Chapter 269: Aunt Miley's "Accident"

Chapter 269: Aunt Miley's "Accident"
Elena's POV

I studied Elbert's face carefully as we sat in the sunroom of the Huntington Estate. His usually composed features were animated with an unusual intensity that immediately put me on guard.

"Elena," Elbert leaned forward, lowering his voice despite our apparent privacy, "we both know that inheritance in the Huntington family depends on performance. With just the two of us, it's nearly impossible to shake Ryan's foundation, so we need to force him into making a critical mistake."

I maintained a neutral expression while my mind raced.

Elbert had never approached me like this before. Whatever game he was playing, I needed to understand his true motives.

His lips curved into a confident smile. "My wife Eleanor has connections in London's financial district. Through her, I've learned that Ryan is secretly pursuing a project."

He moved closer, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "If we intercept his project, his standing in the Huntington family will plummet immediately."

"And how exactly would we do that?" I asked, keeping my tone carefully measured.

"Ryan has already invested $600 million upfront," Elbert explained, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "But the entire project requires $1 billion. I suggest we each contribute $ 500 million and snatch it away from him."

What's Elbert really selling here? Why would he suddenly approach me for cooperation? His true objective likely extends beyond just targeting Ryan.

I feigned hesitation. "That's a substantial amount of money. Even if I wanted to gather it, I'd need time. And are you certain we can secure the project?"

Elbert's confidence was unwavering. "I've already reached a tentative agreement with the project team. As long as we offer slightly more than Ryan, the project is ours."

"I see," I nodded slowly. "Let me think about it. I'll get back to you soon."

Back in my Phoenix Group office, I immediately called Donovan after Elbert left. The line connected to what sounded like chaos—traffic noise, hurried footsteps, and Donovan's labored breathing.

"This better be important," he panted into the phone.

I frowned. "What's happening on your end?"

A short, humorless laugh came through the line. "Congratulations, as you guessed, I'm currently being pursued by your uncle and cousin's men."

My stomach tightened. "Are you safe? Do you need me to send help?"

"Don't worry," Donovan replied, his tone surprisingly light for someone being hunted. "I'm not so easily defeated. It's just... inconvenient."

"What did you find?" I asked, already dreading the answer.

"Based on what I'm seeing, your uncle and cousin are laundering money through offshore accounts," he explained between breaths. "They're accelerating their plans against the Huntington family."

"How soon can you get concrete evidence?"

"Three days at most," he promised. "I'll return back as soon as I can."

"Safety first," I insisted. "Whatever expenses you need, just say the word."

"Such a generous CEO," he quipped. "Don't worry, I'll stay in touch."

After ending the call, I immediately dialed Teresa.

"Teresa, Donovan might be in danger. Can we find someone to help him? I don't want him taking unnecessary risks."

"Ms. Huntington," Teresa responded with calm confidence, "unless he has dozens of guns pointed at his head, he'll be fine. Sending people now might actually interfere with his operation."

I sighed. "Alright, but keep me updated on his situation."

"Of course, Ms. Huntington."

To buy time with Elbert, I needed convincing documentation. I called Reginald.

"Do you know anyone in the financial sector who could help me create some fake documents?" I asked without preamble.

"What kind of documents do you need?" His voice was warm, lacking any judgment at my unusual request.

"Bank statements and proof of funds. They need to withstand scrutiny."

"I'll have them to you within an hour," he replied simply.

Impressive efficiency.

True to his word, Reginald arrived at my apartment an hour later with an envelope containing impeccably forged financial documents. I flipped through them, genuinely impressed by the attention to detail.

"Did you create these yourself? They're perfect."

Reginald smiled, a hint of pride in his expression. "It's been a while since I've done this kind of work. I hope they meet your expectations."

I relaxed slightly, allowing a genuine smile. "Thank you. This is much better than I anticipated."

He reached behind him and produced a crystal box. "I brought you something else."

Inside was an eternal rose—ruby petals with an emerald stem, preserved in perfect bloom within the crystal.

"This is..." I stared at the exquisite piece, recognizing its significant value.

"Before you refuse," Reginald said, holding up a hand, "accepting gifts from a suitor is your obligation."

I can't keep accepting things one-sidedly. I need to prepare a gift in return.

As we sat discussing the documents, my phone rang. The young male voice on the other end was immediately recognizable—and distressingly frantic.

"Elena, my mom was in a car accident. She's in the hospital right now."

My face must have drained of color because Reginald was instantly alert. "Which hospital? I'll be there right away!"

After hanging up, I frantically searched for my car keys. "Aunt Miley's been in an accident. I need to get to the hospital."

Reginald took my arm gently. "You're in no condition to drive. Let me take you."

During the drive, I clutched my phone tightly, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Reginald drove swiftly but safely, occasionally glancing at me with concern.

When we arrived, I rushed from the car. "Thank you for bringing me."

Inside, I found Terry pacing outside the emergency room, his face etched with worry.

"Terry, what happened?" I asked, gripping his hands.

"The police say the other driver was drunk," he explained, still pacing. "But I saw the security footage—that car seemed to deliberately target my mom's vehicle."

I squeezed his hand reassuringly. "I'll have someone investigate. Try not to worry too much right now."

Suddenly, a group of white-coated doctors strode purposefully down the hall, led by an elderly physician with an authoritative presence.

"Dr. Wheeler?" Terry exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Dr. Wheeler nodded briskly. "Terry, I need you to assist with the surgery. Come with me."

After the doctors disappeared into the operating room, I turned to find Reginald standing behind me.

"You called in the specialist?" I asked.

"I thought I could help," Reginald said with a modest shrug.

"Thank you," I said sincerely.

"If you hadn't thanked me, I might have been happier," he replied softly.

---

Hours later, the surgery was declared successful. Ronin Vaughn arrived breathlessly, his first words a desperate inquiry about his wife's condition.

"Mr. Vaughn, rest assured," Dr. Wheeler said with quiet confidence. "Your wife is out of danger. The surgery went very well."

Ronin's shoulders sagged with relief before he turned and grasped my hands tightly. "Elena, thank you for coming so quickly."

"Dad," Terry explained, gesturing toward Reginald, "Elena's friend brought in Dr. Wheeler and several specialists. Without them..."

Ronin immediately approached Reginald, extending his hand. "I don't know how to thank you, Mr...?"

"Vanderbilt," Reginald supplied, shaking his hand firmly. "No thanks are necessary. I'm just glad I could help."

"We can see her now," Dr. Wheeler announced, appearing in the doorway. "She's still weak, but conscious."

We filed into Miley's hospital room where she lay surrounded by monitoring equipment. Despite her pallor and the bandages, she managed a faint smile when she saw us. Ronin immediately went to her side, taking her hand gently in his.

"You scared us," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Mom, how are you feeling?" Terry asked, moving to stand at the foot of the bed.

Miley's eyes moved slowly between us before settling on me. "Everyone, this accident... it wasn't random. Someone planned it."