Free Web NovelChapter 1288: Chapter 1286: A Man Who Drives the Same Car for Years—Faithful Yet Ruthless
Leah paused for a moment upon hearing those words. If not for Richard Shaw and Griffith Squire’s significant influence, applying joint pressure, and Ignatius Leclair guiding public opinion domestically and internationally, her father’s case would have no chance of being reopened.
Even under such immense pressure, the case could not be restored to its original form; instead, it ambiguously cleared the Cox Family’s name. This case involved high-ranking officials from the past, so even the current authorities cannot easily act on it, considering the balance they must maintain.
The dark nature of politics is evident from these circumstances.
"Clearing the Cox Family’s name placed the funds on the Shaw Family’s shoulders, which is why they stripped you of your position and sanctioned the Shaw Family?" Leah asked with a furrowed brow.
Richard Shaw shook his head, his thin lips curling into an inscrutable smile as he spoke in a low voice, "Perhaps the authorities were under too much pressure, saw the hidden power of the Shaw Family over the years, and realized it could ally with your brother. Additionally, with support from the Howard and Leclair families, the authorities became a bit anxious, which led to my sanction."
Indeed, with such significant influence, how could some high-ranking officials not be anxious? They probably rest uneasily, realizing the Shaw Family’s power and low-key nature was not apparent before. Luckily, it’s a family with a single heir and a widow.
The sanction against Richard Shaw was nothing more than a warning coupled with an opportunity to seize power. Otherwise, the unchecked growth of the Shaw Family would eventually break through the heavens. freewёbnoνel.com
Leah was shocked upon hearing this, but upon thinking it over, she understood. In essence, the Shaw Family exchanged its immense power for the Cox Family’s vindication. Had they not willingly relinquished power, the military district beneath would have been in chaos once the order came down.
"As long as everyone is safe, there’s no need to pursue those convoluted inner workings. It’s better to live a bit ignorantly; being too meticulous makes life unbearable," the old lady said kindly, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. Had she faced everything too seriously, she might have long since despaired over the world and taken her grandson underground to find the old master, never experiencing the stable life they have now.
"I’ll go see if Casimir has returned. You two talk," the old lady found an excuse to check if her great-grandson was back, leaving space for the two young people.
"Where has Casimir Shaw gone?" Richard Shaw had wanted to ask for a while but hadn’t gotten around to it.
"He’s been staying at a Leclair Family villa these days, enjoying food and fun with Benjamin Leclair and Nicholas Carter," Leah replied with a smile.
Richard Shaw nodded, then said, "I’ve heard your brother hasn’t been released yet, but don’t worry. He has multiple identities, unlike me, who could be easily released. He’ll need a few more days, but once the pressure above increases, they will let him out."
When Griffith Squire was mentioned, a trace of subtle worry crossed Leah’s brow as she hoarsely said, "My brother’s situation might not be as favorable as yours."
Griffith Squire has always existed in the black and gray areas, with the identity of an international broker and too many secrets. Even with close ties to the authorities and having his people in place, he faces enemies almost everywhere in the political scene, though he does have allies, his foes are probably more plentiful.
Richard Shaw’s foundation in the Imperial City makes his reputation and influence something most would not dare to touch. Griffith Squire, however, is different, and he’s likely endured much hardship in the past half-month. freewebnøvel.coɱ
Richard Shaw held Leah’s hand and firmly said, "I’ll have people apply more pressure, so don’t worry. As for the Winton and Landon families, they need to consider how to deal with them."
His eyes flashed with a cold and ruthless light as he finished speaking. Although the Shaw Family was in decline, it was not weak. Any affront to the Shaw Family would be met with a direct and firm counterattack.
"I have no interest in handling the Winton Family; you can do as you see fit. However, I want to meet the Landon Family once more to ask directly why over the years they have been so aggressive, as if trying to destroy us," Leah said, taking a deep breath, her tone slightly cold.
After the case closed, Pearl Landon, as the whistleblower, was released the day after Richard Shaw’s release.
In the past half-month, Pearl Landon lived as if in Hell. She had initially believed that after the whistleblowing and following the procedure, she could return home, at least that’s what Serena Winton told her. Report, investigation, Serena would get her out, then give her a large sum of money to leave and never return, as sketched out in their prior plan.
As years passed, even if Pearl refused to admit it, she knew that the Landon Family was not the prestigious family of old; she was no longer the famous socialite within the circles. They had been banished and could never return.
She wanted to let go but couldn’t bring herself to, especially after learning about Crystal Landon’s current lifestyle. When Serena Winton approached her to identify Leah Squire as Crystal, she spitefully revealed the possibility that Crystal might be the daughter of a corrupt official.
Later, the Winton Family had her report Richard Shaw for marrying the daughter of a corrupt official.
Pearl Landon didn’t know what the consequences of the report would be. It seemed like the powerful Shaw Family would remain unscathed, yet the developments far exceeded her imagination. Over the past half-month, her nerves were on the brink of collapse; she thought she would die in there until she was informed of her release.
When Pearl Landon was released, it was almost dusk, the north wind raging, chilling her to the bone. Her jacket hadn’t been washed for half a month, emitting an unpleasant odor.
No one came to see her, and no one sent her clothes or essentials. Her life for the past half-month had been unbearable, neither human nor ghost.
The first thing Pearl Landon did upon release was look for Serena Winton’s car. Neither the Winton sisters came since, in this sensitive period, no one would risk being caught in a compromising situation, except for someone from the Shaw Family.
A black Hummer was parked quietly by the roadside. Both the license plate and the model were familiar. Richard Shaw had used the same model and license plate for years, remaining both faithful and ruthless.
The cold wind made Pearl Landon shiver all over. Embarrassed, she tugged at her dirty clothes, suddenly realizing her disheveled appearance from losing hair night after night inside. She wasn’t sure if she was fit to see anyone.
Leah stepped off the car and approached, observing Pearl Landon’s haggard face and languid spirit, her whole demeanor like someone mentally traumatized—eyes showing hesitation, cowering, her appearance reflected signs of middle age. She no longer resembled the once radiantly dazzling Pearl Landon.
"Pearl, every choice in life impacts the road ahead. We once had the chance to be the best of sisters; the Landon Family once had the opportunity to become a notable name in the Imperial City. Clark Landon had the chance to become the most elegant gentleman in the Imperial City by marrying a well-matched girl. Yet, you all threw it away with your own hands. Do you not regret it?" Leah stood firm before her, speaking coolly.
Pearl Landon looked at Leah’s unparalleled cold and sophisticated face, standing poised before her like a queen, a stark contrast to her own humility, poverty, inferiority, and misfortune. Her dry eyes stung suddenly, and she began to cry hoarsely, her voice cracking.
