novelraw Chapter 415: Li Shao’s Move, A Permanent Solution
Chapter 415: Li Shao’s Move, A Permanent Solution
"Surveillance must still be checked thoroughly to prevent any diversion strategy. Conduct strict inspections on all incoming and outgoing vehicles." Richard Shaw nodded, then called the local Military District in Nanyang to request additional personnel, commencing a comprehensive investigation from point to surface.
Richard Shaw glanced at the desolate Mausoleum Site, frowning sharply. Ignoring phone calls and voluntarily leaving with someone—was Casimir Shaw itching for trouble?
"Major General, the tracker has settled within a defined range. It’s positioned at a large shopping mall in the city." Maximilian spoke excitedly as he observed the fixed location.
"Let’s go." The man’s voice was cold and commanding, carrying a hint of resolute ferocity.
*
Leclair Estate
Maximilian delivered the paternity test results for Delphine and Melody Cloud to the Leclair Estate early in the morning. The man had just gotten up, fresh from a shower, his damp hair cascading as he sipped coffee in his robe. His expression carried an uncommon seriousness.
"Mr. Leclair, the paternity test results are here, untouched by anyone." Maximilian stepped forward and handed over the report.
Ignatius Leclair opened the document, his thin lips tightening ever so slightly as he took in the results with a moment of silence.
As expected, they were father and daughter by blood. Who would have thought that the scholarly and dignified Cloud Family could harbor secrets so unspeakable?
"Where is Delphine?" He asked in a low voice, his deep-set phoenix eyes shrouded in darkness, devoid of any amusement.
"Miss Delphine stayed at the hospital last night with Miss Squire. They’re in a private VIP room, and we’ve stationed our people on the entire floor—no unauthorized personnel can enter or leave." Maximilian lowered his tone and said, "Miss Squire left early this morning for the Southern Cemetery to pay respects. I stationed Dongzi at the hospital to keep watch over Miss Delphine."
After these rounds of actions, Maximilian did not dare let down his guard one bit. If another mistake occurred, he and Old Six might as well be sent to the United Kingdom to tend farms in place of Old Two.
"Any activity from the Cloud Family’s side?"
"The Cloud couple has been guarding Miss Cloud closely. It’s said that Miss Cloud isn’t doing well mentally—traumatized, refusing contact with others. Moreover, this matter has already spread throughout Nanyang, and the Cloud Family appears to be deliberately leaking information, accusing Miss Delphine of driving Miss Cloud insane. The public opinion is overwhelmingly against her, causing considerable damage." Maximilian hesitated as he spoke.
Kyla Zamora and Jason had rushed back urgently to manage the crisis. The fallout wasn’t limited to high-society circles—it had turned the Entertainment Sector into a battlefield as well.
Online, paid campaigns had stirred up controversy, claiming that Delphine advanced her career in the Entertainment Sector using underhanded means, envious of Melody Cloud’s status as Nanyang’s top socialite, and maliciously plotting to frame her and drive her mad. On Weibo, the top five trending hashtags were all related to these accusations.
Ignatius Leclair frowned sharply. Delphine was Melody Cloud’s daughter; if her mother’s death had anything to do with the Cloud Family, it would undoubtedly result in irreconcilable conflict. Even though Melody Cloud hadn’t been in Nanyang for years, she remained a Cloud Family member. If this matter escalated, it would lead to internal strife, division of the family, and a bitter feud.
"Mr. Leclair, I’m worried this situation will eventually lead to Miss Delphine’s true identity being exposed."
"Ignore the online stir for now. Wait until the rumors reach their peak, then release information indirectly hinting that Delphine is the second daughter of the Cloud Family." Ignatius Leclair pushed his now-cold coffee aside, his phoenix eyes as deep as an ancient pool. Since the Cloud couple aimed to seize the public narrative in this battle by leveraging Melody Cloud’s tragedy, it was the perfect time to ride this wave and elevate Melody’s status, thereby liberating Delphine from the stigma of being a mistress’s illegitimate daughter and a stepdaughter.
No matter how chaotic the Cloud Family’s upheaval became, it would only serve to benefit the Leclair Family without detriments.
Maximilian’s eyes lit up instantly, as clarity dawned on him. If Miss Delphine gained an official identity and received Mr. Leclair’s discrete support, the future of the Cloud Family Headship might no longer be determined.
Even the Old Master, who valued pedigree above all, would regard the Cloud Family’s second daughter’s standing as high enough.
Mr. Leclair’s move was nothing short of definitive.