Zachary’s expression changed.

Jacqueline had already contacted him. She repeatedly emphasized that he couldn’t let Tessa and Stephen know about their connection.

Since Cayden had already been caught, it wouldn’t be a big deal even if Tessa found out Zachary was involved with him.

Zachary shook his head. “No.”

Tessa glared at him and asked sharply, “Then how did you know? How did you know that James took me to Silverstone? How did you know about Stephen’s plan? Did you call the police on purpose so that neither of us would make it out alive?”

“No!” Zachary’s eyes trembled as he hurried to explain. “That’s not it, Tess. I didn’t know about Stephen’s plan. I only knew that James kidnapped you. I called the police to save you. How could I just stand by and watch something happen to you?”

Tessa’s patience was running thin. “I’ll ask you one last time. How did you know that James took me to Silverstone?”

“It… It was one of his men who told me…” Zachary looked away, clearly uneasy. Tessa’s gaze locked onto him. “Why would one of James’ men tell you?”

He said, “My company was on the verge of bankruptcy. I was looking everywhere for investors, but no one dared to help out after I’d offended the Jacobson family, the Somerton family, and your family.

“Then, a man named Cayden Lindth approached me. He said he was willing to invest and help Gomez Group get back on its feet, but the condition was that they would become the controlling shareholders.”

Of course, that wasn’t the truth. The person who approached him was actually Jacqueline, but he couldn’t say that.

“Cayden Lindth?” Tessa frowned.

The name sounded familiar.

Lucas’ former boss worked under Cayden. If she remembered correctly, Cayden had some influence in Rivertown. He had connections on both sides of the law and was known for being ruthless and unscrupulous.

He controlled dozens of companies; and financially, investing in Gomez Group would have been pointless to him.

Recently, Cayden had been arrested for illegal activities. That was when Tessa found out he was working for James. The companies he controlled in Orkford were simply doing James’ dirty work.

Logically, Cayden had no reason to invest in a failing company like Gomez Group.

With that kind of money, he could easily invest elsewhere for a much higher return.

As the thought crossed her mind, suspicion flickered in Tessa’s eyes.

She asked coldly, “Why would Cayden invest in Gomez Group? Your company was on the brink of bankruptcy. What benefit would he get? I’ve looked into Cayden before. He’s a ruthless opportunist. Investing in Gomez Group doesn’t sound like something he would do.”

“Because I agreed to work for James.” Zachary lowered his gaze as he answered

in an unreadable tone, “And…”

He paused for a few seconds, then looked Tessa straight in the eye. “He dug into my background. He found out that used to date you and that I had a grudge against the Jacobson family. That’s what he wanted. He wanted to use me to go after Stephen.”

Tessa’s brow furrowed deeper, her dark eyes flashing with anger. “Go after Stephen? You?”

The words hit Zachary like a slap. His eyes dimmed, and a flicker of pain passed through them.

His voice was hoarse as he said, “According to Cayden, James said that the more Stephen wanted something, the more he wanted take it away from him. Tearing you and Stephen apart was the easiest way to make Stephen suffer.”

“I’m sorry, Tess…” Zachary took a step forward and reached out, but Tessa

slapped his hand away.

“Don’t touch me!” she snapped while glaring at him.