CHAPTER 165: CHAPTER 165 THE FALSE TRUTH

Author’s POV

While Serena and Ryan were both nursing their wounded hearts after their argument, Lucian West instructed his assistant to locate people mentioned in the project files, particularly those who had directly participated in the project years ago.

"I need to meet them personally," Lucian said, his voice heavy with determination.

"Of course, Mr. West," his assistant nodded obediently.

Following the records in the documents, Lucian’s assistant quickly located the former project manager. The man had since retired from Blackwood Corporation, his hair now streaked with gray.

When the assistant arrived at his house, the old man was watering plants in his backyard, seemingly enjoying his peaceful retirement.

"Are you Eric?" the assistant called out.

The old man turned around, a flash of shrewdness briefly lighting up his eyes.

"Yes, that’s me. And you are?"

"I have some questions I’d like to ask you. Would you mind coming with me?"

The assistant’s expression was serious, but Eric didn’t seem particularly alarmed.

"I have time, but might I ask what this is about? I’d like to be prepared."

Without hesitation, the assistant pulled out a thick wad of cash from his pocket and placed it on the nearby table.

"You’ll find out when we get there."

Eric’s eyes brightened immediately at the sight of money, and he quickly pocketed the cash.

"I have time, absolutely! Let me just grab my coat and we’ll go."

The assistant nodded, and within minutes, Eric was in the car.

As they drove toward Lucian’s studio, the assistant failed to notice a black car parked near Eric’s house. Inside that vehicle, someone was watching them leave, immediately placing a phone call.

"Mr. Blackwood, Eric has been taken away."

"Don’t worry, everything’s been arranged. The old man is just a money-grubber."

"He definitely won’t expose our involvement."

After a brief conversation, with just a short acknowledgment from the other end before hanging up, the driver started the engine and drove away from Eric’s house.

Everything happened without drawing any attention.

Meanwhile, Eric was examining the interior of the luxury car, running his fingers over the expensive leather seats, his eyes gleaming with appreciation.

The assistant paid no attention to his behavior. After all, this was Lucian West’s car—its luxury would naturally impress someone like Eric who had likely never experienced such opulence.

"When you meet Mr. West, just answer his questions honestly," the assistant instructed.

"If everything you tell us is true, there will be additional compensation."

At the mention of more money, Eric nodded eagerly.

"Don’t worry, I’ve lived in New York my whole life. In my younger days, I worked all sorts of construction jobs—did all the dirty, hard work. I’ve heard plenty of things around here."

Eric chuckled. "My hair might be getting white, but my eyes are sharp, my ears work fine, and my memory is excellent."

The assistant glanced at him and advised in a low voice:

"Just stick to answering Mr. West’s questions. Keep any extra chatter to yourself."

Eric nodded repeatedly. "I understand completely."

Upon arriving at the studio, Eric was led directly to Lucian’s office.

"Mr. West, this is the former project manager from that year."

Lucian looked up from his desk, setting aside his work.

"Hello, sir. I’m Eric. Which project are you interested in?" Eric asked with a fawning smile, pretending ignorance.

"You may leave us," Lucian gestured to his assistant, who quickly exited the office and closed the door tightly behind him.

"Regarding the suburban development project from ten years ago—how much do you remember?" Lucian asked Eric, his gaze scrutinizing.

Eric furrowed his brow, shaking his head with apparent difficulty.

"Ten years ago? Sir, you’re really testing me here. How could I possibly remember something from that long ago?"

"Weren’t you the site manager? You truly don’t remember anything?" Lucian’s body tensed, his tone growing urgent.

Eric waved his hands. "Sir, don’t rush me. Let me think—I might remember something soon."

Lucian glared at him, not wanting to waste time. He pulled out the project files and read aloud some details that Eric might recognize.

After a moment, Eric let out an enlightened "ah!"

"That project! Yes, I remember now, I remember."

"Since you remember, tell me about the relationship between Blackwood Corporation and the Thompson family at that time."

Eric hesitated. "Relationship? Well, clients and contractors rarely have smooth relationships, but that wasn’t our concern. As long as we got paid on time, we were satisfied."

"Get to the point!" Lucian snapped impatiently. This Eric was unnecessarily verbose.

Eric suddenly slapped his forehead as if remembering something important.

"Actually, sir, the relationship between them really did become strained. There were two months of wages that got delayed until the third month."

"The construction site was in chaos. We nearly had a mass walkout."

Lucian’s expression softened slightly as he finally heard something substantial.

"Why weren’t the wages paid?"

"Our wages were the client’s responsibility—Blackwood Corporation’s responsibility. But there were some minor issues with the construction, and Blackwood Corporation’s people kept nitpicking."

"The two sides even had a huge argument. It got really heated, and many workers witnessed it."

"After that, Blackwood Corporation simply stopped paying wages. In the end, the Thompson family had to use their own money to cover it, which finally calmed everyone down."

Hearing this, Lucian clenched his fist, biting his lip.

"Their own money? How much would that have cost?"

"It wasn’t a small amount. That project was well-known throughout New York ten years ago. The bidding process was fierce, with many companies fighting tooth and nail for it."

"Interestingly, Blackwood Corporation winning the project was expected, but as for the Thompson family..."

Eric’s voice trailed off, his eyes shifting, causing Lucian’s expression to darken further.

"Speak. Don’t hold back."

"I dare not speak about this. There’s no evidence—it was just gossip at the time."

Eric shook his head repeatedly, seemingly afraid of offending someone powerful.

"When I tell you to speak, you speak. If you offend anyone, I’ll handle it."

Lucian slammed his hand on the desk, his voice deep and threatening. Eric jumped, then resigned himself to telling the story.

"The Thompson family wasn’t particularly powerful in New York back then. When I was chosen as the project manager, I was actually surprised."

"The two parties weren’t equals in terms of power. One side would have to make all the compromises. That’s why people speculated that Blackwood Corporation deliberately chose the Thompson family."

"The later wage issues seemed to confirm certain suspicions."

After speaking, Eric stepped closer.

"Sir, please don’t tell anyone I said this. In New York today, who dares speak ill of Blackwood Corporation? That would be suicidal."

Lucian’s face grew increasingly dark. After a moment, he suppressed his emotions.

"You may fear Blackwood Corporation, but I don’t."

"How did this project end?"

Eric thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"That I truly don’t know."

"Sir, I was just the site manager, responsible for day-to-day operations. But I think by the project’s end, I hadn’t seen anyone from the Thompson family for a while."

Eric sounded uncertain, but Lucian suddenly stood up.

"Are you sure?"

Eric shivered, growing even less confident.

"Think carefully—when was the last time you saw anyone from the Thompson family?"

Eric spread his hands helplessly. "How could I possibly remember the exact date?"

"Approximately?"

"Probably... probably when autumn was beginning. That year had quite a hot summer. Around that time, I think."

Eric’s vague answer gradually dispelled some of Lucian’s doubts.

The man’s responses were ambiguous, but he seemed to have clear impressions of important matters. Everything aligned logically.

Was heaven taking pity on him, making this investigation proceed so smoothly?