Two Hundred and eight

CHAPTER 208

Anna hesitated, choosing her words carefully when dealing with Noel and Nicholas. "I can't say for sure, but Madame Michelle often mentioned a legacy , a vision that she wanted Alicia to fulfill. It involves not only running the company but also guarding it from unseen dangers. There is something Madame Michelle is hiding from all of us."

Nicholas crossed his arms over his chest, looking very curious about the relationship between Star Corporation, Golden Group, and Alpha Company. He then spoke up again, "There is something we would like to know about Madame Michelle. In the five years that you have been working with her, have you discovered anything strange, anything odd, that might tend to put Michelle and her husband at risk?"

Anna looked at Nicholas wordlessly, she seemed to be thinking. Because it took a few seconds, for her to finally speak up. "Don't businessmen always have competitors in the business world? It's a common thing. And, I can't determine if any of these people are causing a threat to Mrs. Michelle. I rarely go to the office and deal more with deeper matters. Madame Michelle was very fond of consulting about her work relationship and her past with Alicia. It was a complicated but sweet family relationship. She told me about little Alicia who was still adopted by her partner, then-"

"Wait, wait!" Nicholas cut Anna off. "Did you just say that Madame Michelle told you the story of Alicia's past?"

"Yes, Madame Michelle told me a lot. She wanted to live a normal family life with Alicia, but I don't know the exact details and how it all started, I heard that Madame Michelle and Mr. Edward couldn't meet Alicia. They only exchanged news through phone calls, video calls, or emails. It's quite a strange family relationship and sounds like it's only for business purposes, but when we know that Mrs. Michelle gave all her personal assets and company assets to the girl, we finally know that Mrs. Michelle really loves her adopted daughter with all her heart."

After hearing such long words from Anna, Nicholas and Noel fell silent. They seemed to be digesting Anna's words before concluding. This was a complicated case because it involved a family and a company. There are political elements in it. But, which one should be investigated first?

Noel finally spoke up, he cleared his throat and continued the conversation, "Do you know about the Golden Group? The company headed by Wilson Blake, owner of several companies in New York City?"

"Sure, we've met a few times."

Nicholas raised one eyebrow curiously, "You mean, you and Mr. Blake have met before?"

"Yes, I'm accompanying Madame Michelle at Alpha Company's annual charity event. It was a public event, she asked me to come to monitor some colleagues at the event and usually, businessmen who want to work with Madame Michelle will try to come to the event to attract her attention." Anna squinted, trying to recall the series of events that happened a few years back before Wilson Blake was admitted to the hospital. "It was such a disaster when after the meeting happened, Mr. Blake was hospitalized and went into a coma afterwards. I'm so sorry."

"Did Madame Michelle ever see Mr. Blake after he was admitted to the hospital?"

"She visited Mr. Blake in the hospital, I think it was her first and last visit, there was something about their last meeting at the charity event, and I think Madame Michelle started to dislike the owner of Golden Group from that day on." Anna smiled a little, then looked at the two men sitting opposite her in turn. "I never asked for details, unless Madame Michelle herself told me. My business is as her personal secretary, if she asks for something, then I have to prepare it."

"I heard that you worked with another company when you were with Madame Michelle?"

Anna looked thoughtful, before nodding. "That's true. And Madam Michelle knew about it too. So there was nothing to hide between us. Everything is transparent and a digital trail is available within Star Corporation."

Nicholas muttered, he couldn't miss this meeting to ask Anna as many questions as possible. "Do you know anything about Mrs. Michelle's personal wishes regarding the charity events she often does? Maybe she wants to save the children in the children's hospital?"

"A pediatric hospital?" asked Anna in confusion. "I thought Alpha Company focused on the children's education system rather than healthcare."

Nicholas and Noel looked at each other, realizing that they were stepping into a world where personal relationships, business dealings, and philanthropy were intertwined in an intricate dance. Anna's revelation about Mrs. Michelle's involvement with Wilson Blake and charity events added a new layer to an already complicated puzzle.

Nicholas leaned forward, his expression serious. "Tell me more about the charity event and Mrs. Michelle's personal desires. Does she have a particular cause close to her heart?"

Anna thought for a moment, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "Madame Michelle is an enthusiastic supporter of educational initiatives, especially for underprivileged children. She believes that empowering the younger generation can be done through knowledge. The charity events she organizes are mainly focused on raising funds for educational programs, scholarships, and the construction of schools in underprivileged areas."

Noel interjected, "Was there a particular incident or event that sparked the passion for education in Mrs. Michelle?"

Anna's eyes sparkled with a mixture of admiration and sadness. "She never explicitly mentioned the trigger, but I believe it started with her own struggles and her belief that education could be a powerful tool for change. Madame Michelle came from a humble family, and she often spoke of the challenges she faced in her early years. The business she built started from scratch, everything is a process and Mrs. Michelle wants children to know about the importance of struggle and sacrifice."

Nicholas senses a connection forming between Madame Michelle's past and her current actions. "So, this charity event is not just about public relations for Alpha Company?"