The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 381

After Nora Xavier was taken away, a deathly silence returned to the study.

The doctor packed up his medical kit and, at Franklin's silent cue, treaded lightly out of the room.

Gideon Hayes opened his eyes and meticulously centered the photo frame on his desk.

He wiped the streak of blood from the corner of his eye with the back of his hand, his face restoring the cold, ruthless demeanor of a man who commanded an empire.

"Liam," Gideon ordered, his voice devoid of exhaustion, replaced by absolute freezing authority.

"Yes, Mr. Hayes." Liam York immediately stepped forward, standing tall as he awaited his orders.

"Liquidate every available asset within The Hayes Group, including the reserves in our overseas trusts and offshore accounts."

Gideon turned his head, his gaze an endless wasteland of desolation.

"Notify the heads of the legal and core investment departments to return to the office immediately. I want a complete buyout and hostile takeover plan for Xavier Holdings in my inbox by midnight."

"When the Metropolis stock market opens tomorrow, I want every single stock under Xavier Holdings, including their subsidiaries, to plummet to rock bottom."

Gideon tapped his finger against the edge of the photo frame, the rhythmic sound sharp and grating.

"Sever all funding for the Xavier family's current projects. Issue a formal warning in the name of The Hayes Group to every partner bank and credit institution in the city."

"Anyone who dares to issue them a loan or extend their debt right now will be declaring war on the entire Hayes empire."

"Let's see how many days the Xavier Business can survive in this city without our backing."

He wanted the Xavier family wiped off the Metropolis business map by tomorrow.

"Mr. Hayes... if we release that information, the media will..."

Having served by Gideon's side for years, Liam knew exactly what making those details public meant.

The events at the hotel had been ruthlessly suppressed by the combined weight of the Hayes and Pierce families, with no media outlet daring to leak a single whisper.

The outside world only knew that the Hayes Heiress had died tragically at her birthday party, and the elite circles were merely holding their breath, waiting for the Hayes family to make a move.

The Metropolis Police Department had just released Nora due to insufficient evidence. If the Hayes family actively released the physical evidence and eyewitness testimonies now,

The public and the upper-crust society would instantly reach a unanimous verdict.

Everyone would be convinced that Nora Xavier was the jealous, vindictive murderer who pushed the Hayes Princess off the roof.