Chapter 384

Author’s POV Inside the top-floor office of the Blackwood Group, the lights blazed brightly, yet the atmosphere was so oppressive it was nearly suffocating. Ryan stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, a freshly compiled investigation file clamped between his fingers. His eyes were cold and dark, as if a storm that had been brewing all night had finally found an outlet. Scattered across his desk were photocopied documents, bank records, medical files, surveillance screenshots, and a voice recorder—each item a sharp blade, all pointing to the same name: Cedric Lancaster. "The driver's statement has been verified," Ethan said, standing by the desk, his voice low but unable to hide the tremor of emotion. "The car accident three years ago was definitely staged. The driver who hit Serena's car received a huge transfer afterward. The account was laundered through three layers of offshore companies, but the source ultimately traces back to an investment firm under Lancaster." Ryan's finger