Chapter: 334

He was losing patience with Huntley's tangential remarks.

Huntley tapped his forehead as if a crucial memory had just surfaced.

"Mr. Murphy, there was a lot of tension between the two parties. At one point, salaries were delayed for two months, causing widespread discontent at the construction site. The workers nearly went on strike."

Shawn's demeanor softened slightly, as he sensed the conversation was turning relevant. “Why were the payments delayed?" he asked.

“Party A was responsible for our wages, which was the Hewitt Group. But there were ongoing issues with the project, and the Hewitt Group kept finding faults. Many workers witnessed their quarrel with the Aston Group," Huntley explained. "Ultimately, the Hewitt Group failed to meet the payroll, and the Aston family stepped in to cover it Shawn clenched his fists, grinding his teeth in frustration. "They covered it themselves? How costly was that?" he asked.

"I don't have the exact figures, but it wasn't minor. This project was a major talking point in Osewood at that time. There was fierce competition during the bidding process. Everybody expected a win for Hewitt Group. But the Aston family..." Huntley trailed off.

Huntley's hesitation caused Shawn's face to darken.

"Go ahead," Shawn commanded, fixing Huntley with a piercing gaze.

"I can't say it. There's no solid evidence, after all. It was only a rumor that was circulating at the time," Huntley admitted.

He shook his head repeatedly, clearly afraid of offending someone.

“Just tell me. I'll ensure your safety, no matter whom it might upset," Shawn urged in a low tone, his hand thudding against the desk for emphasis.

Huntley shivered, compelled by his fear to speak.

"The Aston family held little influence in Osewood back then. When I was appointed to lead, I was surprised. The strength of the two parties was unequal, so one of them had to compromise. Many speculated that the Hewitt Group had intentionally selected the Aston Group. The recurring delays in salary payments only fueled these suspicions," Huntley disclosed.

He then took a couple of steps forward. "Mr. Murphy, please keep this between us," he requested, his voice dropping to a whisper. “In Osewood, speaking ill of the Hewitt Group means asking for trouble.”

Shawn's face darkened further as he struggled to control his emotions.

"You might fear the Hewitt Group, but I do not. Tell me, what was the outcome of the project?" he demanded.

Huntley paused, weighing his words carefully, then shook his head.

“Honestly, I don't know," he confessed. "Mr. Murphy, my role was just supervising the construction site and ensuring the project's smooth execution. By the end, I can't recall any involvement from the Aston family.

Shawn abruptly stood up, his gaze intensifying. “Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

Huntley's anxiety mounted, and he shivered slightly.

"Think carefully. When was the Last time you saw them?" Shawn pressed.

"I can't recall the exact date." Huntley spread his hands helplessly.

"Any idea of a possible timeframe?" Shawn persisted.

“Perhaps... at the onset of autumn. It was hot then. Around that period, I believe," Huntley responded.