Chapter 1254

Chapter 1254:

“Mr. Welch, do you have a comment on the allegations that your company has driven someone to their death?”

Healy had anticipated some resistance, but nothing like this. His gaze flicked to the photographs clutched by the enraged residents. The man in them was unmistakable—the first one who had agreed to sign the contract the day before.

But in these photos, the man was no longer standing. His eyes were shut forever, his limbs twisted unnaturally as he lay sprawled on the pavement, a pool of blood beneath him. The photos clearly showed that he had committed suicide by jumping off the roof. Beside his body, in bold, red paint, were the words: “WE WILL NOT MOVE.”

A heavy weight settled in Healy’s chest. He hadn’t expected things to spiral into this kind of disaster. He attempted to address the crowd, to calm them down, but his words were drowned out by their outrage.

The residents in the west of Estresa, who were being forced to relocate due to the development project, gathered in front of the Welch Group building in a massive protest, demanding answers and refusing to be ignored. Their anger and desperation were fueled by the tragic death of one of their own, which had sparked widespread public condemnation. With the backlash intensifying and the media amplifying the controversy, the government had no choice but to intervene, leading to the temporary suspension of the project.

Inside his study, Aldwin watched the news unfold with a pleased expression.

“Well done. There’s no trail leading back to us, is there?”

“None, sir. That man was already drowning in debt. His creditors got to him first—threw him off the building. I just made sure the scene pointed to the Welch Group instead.”

Aldwin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

“Is that so? Even better. Saves us the trouble.”

The subordinate hesitated before asking, “So, boss, what’s our next move?”

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Aldwin leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

“The development project is too important to delay for long. With Welch Group out of the way, the government will need a replacement—before public anger shifts to them. Lilian is already working with Homelight Enterprise. I’ll have her bring Jared into this. If he joins the project, Homelight Enterprise and the Perkins family will be seen as one entity. That kind of backing will make it impossible for the government to ignore us.”

“Understood, sir. I’ll contact Miss Perkins now.”

In Ansport, Lilian had meticulously prepared a proposal for the Fisherman’s Cove project. With a confident stride, she carried it into Jared’s office and placed it squarely on his desk.

“Sweetheart, take a look.”

Jared picked it up, flipping through the pages with a discerning gaze. The proposal was solid—ambitious, even—but certain aspects leaned on the aggressive side.

After reading it, he set the document down.

“Whether this can be implemented will require a discussion with the board of directors.” Lilian’s lips curved into a slight pout, a flicker of dissatisfaction in her expression.

Despite the fact that she and Jared were now a couple, his approach toward her remained strictly professional. Even though he had the authority to make decisions, he insisted on seeking board approval. Still, recalling the mission her father had entrusted to her, Lilian chose not to press the matter.

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