Chapter 123 Conspiracy and Suspicion
+8 Pearls
I cast a measured glance at the lab report clutched in the werewolf’s hand. Whether it bore the mark of truth or deception was impossible to tell at a glance. The crowd pressed closer, eyes gleaming with suspicion, voices teetering on the edge of dutrage.
Clearing my throat, I spoke with steady resolve. “We will uncover the truth. Until then, I ask for your patience. Go home for now, and I will send someone immediately to verify whether your concerns are valid. If any fault lies with Eclipse Group, we will take full responsibility and ensure a fair resolution.”
The she–wolf’s eyes burned with fury. She pointed a rigid finger at me, her voice sharp as a blade. “You think we’ll just walk away? Eclipse Group will answer for this. We’re not leaving until you do!”
A tense silence fell over the crowd. Then a voice, cold and unwavering, cut through the rising storm. “Eclipse Group will see this matter to its end. That, I promise.”
I turned. Caden strode toward us, his steps measured, his presence commanding.
The reporters shifted their attention in an instant, microphones thrust forward, questions spilling over one another. “Mr. Holbrook, do you acknowledge the allegations against Eclipse Group? Were substandard materials used in the Ice and Fire collection?”
Caden’s sharp brows drew together. His gaze, steady as iron, swept over them. “Eclipse Group has always placed the highest priority on quality and integrity. We do not, and never will, use substandard materials.
His voice carried no hesitation. “As for these accusations, we will conduct a full investigation. If any oversight has occurred on our part, we will rectify it without delay.”
His expression hardened. “But if we find that this is an attempt to sabotage Eclipse Group, rest assured- the responsible party will face the consequences.”
A murmur passed through the crowd. The she–wolf hesitated, taking a step back. “Fine. We’ll wait for your findings. But we expect answers.”
Security moved in, pushing back the press, sealing the entrance as Caden turned toward the building. I followed him into his office, where he sank into his chair, fingers tapping against the polished wood of his
desk.
“What’s your assessment?” His tone was even, yet the weight behind it was unmistakable.
I did not pause to consider. “Every stage of Ice and Fire’s production undergoes strict scrutiny. The
presence of radioactive material is impossible–unless someone planted it there.”
Caden’s gaze remained unreadable. “That wouldn’t be easy. Our factories are heavily monitored. Outsiders have no access.”
“Which is why this reeks of sabotage,” I said. “The pieces don’t add up.”
His fingers stilled. “Who stands to gain the most from Eclipse Group’s ruin?”
A slow smile crossed my lips. “That is the question, isn’t it?”
He leaned back, exhaling. “I suspect Heartsone Jewels. They would benefit the most from our fall.”
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Chapter 123 Conspiracy and Suspicion
+8 Pearis
woman’s sister’s purchase, test the necklace for contamination, and determine if it was altered. The answers are within reach.”
The truth behind the situation was simpler to uncover than it appeared. All we needed to do was trace where the woman had bought her Ice and Fire necklace, confirm if it actually contained radioactive materials, and check if someone had tampered with ithe answers would reveal themselves quickly.
At this point, Ine Jewels was the most suspicious After their crushing defeat in the pl 27(315-23
lawsuit, they were still reeling from the loss.
Would they resort to trickery to take us down? It wasn’t out of the question.
Caden wasted no time. “Yale,” he said, calling him in. “Look into these claims about Ice and Fire jewelry containing radioactive elements. Find out exactly whats going on.”
“Yes, sir,” Yale replied before leaving to begin his investigation.
However, neither Caden nor I anticipated what came next. Before Yale could uncover any solid information, more troubling reports surfaced in Rivemon. More people had been poisoned from wearing Ice and Fire jewelry.
The news spread like wildfire. The story about Eclipse Group’s jewelry containing radioactive materials quickly made its way to social media and ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Yale came back to Caden with an idea. “Maybe we should suppress the story, try to control the damage,” he suggested. But Caden, relying on his instincts, disagreed. “Don’t waste time on that. Focus on getting to the bottom of these poisoning cases.”
The public outrage was growing by the hour. With the mounting incidents of poisoning, the pressure on Ice and Fire was immense. Eclipse Group’s reputation was taking a massive hit.
Left with no other choice, I ordered an immediate halt to all Ice and Fire jewelry sales. All products would be pulled for testing.
It wasn’t long before Yale returned with his findings.
Caden wasted no time calling for a closed meeting.
Once Yale handed over the results, he started explaining. “Our investigation confirmed that all the individuals involved in these poisoning incidents did purchase Ice and Fire jewelry. Their receipts are legitimate, and all purchases were made through authorized retailers.”
He paused briefly, then added, “We also found that the jewelry they bought contained radioactive elements.”
I raised an eyebrow, feeling a surge of disbelief. “How is that possible? So the poisoning was really caused by wearing Ice and Fire jewelry?”
Yale nodded. “From the current findings, that appears to be the case.”
I hadn’t expected this turn of events.
