Chapter 158

Ethan Roscente stood in the pouring rain, water dripping from his hair. His fingers trembled slightly as he watched Vivian Laurent walk away.

He remembered the euphoria when he first stood up again. He had paced around the room like a child, forgetting even to thank her.

Now he realized he had never truly appreciated all she had done for him.

She had healed his legs, but he had broken her heart.

Bending down, Ethan picked up the fallen umbrella. His suit was already soaked. He dialed his secretary. "Put Triple Six Realty under 24-hour surveillance. Intervene immediately if anything happens."

When Vivian arrived at the construction site, chaos greeted her. Lucas Lefèvre was struggling to handle reporters and angry families of the victims.

"Vivian, I'm sorry." Lucas's eyes were bloodshot. "Over half the materials were substandard. The inspection engineer has been missing for three days."

Vivian stared at the collapsed wall, its rusted steel bars exposed. She took a deep breath. "First, stabilize the situation."

Inside the conference room, a dozen suppliers lounged with arrogant expressions.

"Ms. Laurent, this isn't our fault," said the heavyset leader, blowing smoke rings. "Your people specifically requested lower-grade materials."

Vivian slammed the contract on the table. "It clearly states Grade A materials. You delivered Grade C."

"Ah, but look at this." The man produced an addendum. "This bears your company's official seal. It explicitly permits substandard materials."

Lucas shot to his feet. "That's impossible! I never signed this!"

Vivian took the document, her hands shaking slightly. The seal was genuine, but the signature was clearly forged.

"Call the police," she said coldly.

The supplier's face darkened. "Think carefully, Ms. Laurent. No one benefits if this escalates."

Vivian locked eyes with him. "Who put you up to this?"

The room fell silent. The suppliers exchanged nervous glances, none daring to speak.

Then Vivian's phone rang.

The screen displayed a name: "Natalie Valois."