Free Web NovelChapter 1285: Chapter 1283-1284: Turmoil in Brocade City, Hard to Suppress
After the news of Richard Shaw being isolated for investigation broke out, the most worried were naturally the Winton Family.
Originally, Alessandro Winton intended to label the Shaw Family with misconduct by reporting them, branding him as a suspected accomplice in embezzlement. However, who could have expected Richard Shaw to completely overturn the matter from its roots?
The situation spiraled out of control, and now Alessandro Winton is restless, regretting his decision. He called both sisters over and harshly asked, "Have the Landon Family people still not been found? Can this Pearl Landon you mentioned be relied upon?"
"If Pearl Landon can be relied upon, then pigs can climb trees." Serena Winton let out a cold laugh, crossed her arms, and sat on the sofa, looking half-awake, complaining, "Dad, I told you the Shaw Family is untouchable, at most you can target Leah Squire, but you wouldn’t listen."
Serena Winton originally harbored resentment towards Leah Squire, revealing to Alessandro Winton that Leah Squire was Richard Shaw’s ex-wife. Based on the Landon Family’s assertions, Leah Squire was clearly the daughter of a corrupt official. Serena Winton intended to use her father’s influence to brand Leah Squire as the daughter of a corrupt official, thinking this would stop her from gaining fame in the Imperial City’s aristocratic circle. However, Alessandro Winton stubbornly used this as leverage to report the Shaw Family. freewёbnoνel.com
Alessandro Winton was so angry he wished he could slap this daughter to death, yelling, "If she’s unreliable, why bring it up with me? Now our entire Winton Family is getting dragged into this, and all you think about is enjoying yourself, how did I raise such a useless daughter? And you too."
Alessandro Winton angrily scolded the other sister, Sophia Winton.
"What does this have to do with me? Clearly, it’s you who wanted to climb higher using the Shaw Family. Even though the Shaw Family is just an orphan and a widow, they’re formidable," Sophia Winton muttered softly.
"Dad, stop scolding. Although we instructed Pearl Landon to report, we didn’t give her any money, and there’s no evidence of any contact. Even if Pearl Landon implicates us, we just deny it. Worst-case scenario, even if people find out, it’s no big deal. Pearl Landon spoke the truth; we just stirred the hornet’s nest. Why panic? Richard Shaw isn’t even out yet. With such a major incident, it won’t be easy for the Shaw Family to get out unscathed," explained Serena Winton logically.
In her view, the Winton Family couldn’t escape this incident. It all depended on whose fate was stronger, the Winton Family or the Shaw Family. Anyway, she still had the assets from her divorce; at worst, she could move abroad, living a leisurely life.
Alessandro Winton thought about it and agreed. The Shaw Family either rises or falls; if they collapse, he’d benefit from the disaster. If they don’t collapse, they’d still suffer significant harm.
"Everyone needs to lay low recently, go somewhere else, and come back after things have calmed down," Alessandro Winton said impatiently, then sat back, contemplating the mistakes made over the years. Since the enmity was already there, if he couldn’t secure that position, his political career might end here.
After Richard Shaw was reported, and Griffith Squire sought to appeal his father’s corruption case, a special task force was established. Related individuals were summoned for investigation.
After half a month of intensive investigation, the truth from back then was pieced together little by little. Yet, members of the special task force felt uneasy, discreetly delivering the investigation results to the upper-level leaders. This case, involving both the Shaw and Winton Families, could not expose the true facts.
With the reversal of Zachary’s case also came a military district directive. Richard Shaw was to retain his rank but remain on indefinite medical leave due to a recurring leg injury. The directive caused an uproar throughout the Imperial City, stirring massive public discussion.
For Leah, these past fifteen days were the toughest period of her life.
The news that Richard Shaw had been stripped of military authority had spread throughout the Imperial City. Everyone was talking about it, and even a family as prestigious as the Shaw Family could fall just like that. Without overwhelming power, the Shaw Family could no longer claim to be the top aristocracy in the Imperial City.
Those with keen senses detected something unusual in this case, suspecting that the truth was far more complicated than the few lines reported in the news.
Richard Shaw was under investigation for half a month, surviving but losing his power. Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate remains unknown.
For the Shaw Family, wealth was fleeting; living a life of purity and integrity was more important than anything.
On the day Richard Shaw was released, Ignatius Leclair drove to pick him up, while Leah supported the old lady under the corridor in the living room, waiting. The fireplace had been lit and the floor heating turned on early in the living room, making it as warm as spring. The old lady looked much better than before, but having not seen her grandson for a long time, she remained uneasy, repeatedly asking Leah where he was.
