This Is My Fault

Alexander Blackwood went straight to his study the moment he arrived at Serenity Oaks.

He closed the door firmly.

His face darkened instantly.

He pulled out his phone and called Sebastian Hayes.

Sebastian answered with a cheerful tone. "Alexander! This is a surprise. What can I do for you?"

Alexander's voice was low and serious. "Tell me about the development project for the land on the city outskirts."

There was a short pause. "It's already underway," Sebastian replied.

After a moment of silence, Sebastian chuckled. "Why the sudden interest? Don't tell me you're having second thoughts and want it back?"

Alexander's voice was tight with controlled anger. "Are you aware there is an orphanage on that land? It has been there for years."

Sebastian waved it off casually. "Yes, I know. I sent people to handle that situation weeks ago. It's under control."

Alexander's frown deepened. His voice turned sharp. "Handle it? By sending thugs to threaten them?"

Sebastian sounded genuinely shocked. "Threaten them? What are you talking about? I did no such thing."

Hearing the clear confusion in Sebastian's voice, Alexander relaxed slightly. He knew there was more to the story.

He had known Sebastian for many years. He understood his friend's character.

Sebastian could be reckless. But he was not a man who bullied the weak.

When Alexander first heard Sebastian was involved, he was doubtful. Now his suspicions were confirmed.

Alexander quickly summarized what he had learned.

"What the hell?!" Sebastian exclaimed, stunned. "I sent a team to negotiate the orphanage's relocation! I authorized a generous compensation package! I never ordered any intimidation!"

Alexander let out a cold laugh. "It seems your subordinates have betrayed your trust. They kept your money and used your name for their own dirty work."

Sebastian was furious. "Unbelievable!" he roared. "Which incompetent fool disobeyed my direct orders?"

His anger subsided slightly, replaced by sharp curiosity. "How did you even find out about this?"

Alexander paused briefly before answering. "That orphanage is where Evelyn grew up. She took me there today. We witnessed your men causing trouble. That place is not to be touched. Control your people, Sebastian. Handle this immediately. Or I will."

Sebastian took a deep breath. His expression turned grave. "I apologize," he said sincerely. "This is my fault. I should have supervised this more closely. I owe you and Evelyn an explanation."

Meanwhile, the scar-faced man returned to his boss's office.

His boss was a heavy-set man with a permanent scowl.

The boss exploded the second the scar-faced man entered. "You're useless! It's been days! Why isn't that orphanage cleared out? How do I explain this delay to my superior?"

He threw a file at the scar-faced man. "It's one old woman and a bunch of kids! How hard can it be? If this isn't resolved soon, the big boss will blame us! You'll be finished!"

The scar-faced man quickly defended himself, his face contorted with frustration. "Boss, it's not my fault! It's Alexander Blackwood and his wife, Evelyn! They interfered!"

The portly boss frowned, annoyed. "What do they have to do with this?"

The scar-faced man, still seething, explained. "They showed up at the orphanage today. They stopped us. They threatened to expose everything!"

He added, "I also found out Evelyn grew up in that orphanage. She's going to be a major problem. So, what's our next move?"