Chapter 251 Killing Two Birds with One Stone
As expected, in less than half an hour, the news about Cecilia's disrespect made it to the trending list.
The day saw two major trending topics, both closely linked to the Lockhart clan. The first was the Lockhart Group's Chairman being taken into custody by the prosecution for alleged crimes. The second involved Cecilia delivering public embarrassment to Ophelia, which resulted in Ophelia collapsing, and her condition remained a mystery.
Cecilia sat in her office, watching the news reports unfold. She took a few calls.
One was from Theodore, inquiring about the situation and offering to come to the office to handle it.
She declined; Theodore's involvement would complicate matters further. With Vincent potentially having bought off key figures, Theodore's refusal could spark another scandal.
Seraphina called next, demanding to know what had happened, as Cecilia had previously reported everything was going smoothly at the company. Cecilia let loose on Ophelia, finding some release in verbal abuse before hanging up.
The phone rang again. Cecilia glanced at the caller ID; Dominic.
She thought, 'Does he just want to watch me crumble?'
Despite her initial reluctance, she answered.
"I figured you'd stopped picking up my calls." Dominic sneered.
"Then I'll hang up." Cecilia was blunt.
"Cecilia! I thought you wanted my help," Dominic hastily called out, just as she was about to end the call.
"What makes you think you have the ability to help me?" Cecilia retorted.
"Don't you wonder why your dad's case happened so suddenly?" Dominic deliberately hinted.
"So you're saying you did it?" Cecilia asked coldly.
"I don't do illegal things," Dominic quickly distanced himself.
After so many setbacks, he was clearly more cautious than before.
She thought, 'As for illegal things... hasn't he done enough already?'
Cecilia wasn't in the mood to bicker with Dominic now.
She didn't want to waste time on him either.
She answered his call purely to get some information from him.
"However, I can help you find out what happened to your dad. Cecilia, you're smart; you should know what I'm implying," Dominic was deliberately cryptic.
Of course, Cecilia knew.
Dominic just wanted her to show weakness and then beg him to help solve Theodore's issue.
She thought, 'From Dominic's tone, it's clear he knows all the ins and outs of this matter.
'He probably doesn't just know.
'He is likely the main planner.'
"What do you want me to do?" Cecilia asked.
Without much hesitation, Dominic chuckled on the other end of the line, clearly savoring his moment of triumph.
"So quickly giving in, huh? This is a bit of a surprise. Cecilia, aren't you the tough one? Decided to back down now, did you?" Dominic's voice dripped with sarcasm. "And what about Alaric? Where's he in all this? Realized that at crunch time, he's as useful as a wet noodle?"
Cecilia's patience was wearing thin. "What exactly do you want me to do?"
"Divorce Alaric, and we start over," Dominic said straightforwardly, not beating around the bush.
Cecilia let out a short, derisive laugh. She found the proposition amusing.
"So, if I divorce Alaric, you'll help me with my dad's situation, right?" Cecilia asked.
"Yes," Dominic replied.
Cecilia continued asking, "How can I be sure you'll really keep my dad safe? What if you're lying to me?"
Dominic said, "Do you think you have any leverage to negotiate with me? Clearly, your dad is doomed this time. According to the laws of the Yakurosean Empire, a ten-year prison sentence is a piece of cake. Once your dad is in prison, do you think you can manage the entire Lockhart Group on your own? Once your uncle takes over, do you think you'll ever have a chance to rise again?" Dominic said confidently, "Your only choice is to trust me unconditionally."
"That arrogance of yours... Dominic, it seems like you'll never change," Cecilia shot back.
Dominic's demeanor shifted. He could feel Cecilia's resistance; his threats and temptations were falling flat.
"Even if I can't save my dad, if I agree to let you help, what's the end game? My father still goes to prison, and You take away my marriage. It's a lose-lose," Cecilia said firmly. "Don't think you can play me like a fool, Dominic."
Dominic gripped his phone tightly.
Indeed, he had no intention of helping Cecilia. He hoped for the swift downfall of the Lockhart family, and then he'd try to seize control of the Lockhart Group himself.
His real goal was to make Cecilia isolated and powerless. If she divorced Alaric, she would be left without any support. Dominic could then have his way with her.
But Cecilia was no longer the same Cecilia.
No matter what Dominic said, Cecilia wouldn't believe him.
He thought this time Cecilia would be panicking and losing her composure, but her words showed no sign of panic.
He thought, 'How could this woman change so completely in an instant?'
"Cecilia, I've given you a chance. If you don't cherish it, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Dominic threatened, "Just a heads-up—Alaric's now a government official, right? Government officials in the Yakurosean Empire must have spotless backgrounds. If your father's in trouble, Alaric's reputation will be tainted. Imagine what he'll do then. Do you really think he'll jeopardize his bright future for you?"
Cecilia said, "That's none of your concern."
"Don't kid yourself. Men are selfish; in the face of career advancement, emotions don't count for much. By leaving Alaric now, you're at least preserving some of your dignity. Otherwise, when the time comes…"
Cecilia hung up the phone directly.
She wasn't angry.
Talking to Dominic was just a waste of time.
Dominic couldn't offer her any help, not even worth using.
She put down her phone.
Her face did look a bit grim.
If this incident was instructed by Dominic, she had to admit it was the smartest thing he had ever done.
For her, this period was the most critical time for her development in the Lockhart Group. Missing it could mean missing out on achieving the goals she had set with the higher-ups.
For Alaric, he had just gotten into the civil service. If her family got into trouble, it would inevitably affect him.
Dominic's plan this time really hit two birds with one stone!
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