Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 451

With a grin, Ethan changed his tone, chuckling lightly. “I know you’re just following orders, Brandon. I won’t make things hard for you. I’ll cooperate with your investigation. But please do take this seriously. Tax evasion is no small matter for a listed company. If this gets out and causes volatility in the Meyer Group’s stock, it could upset millions of shareholders. This is not something to be taken lightly.”

Brandon looked at Ethan, seemingly surprised he was so cooperative. He had anticipated resistance. Then he could just accuse Ethan of an obstruction and close the case. But the situation was unfolding differently than he’d predicted.

As he lost himself in thought, Ethan turned to Lucas. “Lucas, take Brandon and his team to our finance department. Give them all the relevant financial documents from the past few years. Whatever they want to know, make sure our finance team cooperates fully.”

Lucas nodded and led the way. “Brandon, this way please.”

Ethan let out a cold laugh before reaching for his phone. He noticed several missed calls from Ines. He quickly called her back, and was greeted with Ines’ anxious voice, “Ethan, what’s going on? You weren’t answering my calls. Is something wrong at the company?”

Ethan smirked. This woman was too perceptive. She had figured it out already. “Nothing major. The IRS is here to audit our finances. They received a tip-off that the Meyer Group might be evading taxes.”

Ines gasped, “How could this happen?”

Ethan reassured her, “Someone’s trying to provoke us. But don’t worry. I know our finances better than anyone. There’s no major issue here.”

Ines sternly replied, “Ethan, don’t only tell me the good news. Remember what I told you before. Always keep me in the loop, no matter what. I’m stronger than you think.”

“Izzy, I’m not hiding anything from you. They’re really just here to audit us.”

“Are you sure?” Ines asked, uncertain.

“Relax. I’m telling the truth, every word of it.”

Feeling reassured, Ines changed the subject. “Ethan, are you sure there are no problems with the Meyer Group’s finances?”

“Izzy, you’re the expert here. You know no listed company’s finances are entirely clean. There are always some issues. But don’t worry. If our accountants can’t find anything, these guys won’t either. They’re not here for that.”

“I’m asking because I know it. Just be careful, okay?”

“Don’t worry. I’ve prepared for this. I’ve sorted out the finance department not too long ago. There won’t be any major issues. I’ll just play along with their game.”

“If there’s anything you can’t handle, I’ll help you figure it out.”

Ethan laughed. “Our finance department isn’t just for show. They can handle this. You just wait at home for me. Don’t overthink about it. I might be home late tonight, so go to bed early. Don’t wait up for me.”

How could she sleep if he wasn’t home? Ines retorted, “I don’t just sleep when I have nothing to do. You better come home early. I’ll be waiting.” The unsaid implication was that she wouldn’t sleep until he came home.

Ethan chuckled. “That means he’s finally maturing, knowing what’s best for him.” If a man chose to be petty at such a time, he’d definitely not get good results.

Ines laughed. Noel’s decision to lend a hand was undoubtedly the right one. If he could help, Phoebe would certainly be grateful. If he couldn’t manage to make it, at least he tried. Either way, he’d leave a good impression on Phoebe. It seemed Noel wasn’t as foolish as he seemed when it mattered.

“He doesn’t seem to mind playing the part of the unsung hero,”

Ethan told Ines, “He’s all in now. But with Noel on our side, things might just look up. Noel’s got a much better handle on this than I do. His older sister is a renowned doctor, and her husband hails from a family famous in the medical field. He’s the head of a hospital and holds major stakes in several well-known hospitals in A City. They have known many experts in the medical field. They always dote on Noel. If he ask them for their help, they will definitely go all out.”

Ines perked up at his words. Her voice was filled with a touch of excitement. “Does Noel really have that kind of influence?”

“Yes, he does. But Izzy, aren’t you getting a bit too invested? Why are you so happy?”

Ines let out a chuckle. Here he went again. She thought, his bouts of jealousy were almost predictable. “Stop being so jealous. I told you, he’s a good friend of mine. I remember everything now. I can’t just stand by and do nothing if he’s in trouble. Let’s stop discussing this. You should come home early tonight.”

“I didn’t say anything. You don’t have to explain so much to me.”

“Oh, please. Do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking about, Mr. Green-Eyed Monster?” Ethan laughed softly at her words, and they continued to chat aimlessly for a while before finally ending the call.