Chapter 468 Bound by Love, Unstoppable as One 3
The fire wasn't large, but the damage appeared catastrophic.
Quinton's "masterpiece" was now charred beyond recognition, its frame having crashed to the floor in a heap of blackened debris.
The museum director rushed downstairs, staring at the ruins with a blank expression.
"What are we supposed to tell people?" he finally said to Oliver, his voice breaking. "Quinton's original—destroyed like this. My career is over."
Despite the saying that men don't cry easily, the director broke down sobbing in front of everyone.
The situation was too significant for either of them to handle alone. As the director grabbed Oliver's arm to discuss their next steps and how to deal with the painting's administrators, Oliver responded decisively, "Mr. Lawson, I'll take full responsibility. You won't be implicated."
Sidney Lawson looked both surprised and relieved, though uncomfortable with letting Oliver shoulder the burden alone.
Before he could respond, a familiar voice cut through the room, "Mr. Windsor, since you're taking full responsibility, I'll need you to come with me."
Oliver turned to see Aaron standing in the doorway.
The scene was now surrounded by officials.
Aaron approached with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. Windsor. I'm just following orders. This is a serious matter—you'll need to come with me personally."
"Infiltrating the Windsor Group, conducting biased investigations to find evidence against me, all to get Nicholas released? That worthless man?" Oliver challenged.
Aaron remained silent for a moment.
Eventually, he lowered his voice. "Mr. Moore wishes to speak with you privately."
Oliver stared at him intently.
Then, gathering the charred remains, he strode confidently to the official car waiting outside. Once inside, Aaron spoke cordially, "Have a reasonable conversation with Mr. Moore. We're all family, after all."
"Family?" Oliver laughed coldly. "He sabotaged my brakes, trying to kill me. We're beyond reconciliation."
Aaron held his tongue.
In his mind, Matthew held all the cards. This involved an international incident. Even with all his influence, Oliver couldn't resolve this—unless he could somehow produce another original painting. But the original had been burned, and there was only one in existence.
Aaron felt a twinge of regret. He had actually quite liked that painting.
Before the formal questioning, Oliver met with Matthew in his office.
Matthew magnanimously offered to let the matter drop if Oliver would help free Nicholas. The business association would cease pressuring the Windsor Group.
Matthew personally poured Oliver a cup of tea.
As the porcelain cup touched the table, the liquid rippled gently.
"Mr. Windsor," Matthew said, his gaze intense, "one must recognize the situation for what it is. A smart man like yourself should know the right choice."
He waited for Oliver to concede.
Oliver merely smiled.
Sitting comfortably on the sofa, he casually brushed his trousers and remarked, "What if I choose to be foolish just this once? I've been to prison before—another stint wouldn't be terrible. Sarah might even agree to remarry me out of sympathy. Nicholas, though? If he's imprisoned or sentenced to death, Hestia will certainly divorce him and take both children. The Moore family line would end. By that calculation, you should be the one asking for my help."
Matthew's expression darkened. "It seems you have no interest in an amicable relationship. You're determined to oppose me."
Oliver maintained his calm smile. "I'm willing to cooperate, but I have conditions."
Matthew's demeanor softened slightly.
Oliver looked him straight in the eyes. "Nicholas needn't die. But you must confess—detail your activities over the years, explain how you paved Nicholas's way, how you've favored your own people. I'll immediately secure Nicholas's release without a day in prison."
"Confess?" Matthew's lips curled with contempt. "Mr. Windsor, you overestimate yourself."
Without further hesitation, he summoned Aaron and officials from relevant departments. "The Windsor Group is involved in an international diplomatic incident. Aaron's special team will immediately investigate their operations. As for Mr. Windsor, he'll remain in custody until this matter is resolved. No release without my explicit order."
"I apologize, Mr. Windsor," Aaron said uncomfortably as plainclothes officers moved to apprehend Oliver.
With a loud clatter, the charred remains of Quinton's "masterpiece" landed at Matthew's feet.
Oliver laughed derisively. "Investigate what, exactly? This? I'm sorry, gentlemen—my throat was dry, and I didn't have a chance to tell Matthew that the real Quinton original is perfectly safe. This burned piece is merely a forgery."
Everyone exchanged bewildered glances.
They couldn't believe it—a painting with a $180 admission fee, viewed by tens of thousands daily, was a fake?
Impossible.
Matthew especially didn't believe it. "This sounds like your desperate attempt to escape punishment."
Just as he finished speaking, the office door swung open.
Sarah stood in the doorway, holding a framed canvas...