Chapter 162
Chapter 162 Hunt for the Paparazzi
“What is it?” Arabella answered the call, keeping her eyes on the road.
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“I found out who was behind spreading those pictures of you and Mr. Stewart online,” Colton reported, his tone serious.
“Who was it?”
“Harper and Dylan,” Colton stated.
Hearing those two names, Arabella’s foot instinctively pressed harder on the brake, bringing the car to a sudden, sharp stop at the side of the road.
“Those two again? They just don’t know when to quit…” Arabella’s grip tightened on the steering wheel, her gaze fixed ahead with clear displeasure. She had dealt with them not long ago at the hospital. How much time had passed? And they were still skulking around, taking pictures of her at the mall? How utterly irritating
But then again, a doubt nagged at her. Did they really have the nerve? When she was at the mall with Matthew, she hadn’t spotted any sign of Dylan or Harper. If it was really them, how had she missed it?
She pressed Colton for confirmation. “Are you absolutely sure it was Dylan and Harper behind the online posts?”
“Positive. I followed the digital trail back to a physical location. When I checked it out, I found the two of them at an electronics repair shop, trying to get a phone fixed,” Colton explained. He had been a bit surprised himself to see them there.
“But that phone is a lost cause now. Even if they find someone to tinker with it, it won’t function. All the data, including your photos, has been permanently wiped,” Colton reported.
“Good,” Arabella said, feeling a slight release of tension.
“Even though their phone is bricked, these two keep finding new ways to cause trouble for you. This time, they actually followed you and took pictures in secret.
“I think we should send a clear message. Teach them a proper lesson so they remember. Otherwise, who knows what they might try next Colton suggested, his voice low.
Listening to his suggestion, Arabella fell silent for a moment. Last time at the hospital, she had given them a warning. Who would have thought they’d completely ignore it and still dare to provoke her, even going so far as to take photos and spread rumors online? Their behavior was crossing a line.
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Chapter 162 Hunt for the Paparazzi
Since they were asking for it again, she couldn’t be blamed for being decisive.
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“If their hands are so itchy, make sure the memory sticks. Just ensure nothing gets broken- aside from that, you have discretion,” Arabella ordered coolly.
“Understood. With your go–ahead, this will be straightforward. I guarantee they’ll remember this for a long time to come,” Colton replied, his expression hardening.
“Alright, handle it as you see fit,” Arabella said.
“By the way, that painting you asked me to sell last time already has a buyer. Should I transfer the proceeds to your account?” Colton asked, shifting topics.
“No need to transfer it all. Keep one–third as your commission,” Arabella instructed.
“Alright. I won’t stand on ceremony, then.”
“What about the other task I gave you–driving a wedge between Carter and Freya? Why haven’t I heard any updates?” Arabella inquired.
“I’ve had someone trying to get close to Carter, but he’s been out from dawn till dusk lately. Seems he’s busy seeking investors for some project, so we haven’t found the right moment to leak the information to him.
“But don’t worry, I’ll get this wrapped up as soon as possible,” Colton assured her.
“Carter is seeking investors?” Arabella asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Looks like he’s trying to salvage the Macdonald family business. He’s been putting in more hustle lately than he ever did when he was actually running the place,” Colton said, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
“Trying to save the family business? Just him? That’s wishful thinking,” Arabella scoffed coldly. The Macdonald family was practically penniless. Who would be willing to invest in them?
“With Carter running around all day, has there been any movement from Freya and the Clark family?” Arabella asked next.
“The Clarks have been quietly acquiring some smaller local businesses recently. Seems like they’re trying to expand their own operations,” Colton speculated.
Arabella frowned slightly, puzzled. “Didn’t we drain a significant portion of the Clark family’s assets? Where are they getting the capital to buy up businesses?”
“Even though we took a large chunk, over the years the Clarks have been funneling money they siphoned from the Macdonald family into side investments. They’ve managed to grow
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Chapter 162 Hunt for the Paparazzi
that seed money. So, they still have some funds to play with for expansion,” Colton explained.
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“Investing? Those Clarks actually know how to invest?” Arabella said with a mix of disbelief and scorn.
“Look into it. See if there’s someone behind the scenes advising the Clark family,” Arabella ordered. She didn’t believe the Clarks had the acumen for this on their own.
“Will do.”
“But, to be honest, the more the Clark family expands right now, the better it might play into our hands. They can’t really touch us.
“At this point, the Clark family is only marginally weaker than the Macdonald family was at its peak. Within the wealthy circles of Meridian, they’ve quietly moved into the ranks of the established elite. Carter just hasn’t realized it yet
“If Carter finds out the truth about their finances and their expansions, the tension is bound to explode. Then we can step back and let things unfold, positioning ourselves to take over all the Clark family’s acquisitions…” Colton’s voice trailed off, a new strategic plan seeming to take shape in his mind.
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