Chapter 392

The tragedy unfolded like this.

Two years prior, a subsidiary under Blackwood Enterprises had developed a luxury residential complex named Emerald Heights. A devastating fire broke out in the penthouse unit owned by businessman Gregory Sinclair, claiming the lives of his wife and their six-year-old son.

The arsonist was swiftly apprehended - the family's live-in nanny, Josephine Blackwood.

Josephine had grown increasingly greedy, unable to resist the temptation of valuables in the Sinclair household. Initially, she stole Margaret Sinclair's jewelry undetected. But during her latest theft, she was caught red-handed.

Margaret, known for her fiery temper, threatened to report her to authorities.

Terrified of imprisonment, Josephine set the penthouse ablaze, attempting to destroy all evidence of her crimes...

The horrific incident immediately became media fodder.

Every major news network and publication condemned Josephine's actions while public outrage turned toward Blackwood Enterprises. Unverified reports claimed fire trucks faced multiple obstacles - illegal green belts blocking access roads, the building's excessive height, and critically deficient fire safety systems compounded by negligent property management. These factors allegedly delayed firefighters from reaching the mother and child in time.

With Blackwood's influence, the scandal could have been contained if handled immediately.

But the subsidiary's manager, fearing repercussions, attempted damage control independently. They issued their own press release while delaying reports to corporate headquarters. Their efforts proved futile as media outlets nationwide picked up the story.

Public interest skyrocketed. The incident trended across social platforms, spiraling beyond containment.

Outraged netizens rallied behind Gregory Sinclair, vilifying Blackwood Enterprises.

Emerald Heights residents panicked about safety standards. News channels showed refund demands and homeowner protests becoming frequent occurrences.

Blackwood's stock prices plummeted dramatically...

At midnight, Evelyn emerged from her shower to find Dominic's study light still on.

He remained buried in work.

Her heart ached for him.

While her design projects gave her headaches, Dominic managed a multinational corporation - exhausting enough without this arson scandal.

She understood his turmoil.

The man had fought for everything. Born as the Crawford family's illegitimate child, his childhood was marked by abandonment and depression. Even after being reclaimed by the Crawfords, he faced endless family scandals. Through sheer determination, he resurrected a failing company into an empire within years. No one knew the sacrifices behind his success.

Before meeting him, Evelyn recalled reading about Dominic in a financial magazine featuring remarkable corporate turnarounds. Blackwood Enterprises topped the list.

Back then, not yet thirty, he'd already become one of the continent's wealthiest individuals.

With a heavy heart, Evelyn poured Dominic a glass of milk and headed toward the study.

Ring ring...

The landline's shrill tone interrupted her.

An unknown number flashed. Hesitant, she answered.

"Dominic?" Beatrice Lockwood's voice crackled through.

"Aunt..." Evelyn forced the greeting.

Hearing Evelyn's voice, Beatrice suppressed her irritation. "Put my son on the phone!"

Evelyn doubted maternal concern motivated this late call. She refused to distract Dominic from work.

"He's showering. The company crisis has exhausted him. Could you call tomorrow?"

"Who do you think you are?" Beatrice exploded. "How dare you block me from speaking to my own son? Evelyn, don't think Dominic's protection gives you license to disrespect elders! Connect me now!"

"If it's not urgent, I'm hanging up. Call tomorrow." Evelyn disconnected, ignoring the insults.

She'd long accepted Beatrice's disdain wouldn't change. No point hoping otherwise.

Shaking off the unpleasantness, she carried the milk toward the study.

The door stood slightly ajar.

Inside, Dominic worked intently. His phone lit up - Lillian Prescott calling.

Evelyn answered silently.

"Mr. Blackwood?" Lillian's saccharine yet anxious voice floated through. "Are you busy?"

Hearing only breathing, Lillian continued softly, "I've analyzed the incident reports thoroughly. The nanny's solely at fault. Public shouldn't blame Blackwood Enterprises. Do you... need assistance? My father could intervene. With his influence, matters would resolve much smoother..."

Evelyn's grip on the phone tightened.

As the Provincial Committee Secretary's daughter, Lillian possessed formidable connections. Her family could easily contain such scandals.

But selfishly, Evelyn wanted no contact between them.

Any woman would feel threatened by such a powerful rival coveting her man.

Moreover, Jonathan Prescott's involvement would complicate matters. Dominic would owe an unquantifiable debt - financial obligations were simple, but favors from politicians? Entirely different.

Evelyn remained eerily calm.

She caught Dominic's attention, handed him the phone. "Lillian's calling."

Dominic took it coldly. "What is it, Ms. Prescott? I'm exhausted. Unless urgent, I'm retiring with my wife."

Lillian's disappointment was palpable as the line went dead...