced a smile. "Thank you, Kathy." Exhaustion washed over him again. He sipped some chicken soup before falling back asleep.

Katherine emerged from the room and stood in the corridor, keeping silent. Joaquin patted her head. "Don't worry. Carmine is looking into the Grays' case, and Corey can handle his business himself. You've done enough."

"Yeah." Katherine stared at the ground, nodding.

Just then, Joaquin's phone rang, and he looked at the screen. "It's Ben." He took the call. "What is it?"

Hurriedly, Ben said, "You're still in Kyoland? You should come back right now."

A frown creased Joaquin's forehead, and the look in his eyes darkened. "What happened?"

"Your family's company. They're trying to split your shares up and kick you out of the company."

Joaquin's face fell.

Ben quickly added, "I'm not sure about the details, but they're trying to accuse you of ridiculous stuff so they can impeach you and take your shares. Though, I have a feeling that things aren't that simple. They're after something else."

A moment later, Joaquin said coldly, "I see." This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Seeing that he hung up the call while looking so upset, Katherine was worried. She asked, "What happened?"

Joaquin pursed his lips and told her what Ben had said. It filled her with disgust. "I can't believe they won't give up. Trying to take your shares for themselves? And they call themselves Hovington's top family? What a joke."

He sneered. "This is just a fraction of their malice. They can do anything and go to any lengths for money. Splitting up my shares among themselves is nothing." He grew up among these disgusting beasts, and he knew them well. He knew all the dirty tricks they would play, so this was no surprise.

"So, what now? Are you going back?" Katherine asked.

Joaquin's facial expression was icy. "I don't care about the shares, but I won't let them take my shares away that easily. I've worked hard to get some of those shares after all."

Katherine agreed, "Yeah, you should go back and settle this."

He nodded. "And that's not the only reason I'm going back. I have a feeling they're doing this for another reason."

"Another reason?"

"Yeah." He narrowed his eyes, and they glinted. "Don't you think this is too much of a coincidence?"

Katherine followed that line of thought. "Yeah. It feels like a lot of stuff is happening at the same time."

"That's right. We might be imagining things, but it's best I go back to settle it. If they are conspiring, I can stop them."

Since Joaquin had made up his mind, Katherine didn't stop him. "Sure, go ahead. I need to stay, though. Corey is…"

"I know. He's still ill, so you have to stay back and take care of him. Just leave the Hovington matters to me."

She mused over something before suggesting, "Tell Xavier to bring Noah with him."

Surprised, Joaquin asked, "Why do you want Noah to come here all of a sudden?"

"I'm almost done with my business, and there's nothing much to do. Carmine can handle the investigations, and Emmanuel has to work on his company, so he won't have the time to come after me for now. Besides, it's time for Noah to see Grandma and Grandpa."