Chapter 130

Chapter 130

After saying this, Lloyd quietly waited for Archibald's response.

He'd expected Archibald to ask what to do next, whether there was any way to find Allegra, if the police could increase their efforts.

He'd seen too many clients at this critical juncture pin all their hopes on catching the culprit, practically demanding their lawyer do the police's job. So no matter what Archibald said, Lloyd wouldn't be too surprised.

But Archibald's reaction was completely beyond his expectations.

"Mr. Wallace." Archibald suddenly leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "You have to notify my wife."

Lloyd froze. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Allegra may have run, but I'm not the one she hates most." Archibald's face grew grave. "She hates my wife more. From the day she returned to the country, everything she's done has been aimed at Vivi. Every move she's made has been to destroy Vivi's life. Now that she's lost everything, she's capable of anything."

Archibald's voice dropped to an urgent murmur. "Go to Ryder. Have him tell Sawyer. Sawyer has investigators—pull all available personnel. I want twenty-four-hour protection for my wife. She's not alone anymore. She's carrying twins. Money's not an issue. Whatever it costs, I'll sign off. I have several properties that can be liquidated—have Ryder handle it. Also, the Carnegie Group previously invested heavily in the Branpia Group's projects. With our stock plummeting, you need to tell Ryder that when the time comes, cut ties cleanly. Don't let our problems drag down the Branpia Group. For that matter, have him get authorization from my mother. Let him handle everything. He doesn't need to report back to me."

Lloyd stared, speechless.

His mouth opened, but several seconds passed before he found his voice. "Mr. Carnegie, your own situation right now—"

"I know what my situation is. You don't need to remind me." Archibald cut him off. "I'm stuck in here, helpless. If something happens to her out there, what good does it do me to stay comfortable in here? I caused all of this. I brought Allegra here. I signed off on the project. I let it happen. If I go to prison, if I lose everything, I deserve it. But she can't be hurt again. Not her. Not the babies."

"Mr. Carnegie, listen to me—" Lloyd tried again.

"No need." Archibald shook his head. "Mr. Wallace, this is my bottom line. Please do this for me. Consider it a personal favor I owe you."

Lloyd fell completely silent.

He didn't know Archibald well, but when Ryder handed him this case, he'd mentioned that Mr. Carnegie's mental state wasn't great lately and asked Lloyd to be patient.

At the time, Lloyd had assumed 'not great' meant defeated, despondent, hopeless.

But the man before him wasn't any of those things.

He'd simply buried all his fear and anxiety beneath a single name—and that name wasn't his own.

"I... I understand." After a long pause, Lloyd finally spoke. "I'll contact Ryder as soon as I leave. But you have to promise me something too."

Archibald looked at him. "Go ahead."

"Cooperate with my defense strategy. Don't just sit there in court and plead guilty without a fight." Lloyd leaned forward. "Ryder told me you've got this fatalistic attitude. But a courtroom isn't an execution ground. You can't just accept your fate and be done with it. The truth is far from clear. What role does this Gavin behind Allegra really play? How deep does the corruption in the East Suburb project go? There's still so much to uncover. If you give up now, no one will be left to fight for justice—not for those workers, not for your wife."

Archibald didn't respond immediately. He turned his head slightly, his gaze drifting to the narrow window.

Outside, the daylight had faded to a murky gray. Nothing was visible.

After a long moment, he murmured, "This is all my fault... But perhaps you're right. If I just accept my fate like this, that's not what Vivi would want to see. I can't atone to her through such a simple way. All right. I'll cooperate with you."

Even his cooperation was for Vivienne's sake.

Lloyd didn't know what to say anymore.

He could only stand and take his leave.

But at the door, he couldn't help pausing and glancing back at Archibald. "Mr. Carnegie, don't worry. I'll make sure the message gets through."

Archibald nodded.

The door to the visitation room closed behind Lloyd.

Archibald sat alone in the metal chair, closed his eyes, and silently repeated Vivienne's name in his mind.

On the other side of the city, at Carnegie Manor, Elowen hadn't slept in two days.

The meals the servants had brought sat untouched on the coffee table.

The television was on, the news channel running continuous coverage of the East Suburb collapse. The anchor was reporting the latest casualty figures and investigation updates.

Every word felt like another knife plunging into her heart.

She knew about Holden sneaking out. When she'd discovered it, she'd nearly gone mad with panic.

Thankfully, he'd returned that evening. But when she'd asked where he'd gone, he'd only said he'd gone for a walk and mentioned nothing else.

Elowen had understood immediately and hadn't pressed him.

She had no strength left to ask. No right to, either.

Finally, her phone rang. Lloyd.

She lunged for it, snatching it up.

But the news from Lloyd was that Allegra had disappeared.

"What do you mean, disappeared?" Elowen's voice trembled uncontrollably.

"The police issued an arrest warrant, but she's gone. She likely got wind of it in advance." Lloyd sighed. "Mrs. Carnegie, please try to stay calm. The police are doing everything they can to track her down. We've also hired people to search. It's just..."

Just that with Allegra on the run, many crucial facts would remain unproven. And Archibald would have to bear the burden alone.

Elowen understood the half-sentence Lloyd hadn't finished. She collapsed onto the sofa, tears streaming silently down her face.

Whatever Lloyd said after that, Elowen couldn't hear anymore.

She only remembered that at the end, Lloyd had told her not to worry—he would do everything in his power to defend Archibald.

But Elowen knew the truth. Until Allegra was caught, no amount of defending would bring Archibald out of that detention center unscathed.

He was going to prison.

As for how many years, no one could say.

By the time he got out, the Carnegie Group would have changed beyond recognition. Everything he'd worked for his entire life would be destroyed because of one construction accident.

At the thought, Elowen finally broke down, sobbing in utter despair.