Chapter 186 A trillion what?

Chapter 186 A trillion what?
Rhys's POV

I turned my gaze sharply towards him. “What did you just say?”

“Her father's company is already up for liquidity. It seemed like he owed a huge amount of loan.” Mark said, his gaze fixed on his phone.

I swallowed hard, realization dawning on me. That must be why Mandy was able to control her easily. My hand tightened around the wheel, she really knows how to manipulate people.

“Do you want to purchase the company?” Mark asked.

“It's not like I have another option.” I whispered, shifting my gaze back to the road.

“What about her father's loans? Are you going to clear that too? Her father's company was a big one.”

“Find how much he owes first.” I said, avoiding his questions. Just as Mark said, the Voss company was big so he wouldn't need to borrow a huge amount of loan.

“A trillion dollars.” Mark's voice suddenly cut through my thoughts.

I lost control of the wheel for a split second as his words hit me like a joke. “A trillion what?”

“It's not an official statement from the company but that's what most people online are saying.” Mark said, scrolling through his phone.

I released the breath I didn't know I was holding. “That scared me, Mark. Please, I want legitimate answers only.”

Silence stretched in the car.

“The company didn't release any news about the specific amount they owe.” Mark said after a few seconds, turning off his phone. “But you should literally expect the worst.”

“A trillion dollars?” I repeated, arching my brow.

“There's a statement about the bankruptcy being caused by a failed project. So you don't expect a big company like that to take on a million dollar project right?” Mark demanded.

I bit the inside of my cheeks, hating how right he sounded. I knew nothing about the business world because of my deep hatred for my father's nonchalant attitude.

We drove straight into my father's mansion, a few minutes later and I turned off the engine.

“Call Zane.” I instructed, before Mark could get out.

Mark raised a brow. “Why?”

“I need the exact amount the company owes before I meet my father.” I said, exhaling deeply. “He wouldn't answer if I called.”

“We were together. What makes you think he would answer mine?” Mark shot back.

“Are you going to call him or not?” I asked with no intention of arguing any further.

Make hesitated before bringing out his phone. He dialed Zane's number and it rang for a good thirty seconds without anyone answering.

“Should I call him again?” Mark asked, his tone sharp.

I nodded. “Try again.”

He wanted to say something but swallowed it when I met his gaze and dialed it again. The line rang again but Zane still didn't answer.

“Again?”

I shook my head, bringing out my phone. “Let me try.”

I brought out my phone and dialed Zane's number. Surprisingly, he picked it up after a few seconds.

“What do you want?” Zane demanded in an enraged voice.

I cleared my throat. “How much does Clare's father owe in debt?”

“Do I look like Clare or her father?” He hissed.

His tone was heavy with anger but from how deep and strained it sounded, I knew he had been crying. But it wasn't really my business.

“Can I speak to your mother?” I asked.

He chuckled. “Your mother? Do you think you can take her away from me?”

It took everything in me to stiffen my laughter. There was no way I had imagined Zane would say that.

“She's never going to be my mother. You don't have to be delusional and think I want to drag her with you.” I corrected him.

He scoffed. “Then why do you want to talk to her? You think I don't know you have always missed and searched for your mother. Now, you've found her, you want to play hard to get, right?”

I tightened my jaw. “Are you going to answer my questions or not?”

“Zane, who are you talking to?” Mandy's voice rang out the next second.

“No one. It's just a spam call.” He yelled, hanging up the call before I could say anything.

I tossed my phone aside. “Don't be a kid, Zane!”

“You both really behave like brothers.” Mark said, pushing open the car door. He stepped out and banged the door loudly after him.

I didn't know why but the strong smell of jealousy hung in the air.

I grabbed the envelope from the back seat and my phone before stepping out of the car. I closed the door and locked the door.

“What was that attitude, Mark?” I asked, turning to face him.

Mark scoffed, looking everywhere but at me. “You look genuinely happy talking to Zane. So much for, he will only be my brother on paper.”

He mimicked my voice in the last sentence and I didn't know why I found it funny.

I tucked my hand into my pocket and turned towards the front door. “You can choose to come inside with me or not.”

I had barely taken a step forward when my phone rang. My brows furrowed when I saw the caller was Zane. I knew Zane wouldn't call me back unless… someone else was making use of his phone.

A muscle in my jaw twitched as I picked the call.

“Son, how are you doing?” Mandy's voice flooded into my eardrum the next second.

Vanessa's face flashed through my mind. Mandy sounded so much like her. After all, they both always wore fake faces and smiles.

“How much does Clare's father owe in debt?” I demanded.

“Son, you didn't—”

“Your son should be right next to you. Mind your words.” I cut her off sharply.

Silence stretched for half a second.

“Don't bother finding out. You can't clear it for him.” Mandy said, the smoothness in her voice was gone.

My face twisted into a frown. “What's that meant to be?”