Chapter 229: Allison stepped out of the vi, took a deep breath, and set to work, diving headfirst into the problem at hand.


    She quickly dialed Gordons number.


    Gordon, I need you to investigate someone for me.


    His name is Deandre Schultz.


    Hes currently the acting president of a subsidiary under the Stevens Group.


    Get me everything you canbackground, finances, rtionshipseverything.


    Allison already had a general sense of the scheme Colton and Mny were concocting.


    They were persistent, constantly buzzing around her, trying to provoke her.


    Since they wouldnt back down, she decided it was time to strike first.


    If it were just some trivial emotional entanglement, she would have dealt with it herself.


    But this involved a Stevens Group subsidiary.


    This was a deeper issue.


    Mishandling it could create ripples that might draw Keanus attention.


    He was getting older and didnt need the added stress of family drama.


    The voice on the other end of the line sounded sulky.


    Im not doing it… Gordons initial excitement when he received Allisons call had quickly deted.


    He had been hoping she wanted to visit Cobweb, but instead, she got straight to business.


    Three times, boss.


    You said youde see us three whole times! His voice brimmed with indignation.


    Even someone who breaks promises wouldnt be this bad.


    Allison sighed, Ive been swamped with issuestely.


    Ill definitely visit Cobweb once things settle down.


    Since her divorce, there hadnt been a single peaceful day in Ontdale.


    Despite hisints, Gordon was already gathering the information and sending it to her in real time.


    Boss, if you need, I can deploy some people from Cobweb to protect you.


    Most of the trouble youre digging into seems to be tied to the Stevens and Lloyd families.


    Are they harassing you? I could dig up some dirt on them, leak a fewmercial secrets, and bring them downall under Cobwebs name.


    Though his voice remained calm, the irritation was clear.


    To Gordon, Ontdale was full of people who didnt know their ce.


    No need, Allison replied while skimming through the documents hed just sent.


    Cobweb, as the worldsrgest informationwork, must remain discreet and impartial.


    We cant involve ourselves in personal vendettas orpromise our principles for the sake of trivial disputes.


    Yeah, yeah, I figured youd say that, Gordon grumbled, sounding wounded.


    Youre always so strict.


    Fine, Ill just wait for you here until you have time to visit me.


    Allison chuckled.


    Gordon, youre always so dramatic.


    She hung up, a soft smile lingering on her lips.


    Her expression turned serious as she focused on the information before her.


    Deandre Schultz, thirty-four years old, had no formal education or notable skills.


    When he assumed leadership of the subsidiary, he filled it with rtives and friends, leading to chaotic management.


    Productivity plummeted, and many employees were being paid for doing absolutely nothing.


    As for why headquarters hadnt gged the subsidiarys poor performance, that was obviousDeandre had protection.


    Allisons gaze narrowed as she scanned the address of Deandres residence.


    If she remembered correctly, Lindy Stevens, Coltons mother, visited Deandres ce at least three or four times a month.


    Deandre mightck business acumen, but he had a smooth tongue and a pretty facequalities that seemed to have earned him Lindys favor.


    It seems Lindy is involved, Allison murmured to herself.


    She recalled her time at the subsidiary, trying to identify the source of its financial losses.


    After months of diligent investigation, just as she was close to uncovering the truth, Lindy intervened and had her kicked out.


    Shed even warned Colton that Allison was drawing too much attention and damaging the Stevens family name.


    Allison had been blindsided by that betrayal, never expecting that, yearster, she would be used of causing the very downfall she had tried to prevent.


    Before she could delve further into the files, her phone rang again.


    It was Keanu.


    Allison, tomorrow is my eightieth birthday, Keanus voice boomed cheerfully.


    I havent seen you in ages, and I miss you dearly.


    You muste.


    Allison forced a polite smile as she responded, Keanu, I dont think its appropriate.


    Colton and I are divorced now.


    Theres no need for me to attend.


    Nonsense! Keanu cut her off sharply.


    I made myself very clearst time.


    The Stevens family only recognizes you as Coltons wife.


    Since youre no longer that, youre my granddaughter.


    His voice turned icy as he continued, As for that so-called grandson of mine? Colton is just a useless fool.


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