Chapter 418 Will Not Let Them Off So Easily

He simply didn't believe it. The Lockhart family was formidable, undeniably, but could they truly control everything single-handedly? Moreover, he believed his family's company was not to be trifled with. Apart from apologizing, other solutions had to exist.

With that in mind, Kieran defiantly declared, "In any case, I'm not going to apologize. You all figure it out." Then he left with an air of arrogance.

William watched his son's retreating figure, sighing heavily. "Oh, this child! He's stubborn when he shouldn't be, and when he should be, he's as stubborn as a mule. What are we to do?"

"William, please calm down," Alicent implored. "There must be other ways to solve this."

"No, you two are underestimating Lockhart Group," William said, shaking his head helplessly. "Even though our company and their corporation never interfered with each other's business in the past, I've heard of Sebastian's prowess. At a young age, he took over the family business and shouldered half the financial world's burdens. Could such a person be considered ordinary?"

Upon hearing this, Alicent looked troubled. "Well, it seems we have no choice but to try and persuade Kieran again, while also considering other possible solutions."

William nodded. "We can only do so."

In the following days, William was constantly busy dealing with the matter. After finishing at the construction site, he still had to give a statement at the police station. Meanwhile, the homebuyers relentlessly protested online, criticizing the shoddy construction as a dangerous scam that could cost lives. They demanded full compensation.

Nonetheless, William couldn't allow that. He continuously pleaded with his lawyer to clear things up online, simultaneously blaming the contractor who'd been on-site, claiming misappropriation of materials. The company also promised to refurbish the houses and offer more favorable prices to the buyers. Meanwhile, the contractor sat in a holding cell, enduring prison meals, utterly unaware he was the scapegoat.

However, after William's clarification, the online accusations noticeably subsided. The blame shifted entirely onto the irresponsible contractor.

Chapter 418 Will Not Let Them Off So Easily

And so, William finally breathed a sigh of relief, if only for a moment. Before long, the news reached Madelyn.

Madelyn chuckled coldly. "William Jiminez is indeed cunning, shifting all the blame onto an innocent person, ironically locked up in jail, with no chance to defend himself. Tsk, what a clever scheme indeed."

Upon hearing this, Jillian nodded thoughtfully. "That contractor is being treated rather unfairly, isn't he? All of this had nothing to do with him. At most, he could be accused of withholding information and aiding in the crime, right?"

"No, it's not that simple," Madelyn said, smiling profoundly. "Real estate is fiercely competitive. Do you think Jiminez Corporation reached its current position without some tricks up its sleeve?"

Upon hearing this, Jillian expressed her confusion, "What do you mean?"

"If I'm not mistaken, Jiminez Corporation already found a way to silence the police, ensuring everything goes smoothly."

Jillian was taken aback. "What? Are you implying they bribed the police to intentionally put all the blame on the contractor?"

"I can't be sure, but there's an eighty-percent chance," Madelyn said.

"What should we do then?" Jillian panicked. "If they really manage to clear their name, wouldn't all your efforts be wasted?"

Madelyn smiled confidently. "That's not necessarily the case. As I said before, I won't let them off so easily."

Even though Jillian didn't understand Madelyn's words, seeing her confident demeanor, she didn't ask for clarification.

In the following days, just as the Jiminez family thought their troubles were over, the situation escalated dramatically. Sebastian's oppression was relentless, giving them no respite. In the entire city, how many businesses dared to refuse Lockhart Group? Almost overnight, all of Jiminez Corporation's contracts were put on hold or terminated. Suppliers and sponsors alike declined to collaborate. Being unable to proceed with contracts meant the company was forced to cease operations.

Overnight, William's hair turned stark white from worry. He was overwhelmed with anxiety, exclaiming, "Oh dear, whatever am I to do?"

Chapter 418 Will Not Let Them Off So Easily

Jiminez Corporation's situation was devastating. The stocks plummeted, but that wasn't even the worst part. All company projects were abruptly halted, preventing capital circulation. Shareholders pressured William during a meeting, demanding a swift resolution.

William became even more distressed. He'd nearly exhausted his connections, but who dared oppose Sebastian? Ultimately, William was at his wit's end, sending people to apprehend Kieran again.

The moment William saw his disappointing son, his temper flared. He tossed a stack of documents at Kieran.

"Kieran, take a look for yourself!"

In a dazed state, Kieran picked up the documents. After trying for a while, he returned them helplessly.

"Dad, I don't understand what these mean…"

"You good-for-nothing!" William was about to explode. He snatched the documents, slamming them onto the table. "You brat, do you have any idea that because you messed with the wrong person, our family business is on the brink of collapse!"

Upon hearing this, Kieran's eyes widened in disbelief. "What! No way! Our family business is vast and strong; how could it possibly collapse because of such a trivial matter?"

"Isn't it all because of you!" William almost had a heart attack. "Do you really think Lockhart Group is a pushover? All our company's projects are on hold, and we can't maintain cash flow! If this continues, do you think our company will even have a future?"

"No way…" Kieran was dumbfounded.

"Do you really think I'd deceive you?" William said, sighing heavily.