daughter in favor of an adopted one was unprecedented.
The new revelation stirred much interest, and it quickly became the talk of the town.
Additionally, the scandal surrounding a particular birthday party a few months earlier and the car accident involving Margot were linked to rumors of deliberate malice, among other gossip.
Enthusiastic onlookers began to compile the events into a single narrative, and anyone who read the report couldn’t help but
condemn the Johansons.
As a result, the Johansons‘ reputation plummeted.
In order to avoid being dragged down with them and facing the same reputation, all the prominent families in Veridian City
severed their ties with them.
After the Stewarts made their public statement, numerous businesses that had been eager to align with them also terminated
their partnerships with Johanson Group.
Several projects were abruptly halted, Johanson Group’s cash flow collapsed, and their stock prices plummeted to a halt, edging ever closer to bankruptcy.
Desperate, Fred and Martha struggled to secure loans or sponsorships. They were forced to sell off their cars and property. But for the crumbling Johanson Group, the funds amounted to little more than a drop in the ocean.
With nowhere left to turn, Martha suddenly recalled the money she had saved up for Margot over the years.
The couple hurried to the bank, only to be told by the manager that the money had been transferred to a charity account months
- 280.
Still unwilling to accept it, they stormed to the charity organization in a fit of rage.
The next day, the head of the charity organization reported the incident to major media outlets, while also widely publicizing Margot’s donation.
Both news stories quickly made the trending lists, further worsening the Johansons‘ already dire situation.
Chapter 25
Fred, Martha, and Charles were furious, but they had no leverage to challenge the Stewarts.
+15 BONUS
They had originally intended to swallow their pride and plead with Margot, but despite pulling every string, they couldn’t get in
touch with her.
In the midst of their frustration, the police arrived at the door.
“We’ve received a report from Miss Margot Stewart. Maisie Johanson is suspected of being involved in an attempted murder case.
“Following legal procedures, we are here to detain her for questioning. We ask for your cooperation.”
The Johansons, already on the brink of collapse, had their defenses shattered in an instant.
It was especially hard for Charles who stubbornly refused to acknowledge the situation. He even resisted the investigation by assaulting an officer and was subsequently detained.
The police searched the Johansons‘ home but couldn’t find Maisie.
It was then that Fred and Martha realized that since the Johansons‘ downfall, Maisie had rarely been seen. Fearing she might harm herself, they enlisted relatives and housekeepers to help look for her.
Eventually, the police, accompanied by the Johansons, located Maisie at a bar.
She was sitting next to the drunken Joey, crying and complaining loudly.
“Joey, I never liked Charles. I’ve always liked you. If you hadn’t abandoned me at the airport that day, I would have married you.
“I know you have feelings for me. Now that the Johansons are ruined, no one will take me in. I’m left with nothing but you…”
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