Chapter 579

Daniela was reviewing reports in her office when Lillian entered. "Daniela, Hackett and the others are here to see you."

Daniela glanced at the data, her lips curling into a faint smile. "They certainly didn't waste any time."

Lillian crossed her arms. "They're here to plead with you."

Daniela nodded, set aside the reports, and rose from her desk. "Let's go meet them."

They walked down to the reception room on the ground floor.

The group waited until Daniela was seated before they took their own seats, showing a marked deference from their previous encounters. "Ms. Harper, we understand you appreciate fresh seafood. We've brought you some premium deep-sea fish that just arrived in the city this morning.Perhaps you'd like to try it," Hackett suggested,signaling his secretary to hand the gift box to Lillian,who was standing behind Daniela.

The box was heavy, prompting Lillian to call over a security guard to take it.

"If it pleases you, I can arrange for more to be sent,"Hackett added.

The other six members of the group exchanged looks, their expressions souring.

Why didn't Hackett inform them to bring gifts too?How could he manage this alone?

This oversight left their smiles forced, a hint of resentment towards Hackett coloring their faces.

Daniela's smile broadened slightly. "Thank you, Mr.

Graves. What brings you all here today?"

Hackett glanced at his colleagues. They straightened up, their faces serious.

Huey, always quick to speak, broke the silence first."Ms. Harper, it seems there has been a significant misunderstanding between us."

Daniela's voice carried a hint of amusement. "Oh,really?"

Bruno interjected, "Yes, a severe misunderstanding.We only just realized ouur mistake and thought it crucial to clarify things with you, Ms. Harper. We wouldn't want to be misjudged."

Daniela raised an eyebrow. "That sounds quite grave."

Hackett also added, "Indeed, it's mainly my fault for not grasping your intentions earlier. We came here today to set the record straight. You know,when your mother's company, now Harper Group, rose to prominence and became an industry leader, we genuinely wanted her to join the association.However, because of one person, a misunderstanding arose between us, and that led to the tension and distance that followed. After your mother passed, we deeply regretted not resolving these issues with her. Now that you're here, we hope to correct that."

Hackett spoke eloquently, his tone filled with remorse.

The other six nodded emphatically. "Yes, we truly regretted it."

Daniela observed them quietly, offering no immediate response.

The room's atmosphere tensed up, but Hackett continued, "In fact, we've always held your mother in high regard. It's remarkable that she built such a large business as a woman. Unfortunately, she was cursed with a malicious sister and a foolish husband,which led to her tragic demise. Such a pitiful situation."

Hackett sighed deeply before continuing, "What we need to clarify today involves the structure of our association. Originally, we had eight leadership positions and the rest were members. We intended to elect your mother as a leader, but another individual yearned for that spot. When he discovered our plans to nominate your mother, he took drastic actions against her. It's bewildering to us. It was just a leadership role. Why would someone resort to harming a woman over it?"

The other six members nodded in agreement.

Bruno interjected, "I suggested at that time we could simply create an additional leadership position.It wasn't a big deal."

Farley added, "Exactly, rules were rigid, but there was always room for flexibility. Some people just took things too far."

Marc said, "Some people would do anything to get what they wanted. It's completely perplexing."

Several members voiced their thoughts in succession. They were attempting to deflect blame.

She smiled thinly. "What do you mean? I'm confused.Are you suggesting my mother's death wasn't merely an accident?"

Her query visibly shocked them.

Daniela continued, "Who are you referring to when you mention 'some people'? Are you indicating that this person was responsible for my mother's death?"

They were momentarily speechless, their thoughts scrambled.

What did this mean?

Daniela wasn't aware of this?

Did their admissions make them look foolish?

Did Daniela's focus on them stem solely from a business rivalry?

Could that be true?

Their faces fluctuated between pale and flushed, displaying both embarrassment and unease.

Daniela looked around calmly. "Who exactly are you talking about when you say 'some people'?"

The room fell silent.

Daniela's eyes swept the group. "Oh, Winslow isn't here today. Did you deliberately exclude him, or are you implying he's the one responsible? If you believed he killed my mother, why didn't you go to the police then? Why bring this up only now, after so much time?"