Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 98

Ines found herself mildly touched as she reflected upon her aunt's words from the past. She had spoken of the Galeana Group's ascension to success being closely tied to her grandparents' unwavering support. The Page family had not only offered financial aid but also expanded their network of connections. Furthermore, her mother was an accomplished woman who functioned as Hunter's right-hand confidante. These elements, combined, fostered an environment for the Galeana Group to flourish and evolve into the powerhouse it is today.

Hunter held 52% of the shares, while her mother held 20%. After her mother’s death, her aunt had questioned Hunter about the ownership of the shares, but he claimed ignorance. Her aunt had always thought that Hunter had secretly transferred the shares to his name. Little did they know, her mother had made arrangements a long time ago.

Ines had always had mixed feelings towards her mom, a blend of resentment and love. She despised her mother’s selfishness in seeking such a violent escape, leaving her alone in this world. Yet, she also pitied her mother for giving her all for a man, only to be rewarded with cold-hearted betrayal and infidelity.

“What’s the point of all this now?” Ines said with a mocking smirk. She was capable of earning her own living. Plus, with everything Ethan had given her, she wasn’t exactly strapped for cash.

“Ines, this is your mother’s will. If you want her to rest in peace, you should respect her wishes.”

“Rest in peace? I think the thing that would let my mother rest the most peacefully is seeing you, the traitor, getting what you deserve,” Ines retorted.

Hunter went pale at her words, and he trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly. Silas quickly stepped forward to steady him, frowning at Ines, “Ms. Ines, Mr. Galeana just got discharged from the hospital a few days ago. The doctor said he can’t be stressed out anymore.”

Ines scoffed, slamming the documents on the table before grabbing her bag and storming out of the Galeana Group.

Silas turned to Abel, “Sorry for wasting your time, Abel. Ms. Ines might need some time to accept this. I’ll get in touch with you once she’s come around.”

Abel nodded, “I’ve been waiting for years. A little more time won’t hurt.” He gathered the documents on the table into his bag and left the Galeana Group.

Hunter clutched his chest and leaned on the table to slowly sit down. Silas poured him a glass of water and handed him two pills from a drawer.

Hunter swallowed the pills with the water.

“Mr. Galeana, the hospital called again. They said you can’t put off your treatment any longer. You need to be admitted immediately for chemotherapy, or your condition will become unmanageable.”

Hunter waved his hand dismissively, “How can I go to the hospital under these circumstances? There’s no one in the Galeana Group that I can fully trust to take over. If news of my illness gets out, the Galeana Group’s stock price will definitely become unstable. I won’t let my life’s work go down the drain.”

Silas shook his head, “Ms. Ines is just as stubborn as you. Once she sets her mind on something, no one can change it.”

Ines ran into Emma at the door who was waiting for her with a smirk, clearly in a good mood.

Ines frowned, a bad feeling creeping up on her.

“Sister, let’s find a place to talk. You married into such a great family, and I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you yet.”

Ines detested her fake expression and turned to leave.

“Sister, how did you muster up the courage to marry Ethan? Aren’t you afraid of ghosts coming for their debts?” Emma revealed her true intentions when she saw Ines leaving. Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Emma’s question stopped Ines in her tracks.

Ines froze, and Emma’s smirk grew wider. “I almost forgot you lost your memories, so you can simply dismiss the past as if it never happened and play the role of Mrs. Meyer with a clear conscience.”

Her words made Ines’s head spin. She hadn’t noticed the connection between the two incidents until Emma reminded her.

Right, Beasley also died in a car accident five years ago, in the fall.

The timing of the two incidents matched perfectly, but what did that have to do with her? Beasley’s accident happened while he was on duty.

Ines turned around, trying to hide her stiffness, “If you continue to spout nonsense, I won’t hesitate to sue you for defamation.”

Emma laughed, “Ines, don’t joke around. Don’t forget, if I hadn’t dropped the charges against you, you’d still be in jail.”

Ines was sick and tired of being reminded of her past sins.

Ines’s eyes widened, turning slightly red, like a demon from hell. She suddenly yelled, “Emma, I’m warning you, don’t push me. I won’t hesitate to hit you again.”

This side of Ines reminded Emma of the past, the shrill sound of brakes, the approaching car, the fear of imminent death. She suddenly couldn’t breathe, her lips turned white, and she began to tremble.

Ines's sustained patience over the years had nearly caused her to lose sight of the fact that she was engaged with a madman, one who could resort to the unthinkable when backed into a corner.

“I...I’m not making things up. It was a chain collision. You suddenly drove towards me, hitting not only me but also a soldier who was on duty.” Emma stuttered. The incident had made the news, but all the newspapers were soon withdrawn, and the report about the accident was completely suppressed. If she hadn’t snuck a glance at Erica crying her eyes out in the hospital, she wouldn’t even know that the other car belonged to a soldier, and the eldest son of the Meyer family, no less.

“There’s no way my car could’ve hit a military vehicle. If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.” Ines was very resistant to the idea.

"That day, the guy was driving an ordinary sedan, supposedly an undercover cop chasing a criminal, speeding like crazy. Your grandma-in-law, the soldier's mom, passed out once because of this. I only found out the guy's identity by eavesdropping on their chat."

"You better be telling the truth."

Ines glared at Emma, trying to spot a hint of lying from her face, but came up empty. "Sister, if you really want to know the truth of the matter, the easiest way is to ask the Meyer family. I believe they'll give you a straight answer," Emma suggested.