Chapter 461 Fire
Clothing materials were naturally flammable. When the factory noticed what they called "sparks," a motor on the production line had already short-circuited and started the fire.
Although it was the weekend, Poetic Patterns operated on a rotating day-off system. With wages and overtime paidamong the best in the industry, over a hundred workers were still on duty.
The factory turned into a fire scene. Even someone like Elsa, who had weathered many storms, panicked.
"What's the situation?" She rushed out of her car and grabbed someone who had just escaped.
"The fire department's been here for a while. They're putting it out now," the person said.
Elsa walked closer and saw a firefighter with a megaphone, loudly directing workers to wet their coats with water hoses, bend down, cover their mouths and noses, and escape. The other firefighters were using various equipment to fight the fire.
She stood outside the thick smoke. She couldn't see clearly what was happening inside, but she knew this fire was suspicious.
The factory strictly prohibited smoking and had installed the world's most sensitive fire alarm system, but the factory manager said the alarm never went off.
Someone must have tampered with it. There was a mole!
After another half hour, the air was filled with the smell of burnt fabric ash. The fire was finally out.
Elsa rushed into the factory. The two most important workshops were destroyed, all fabric materials were ruined, and some equipment was damaged too.
The factory had comprehensive insurance. Once the claim was processed, the loss wouldn't be too severe.
Fortunately, there were no casualties. Otherwise, Poetic Patterns' development would definitely be set back.
Elsa had completely calmed down by now. She quickly sent a WhatsApp message to Jonathan and Chloe: [The factory caught fire, but it's not a big problem. It's out now. I'll handle everything that follows.]
Jonathan and Chloe were experienced people. With the factory's high insurance coverage, even if there wasn't any insurance, losing a few million dollars wouldn't be cause for alarm. Hearing Elsa say this, they naturally had no objections and only reminded her to stay safe.
Luke, however, was on a business trip out of town and learned about Elsa's situation right away. He called immediately.
"Were you scared seeing the fire, honey? I'll come back today to help you handle it."
"No need. I can handle this small situation. After all, I'm Luke's woman." His question warmed her heart, and she found herself sweet-talking without even realizing it.
He paused on the other end, clearly pleased: "Then I'll send Max back to help you first."
...
To avoid alerting the suspect, Elsa didn't report it to the police first.
She went to the surveillance room. As expected, the surveillance footage was damaged in the fire, leaving nothing behind.
"What do you need me to do?" Max arrived and asked.
"Check everyone's family situation, family members, and bank statements for the past month for them and their relatives within five generations." Elsa sent the factory's electronic roster to Max's WhatsApp.
Bank statements could reveal a lot about someone's recent activities, and Max, having worked with Luke for years, happened to be good at this.
Poetic Patterns suspended inspection operations. Elsa publicly announced she would definitely sue the clothing production line manufacturer. She even printed a certificate proving the equipment malfunction caused the fire and had the administrative staff get every worker to sign it. Her intention was clear—to play along, eliminate the suspect's concerns, and make it easier to catch them later.
The worker who had cut the smoke alarm never imagined he would be investigated. He didn't even take the money and run. From the incident to being brought before Elsa by Max's people, it took less than 48 hours.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
