Chapter 18

Hera was so anxious she almost cried. Nash was utterly unreliable! If she had known earlier, she would not have humiliated herself. Nash turned to several law enforcement officers. "Are there any results from this case?"

A middle-aged officer in his forties said, "It's a traffic accident. The driver was drunk and failed to stop in time."

The female officer beside him added, "The driver, a 42-year-old with twenty years of driving experience, was operating a small truck from a renovation company, loaded with construction materials."

"Has the driver undergone a physical examination?" Nash asked.

The middle-aged officer replied, "His breathalyzer test indicates drunk driving. Only those uncooperative with the breathalyzer are sent to the hospital for blood tests."

Cain sneered. "You don't even understand this basic common sense. You're a true country bumpkin!"

Nash glanced at Cain. "Old man, was I speaking to you?"

Cain, startled, cursed angrily, "Bastard, who do you think you're talking to?" He was Herman's cousin; even Hubert and Harrison wouldn't dare act so presumptuously before him.

Nash ignored him, turning to the officers. "I once encountered a murder case where the driver used alcohol to commit the crime."

The officers exchanged uneasy glances. The middle-aged officer said, "We'll take the perpetrator to the hospital immediately for a comprehensive examination."

The officers left the manor before nightfall. Harrison arranged for Hannah and her nephew's bodies to be sent to the funeral parlor for cremation. Lauren paid 400,000 in compensation to their families through the company account.

That night, while dining, Lauren received a call. Her face paled, though she said nothing. Hera asked cautiously, "Is it about Drake Group?" Lauren drank half her red wine, ignoring Hera.

Chapter 18.

Harrison remained silent, the atmosphere heavy. Hera's voice was thick with emotion. "Mom, I'm sorry. I didn't handle things well."

Lauren poured more wine. "Helena came to see me today," Hera explained aggrievedly. "She demanded I kneel. Otherwise, the Watsons would end the Baroque-Drake Group partnership!"

Harrison slammed his hand on the table. "They've gone too far!"

Hera, tearful, pleaded, "Mom, please don't blame me."

Nash, softened by her distress, thought, This woman is being so coquettish! A pity it's not directed at me.

Lauren sighed. "You did the right thing. I don't blame you." Her daughter was her treasure. It was a pity, though; Drake Group was one of Jonford's top ten enterprises. A partnership would have revitalized Baroque. This was their last resort, now shattered.

Nash smiled. "Uncle, Aunt, I'm full. I'm going for a walk."

Outside, he called Theo. "Nash, I swear, this was an accident! My father-in-law has syphilis; we went abroad for treatment! My wife will deal with the Lewises tomorrow…"

Nash hung up. As he turned to return, a burly man stood under a tree across the private road. He was a Stage Nine martial arts master. Nash narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"