Chapter 1743: Hostile Visitors

The heartwarming scene in the ward softened Lucian's heart. Jonathan, noticing the shift in Lucian's expression, asked, "Lucian, are you sure you don't want to go in?"

Lucian's face clouded over. "No. I'll go after I crush Jack." Only after Jack paid for his actions would Lucian find the peace of mind to be by Roxanne's side. Going in now risked him weakening again because of Roxanne.

Understanding Lucian's resolve, Jonathan ceased his persuasion, glancing at his phone. "The plan is underway."

Lucian seemed dissatisfied. Falling into deep thought, he said coldly, "Next, Farwell Group and Queen Group will attack Damaris Group's overseas stock. Furthermore, we'll expose Damaris Group to international organizations to further depress their share price."

Jonathan nodded, immediately issuing the orders.

At one in the morning, the internet erupted. Headlines screamed, "Breaking News! Century-Old Damaris Group Inflated Profits, Cheating Shareholders!" and "Damaris Group Overvalued; Grim Prospects!" Negative news flooded the media, with some even launching personal attacks on Damaris Group employees.

Accusations flew: "Damaris Group is hypocritical! Their annual medical consultation is a PR stunt, masking yearly drug price increases!" Another declared, "They claim to be a century-old traditional medicine family, yet they lack all ethics. They're just greedy!"

Damaris Group's retail shareholders engaged in heated online discussions, unable to sleep as they watched the plummeting share price. Within an hour, the stock price had fallen sixty-five percent, continuing its relentless descent under the onslaught of attacks. Panicked shareholders frantically tried to sell, many frozen in fear, some even suffering heart attacks from the shock. Soon, a torrent of curses rained down on Damaris Group.

In a single night, Damaris Group's reputation and stock price were decimated. Panic spread unchecked.

Late that night, Hector was awakened by a knock. Jack had sent him back to Bellridge, but fearing he would go to Roxanne, kept him under watch at the main residence—essentially imprisoned. He had never been so humiliated. No longer head of the Damaris family, all he could do was endure, feeling utterly bereft.

He assumed it was Jack returning to further berate him, turning his back and ignoring the knock. A moment later, the bodyguard's voice echoed, "Old Mr. Damaris, someone wishes to see you downstairs."

Someone? Hector sat up. Jack had prevented any visitors; what was happening?

Staggering to the door, he opened it just as angry voices erupted downstairs. "Where's Jack? He'll explain himself!" "Get Damaris out here! We'll drag him out if necessary!"

The hostile shouts sent a jolt through Hector. He looked questioningly at the bodyguard, who lowered his head, speechless.