No Strings Attached

Chapter 376

When Ian arrived at the family estate, several fire engines were already in position, their lights piercing the twilight.

As he watched the flames consuming the house with a fury, Ian clenched his fists so tight his knuckles turned white. He strode over to his father and asked, “What’s going on inside? How did this start?”

Teo’s brow was furrowed with worry. “Leonora, God knows where she found it, but she got her hands on some gasoline. She sent all the staff away and locked herself in her bedroom with the intention of ending it all. We don’t know her condition right now. Firefighters have gone in to save her.”

Hearing this, Ian’s gaze darkened. “How do you know she was trying to set herself on fire?”

“She made a video call to me before she lit the match,” Teo said with a grimace. “Said some bizarre things, and then... she set the fire right in front of me.” Ian, this must stay out of the media. If word gets out, they will label you as a sinner, and without proof of Leonora's guilt, people will think you're confining your mother to replace her with your wife. It would tank Hayes Corporation’s stock.”

A colder edge crept into Ian’s already icy stare. “I fear it’s too late for that. This seems to have been orchestrated with the aim of reinstating Leonora to her former glory and hitting Hayes Corporation where it hurts.”

No sooner had he spoken than a bodyguard approached to report, “Mr. Hayes, a swarm of reporters has gathered at the gate, clamoring for a statement.”

Ian’s gaze sharpened as he looked toward the entrance. An army of cameras and smartphones was aimed in their direction. He didn’t need to guess to know that this was already blowing up online.

It appeared he had underestimated the person behind this. Their true goal was to bring down the Hayes family.

With this thought, Ian’s hands clenched into fists even tighter as he commanded in a steely voice, “There’s a fire hazard. No one gets in. We must prevent any harm to innocent lives!”

“Understood, Mr. Hayes.”

Ian then turned to the fire chief, who was commanding the scene. “Get me a set of protective gear.”

The chief was firm. “Mr. Hayes, the fire is too intense. You’re not a trained firefighter. If you go in there, you might not come out. I cannot allow it.”

Ian’s voice rose with urgency. “I need that gear! I know the layout. I can find my mother quickly.”

“Mr. Hayes, it’s far too risky.”

“Trust me, you won’t be blamed for any mishap.”

Under pressure, the chief reluctantly provided Ian with protective gear and helped him suit up.

Ian clapped Teo on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll get Leonora out of there.” With those words, he plunged into the heart of the blaze.

Meanwhile, the story had skyrocketed to the top of the trending searches online.

[The Hayes Family Mansion Ablaze, Leonora Trapped in Flames, Suspected Abuse and Confinement at Crimson Manor]

Opinions were flying wild on the internet.Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.

[Could this be an attempt to silence someone? Mr. Hayes was known for his indiscretions. Is this a plot to off his wife for a mistress?]

[The illustrious Hayes Corporation can’t escape a scandal, it seems. No fun being a trophy wife, eh?]

[Poor Leonora, her husband's playing the field while she's busting her ass for the company. Is this the treatment she gets from the Hayes family? Heard she got punished for speaking out of turn. She was nearly beaten to death.]

[Seems like it's over Attorney Clara's grandpa's death. That old man was already dying of cancer. It was only a matter of time. Why blame Leonora? Mr. Hayes is throwing his own mother under the bus for his wife.]

The narrative swiftly took shape, painting a picture of sympathy for Leonora and vilifying the Hayes family. Hayes Corporation’s stock plunged in response, hitting rock bottom.

In a villa on the outskirts, a man dressed in black sat in a wheelchair, a cold smile playing on his lips as he watched the online frenzy and the plummeting stock on his phone’s screen.