Chapter 376
When Ian arrived at the family estate, several fire engines were already in position, their lights
piercing the twilight.
As he watched the mes consuming the house with a fury, Ian clenched his fists so tight his
knuckles turned white. He strode over to his father and asked, “What’s going on inside? How did
this start?”
Teo’s brow was furrowed with worry. “Leonora, God knows where she found it, but she got her
hands on some gasoline. She sent all the staff away and locked herself in her bedroom with the
intention of ending it all. We don’t know her condition right now. Firefighters have gone in to save
her.”
Hearing this, Ian’s gaze darkened. “How do you know she was trying to set herself on fire?”
“She made a video call to me before she lit the match,” Teo said with a grimace. “Said some bizarre
things, and then... she set the fire right in front of me.” Ian, this must stay out of the media. If word
gets out, they willbel you as a sinner, and without proof of Leonora''s guilt, people will think you''re
confining your mother to rece her with your wife. It would tank Hayes Corporation’s stock.”
A colder edge crept into Ian’s already icy stare. “I fear it’s toote for that. This seems to have been
orchestrated with the aim of reinstating Leonora to her former glory and hitting Hayes Corporation
where it hurts.”
No sooner had he spoken than a bodyguard approached to report, “Mr. Hayes, a swarm of reporters
has gathered at the gate, moring for a statement.”
Ian’s gaze sharpened as he looked toward the entrance. An army of cameras and smartphones was
aimed in their direction. He didn’t need to guess to know that this was already blowing up online.
It appeared he had underestimated the person behind this. Their true goal was to bring down the
Hayes family.
With this thought, Ian’s hands clenched into fists even tighter as hemanded in a steely voice,
“There’s a fire hazard. No one gets in. We must prevent any harm to innocent lives!”
“Understood, Mr. Hayes.”
Ian then turned to the fire chief, who wasmanding the scene. “Get me a set of protective gear.”
The chief was firm. “Mr. Hayes, the fire is too intense. You’re not a trained firefighter. If you go in
there, you might note out. I cannot allow it.”
Ian’s voice rose with urgency. “I need that gear! I know theyout. I can find my mother quickly.”
“Mr. Hayes, it’s far too risky.”
“Trust me, you won’t be med for any mishap.”
Under pressure, the chief reluctantly provided Ian with protective gear and helped him suit up.
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Ian pped Teo on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll get Leonora out of there.” With those words, he
plunged into the heart of the ze.
Meanwhile, the story had skyrocketed to the top of the trending searches online.
[The Hayes Family Mansion Aze, Leonora Trapped in mes, Suspected Abuse and
Confinement at Crimson Manor]
Opinions were flying wild on the inte.
[Could this be an attempt to silence someone? Mr. Hayes was known for his indiscretions. Is this a
plot to off his wife for a mistress?]
[The illustrious Hayes Corporation can’t escape a scandal, it seems. No fun being a trophy wife,
eh?]
[Poor Leonora, her husband''s ying the field while she''s busting her ass for thepany. Is this
the treatment she gets from the Hayes family? Heard she got punished for speaking out of turn. She
was nearly beaten to death.]
[Seems like it''s over Attorney ra''s grandpa''s death. That old man was already dying of cancer. It
was only a matter of time. Why me Leonora? Mr. Hayes is throwing his own mother under the
bus for his wife.]
The narrative swiftly took shape, painting a picture of sympathy for Leonora and vilifying the Hayes
family. Hayes Corporation’s stock plunged in response, hitting rock bottom.
In a vi on the outskirts, a man dressed in ck sat in a wheelchair, a cold smile ying on his lips
as he watched the online frenzy and the plummeting stock on his phone’s screen.