Chapter: 397

Ashley's eyes sparkled with a hint of cunning as she realized Shawn had touched upon a crucial point.

“Mr. Murphy, I don't possess any concrete proof, but there is someone who has," she suggested.

Their eyes locked, and Miguel's name surfaced in Shawn's thoughts.

Indeed, who better than the victim himself knew all the ins and outs of the accident?

If the victim, Miguel, testified, it would have a greater impact on Alan.

"Is that why you requested this meeting tonight?" Shawn inquired.

Ashley nodded affirmatively. "Absolutely. Since you've agreed to collaborate with me, it's only right that I assist the Murphy Group in return," she explained. "Unfortunately, I can only provide you with a lead. The next steps are up to you.”

She believed Shawn was astute and could understand her implications without further elaboration.

If she revealed too much, Shawn might become suspicious.

She needed to choose her words carefully.

"Thank you, Miss Willis." Shawn nodded at her.

Ashley smiled, feeling somewhat relieved. It seemed her mission for the evening was accomplished.

"Mr. Murphy, I'll be on my way now."

After her departure, Shawn leisurely poured himself a cup of tea.

His assistant inquired cautiously, "Mr. Murphy, should I look into the incident from that year?"

Shawn waved dismissively and replied, "No need. It involves a scandal within the Hewitt family, and uncovering details about it could be challenging. But, if I play my cards right, Alan's reputation could take a hit as bad as mine, if not worse."

There was a hint of glee in Shawn's voice. Humbling Alan a bit would certainly work in his favor.

"So you're suggesting..."

"It looks like Miguel might still be of some use. Get in touch with him. And make it quick."

"Understood, Mr. Murphy."

Inside the CEO's office of the Hewitt Group, Dylan carefully briefed Alan on the information he had uncovered.

“Shawn was placed in the orphanage on June 15th, fifteen years ago. Given the passage of time, we're temporarily unable to trace how he ended up there. Here are the files pertaining to the orphanage. The staff from back then has since retired. I've been doing everything I can to look into it. We should have something within a few days."

Alan perused the documents, his thoughts wandering.

Fifteen years ago? His mind suddenly flicked to the suburban development project that Ashley had inquired about.