Chapter 416: Offended the Financial Backer

“What, do you have objections?” William immediately turned his head and shot the woman a glare. The woman shivered under his intense gaze, not daring to utter a word of dissent. After all, William was notoriously strict. Thus, she had no choice but to begin immediately.

Meanwhile, at Lockhart Group, an expressionless Sebastian sat on his leather couch, replaying Madelyn’s words from the previous night: “I won’t let them off the hook!” He mused, “If I’m not mistaken, Madelyn should have already acted by now, right?”

However, she might not realize Jiminez Corporation’s strong foundation. It’s a titan of the real estate industry; dealing with them effectively requires the right approach. She could, at most, cause a minor disruption; she couldn’t shake its foundation.

With these thoughts, Sebastian squinted before calling Malcolm. “Malcolm, I need you to do something for me.” Malcolm nodded. “Please give your orders, Mr. Lockhart.” Malcolm leaned close, listening intently as Sebastian outlined the events and the necessary steps. Finally, Malcolm nodded. “I understand. I’ll handle it now.”

Half an hour later, at a city-center construction site, the winter sun was mild. Workers, uniformly clad in dust-proof suits and helmets, labored diligently. Despite this, they looked disheveled, their faces smeared with cement and dust.

Several hours later, the contractor called for a break. The workers rushed to the water source, drinking eagerly. Then, sirens wailed in the distance, growing closer. The workers looked toward the road and saw two police cars approaching their site.

The leading officer bellowed, and everyone obediently raised their hands, looking confused. The contractor, visibly flustered and anxious, approached the officer. “Officer, what brings you here so unexpectedly?”

The officer snorted. “This property belongs to Jiminez Corporation, doesn’t it?” “Yes, yes, indeed,” the contractor replied hastily, nodding.

The officer, concisely, stated, “We received a report alleging substandard work. Insufficient steel reinforcement and excessive water in the cement and bricks have been suggested. We’re here to investigate.”

The contractor felt unexpected relief. “Oh, I see. Officer, in large-scale projects, skepticism is inevitable. These are minor issues; you needn't concern yourself.” He then slipped a pack of high-quality cigarettes into the officer’s pocket.

The officer pulled out the cigarettes, giving the contractor a meaningful glance. “You know, this could be seen as bribery, which is illegal.”

The contractor smirked. “Come on, officer, it’s not your first time here. Haven’t I always done this? This project is massive, a Jiminez Corporation project! Can you afford to offend…”

“So, you’re suggesting I turn a blind eye?” the officer countered.

The contractor grinned, giving a thumbs-up. “Impressive, officer. A wise man adapts. How will you handle this? Rest assured, I won’t interfere.” The contractor stepped back.

The officer twirled the cigarette, smiling. “This contractor has bribed officers before. Arrest him!” “Yes, sir!” Several officers stepped forward and handcuffed the contractor.

The contractor hadn’t anticipated this. He protested, “Officer, I’m innocent! Please don’t arrest me!”

The inspectors concluded their investigation. “Sir, as the complaints suggested, this project is substandard. Future residents’ safety can’t be guaranteed.” “I understand,” the officer acknowledged, nodding slightly. He then ordered, “You all can take the day off. The police need to thoroughly inspect this place.”

The overjoyed workers removed their dirty clothes and went home. Soon, the news reached William’s ears. He exploded in fury. “Who reported us!”

William had always cut corners but had never been caught. He never expected this day, where everything was unexpectedly exposed. He seethed with rage.

Then, someone rushed in. “Mr. Jiminez, bad news! The situation’s been exposed by the media. Clients want to cancel. Authorities are investigating. Things aren’t looking good…”

“What!” William was consumed by anger. “Didn’t I say this was confidential? Who leaked it?” “I don’t know either.”

William roared, “Impossible! This isn’t a coincidence! Someone is plotting against Jiminez Corporation!”

Another person rushed in. “Mr. Jiminez, we investigated. It’s Mr. Kieran. He offended Sebastian Lockhart at the last gathering; that’s why we’re in this situation…”