Chapter 467
As Janet lingered nearby, she lowered her voice cautiously. “Mr. Sullivan has been actively courting several shareholders lately—visiting them personally and even bringing lavish gifts. Perhaps you should consider some countermeasures?”
Gracie glanced up thoughtfully. Janet had initially been placed by Alan as a spy, yet the woman had since shifted her loyalty to her.
“No need to worry. I have my own strategies in motion,” Gracie replied calmly. “You may go now. Avoid contacting me too frequently—if Alan discovers your change of heart, he might retaliate against you.”
Once Janet departed, Gracie immersed herself in the documents again.
“Sullivan Group poured additional funds into Theoria Sciences just last week?” Frowning, she picked up her phone and called Jane.
The line connected after a couple of rings, and Jane’s anxious voice burst through immediately. “Any updates on Ellie?”
“Nothing new yet,” Gracie said flatly. “But Alan has invested more money in Theo’s company. Were you aware of this?”
“I… yes, I knew,” Jane admitted hesitantly. “With Ellie still not rescued, we have to preserve our ties with him. As long as we remain valuable to him, he won’t seriously hurt her.”
Gracie shot up from her chair, fury surging through her. “Have you all lost your minds? You know full well that he is holding Ellie captive, tormenting and interrogating her daily—yet you’re funneling more cash his way? Worried his experiments might run short on funding? He’s gearing up to perform live human trials on her!”
“What?” Jane gasped in horror. “Human trials? That’s against the law—how could he possibly risk it?”
“And why wouldn’t he?” Gracie’s tone turned razor-sharp. “I’ll soon push for the complete withdrawal of that investment. As for Alan… you’ll need to handle your end.”
“I can’t sway him,” Jane protested weakly. “He rules the company like a dictator, and without any shares in Sullivan Group, what leverage do I have?”
“That’s your problem to solve,” Gracie snapped. “I’ll apply pressure from within the company. You had better step up as well—or when Ellie is finally located, she might come back in fragments, piece by scattered piece.”
She ended the call abruptly, her expression as cold and unyielding as frost.
Jane had always been sharp-minded, but fear for her daughter’s life had clouded her judgment completely—continuing to finance the very man responsible for Ellie’s suffering.
Gracie photographed the transaction details linked to Theoria Sciences and shared the image in the shareholders’ group chat, accompanied by a pointed message: “We previously committed funds to Theoria Sciences with zero returns. Why pour in more now? This company’s capital belongs to all of us—shouldn’t major investments require transparency and discussion beforehand?”
By framing it as a direct threat to everyone’s financial interests, Gracie ensured Alan would have no choice but to address the growing discontent publicly.
Armed with the printed transaction record, she marched straight to Alan’s office.
The moment she pushed the door open, Alan glared up fiercely. “Get out! This company is still under my control—not yours!”
“I strongly suggest you offer a proper justification,” Gracie countered evenly, dropping the report onto his desk. “Theoria Sciences has delivered nothing worthwhile. What possible reason is there for further investment?” Leaning in closer, her eyes darkened with accusation. “You know exactly what Theo is doing to Ellie—yet you’re still handing him money? Do you actually want her dead?”
Alan roared, swiping the papers angrily to the floor. “They’re married. Whatever confinement she faces is a private marital issue.”
“So you’re simply going to sit idle?”
“What else can I do?” he shot back irritably. “She chose that marriage herself. As her father, I’ve already gone above and beyond. The consequences aren’t on me. Regarding the investment, it’s strategic for strengthening ties with Stanley Group. Theo promised that once his breakthrough project succeeds, it will revolutionize the world stage. A modest stake for massive future gains… it’s a smart business move.”
Gracie stared at him in disbelief, as though witnessing profound stupidity. “A modest stake for massive gains? How have I never noticed your gullibility before? If anything fatal happens to Ellie, her blood will be on your hands. As a legitimate shareholder of Sullivan Group, I formally demand the immediate divestment from Theoria Sciences.”
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