?Chapter 386:


    Benjamin was utterly bewildered. Had these people lost their minds? In the past, a little money always smoothed over these issues. Why was it different this time? Could it be that his initial offer was too small?


    Frustrated to the core, Benjamin believed they were insatiable as he reluctantly increased the amount on the check.


    The inspectors regarded him with incredulity. With each increase in the bribe, the potential penalties grew even more severe. Did Benjamin not realize he was only digging his own grave?


    Watching his futile efforts, one inspector said, “Your attempts are pointless. Any additional amount you provide will only strengthen the bribery charges. You’ve already offered enough to ensure a lifetime behind bars.”


    A pale shade washed over Benjamin’s face as the gravity of the situation finally dawned on him. “Could there be some misunderstanding here?”


    “You really don’t understand whom you’ve crossed, do you?” With that, the inspectors left the Reed Group, taking the incriminating evidence with them.


    In a state of urgency, Benjamin’s secretary rushed over, asking frantically, “Mr. Reed, will thepany actually be shut down? The employees are still waiting for their pay.”


    Benjamin, overwhelmed and distracted by the inspectors’ parting words, barely registered the question. Who exactly had he managed to offend?


    The first person toe to mind was Elena. While she might not wield significant power herself, the Harper family certainly did. Their scheme from the previous day had unraveledpletely. Their n topromise Elena and involve her with Perry had failed spectacrly.


    Not only had Benjamin alienated Perry, but he had also lost any influence over Elena.


    Benjamin’s expression was a mix of anger and embarrassment. He muttered to himself about confronting Elena, that ungrateful woman!


    Just as he was about to leave the premises, he was stopped by the sudden arrival of police officers. shing their badges and a search warrant, the officers said, “Mr. Reed, you are being used of conspiracy tomit murder. You need toe with us.”


    Benjamin, gripped by panic, blurted out, “Murder? That means a lifetime in prison!”


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    He quickly tried to clear his name. “There’s been a misunderstanding. How could I possiblymit murder?”


    The officers remained firm. “We advise you to cooperate with our investigation to avoid further consequences.”


    Before Benjamin could protest, he was handcuffed and escorted away. All eyes followed him as he was taken into custody.


    Meanwhile, chaos engulfed the Reed family beyond just thepany’s troubles.


    The couple who had raised Sylvia arrived, demanding repayment. The Reed family vi was soon surrounded by the upper echelons of Foiclens society.


    News of the couple’s arrival spread rapidly, drawing onlookers eager for drama.


    In the midst of this, Sylvia—still frail from her miscarriage—denied any connection in a shrill voice. “I don’t know these people! Remove them at once!”


    Visibly distressed, Sylvia appeared pale and disoriented, her hair unkempt.


    The woman Sylvia had called “mom” for two decades gripped her wrist firmly.


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