This fire became earth-shattering news that wracked through all of the Southeast Province. It had also taken 47 million out of Jasper’s pockets.
“Mr. Laine, Mr. Schuler, the fire has burned 40 million Somer Dollars worth of our building materials and facilities in total. There’s also an invisible loss of seven million for rebuilding and adding new facilities as well as compensations for the workers’ injuries.
“Moreover, while no lives are lost, there are 16 severely injured workers. Among them, five are permanently crippled and three were severely burnt as well. These people will have to live the rest of their lives in a hospital bed.
“After the relevant compensations and deducting the insurance, we still have to pay six million excluding the cost for the other mildly injured workers. Including them, it will amount to around 11 million Somer Dollars.”
It was in the middle of the night when Jasper and Dawson listened grimly to Sean’s report in JW Real Estates’ office.
Jasper initially did not intend to worry Dawson, but with how huge the issue was, it was only right that Dawson knew what was happening. Otherwise, any more mistakes would only result in greater losses.
“Do you mean our financial loss has amounted to around 60 million?” Jasper concluded calmly.
Sean replied in embarrassment, “These are all direct losses. We still haven’t considered the indirect losses. We won’t be able to start work for at least another week, so the halt in progress and the loss of past progress will amount to around another 30 million.”
Bang!
Dawson lit a cigarette and slammed the lighter heavily against the office desk.
Sean shuddered, not daring to look up at Dawson’s sinister expression.
Jasper turned to look at Sean. “You’ve worked hard today. You still have work tomorrow, so go home first and rest.”
As if he was shown the biggest mercy, Sean frantically bade them farewell and left the office.
With Sean gone, there were only Jasper and Dawson in the office.
“There’s something wrong about this fire, Jasper,” Dawson exhaled a breath of smoke and spoke.
Jasper leaned against the sofa and rubbed his temple, muttering, “Yeah, there really is something wrong. It’s too coincidental that I can’t explain it with the word ‘accident’.”
“A 100 million Somer Dollar loss. Haha, good job to whoever was behind this. One fire and we’ve lost 100 million just like that.”
Fiery anger burned in Dawson’s gaze as he spoke, “I’ve never made such a big loss since I started working. What a sinister scheme. This is a capable opponent we’re dealing with… Do you have an idea who this might be, Jasper?”
Jasper shook his head. “There’s no evidence at all. Whoever was behind this is very meticulous. Not to mention with a fire this big, any evidence would’ve been burnt away as well.”
“Alright then. Do everything you can to sniff out the person behind this, and I’ll deal with the public and the follow-up,” Dawson suggested.
Jasper nodded. “That’s probably for the best.”
As the night was dark, both Jasper and Dawson did not stay in the office for much longer. They quickly returned to their respective homes to rest.
Moments after Jasper woke up the following day, he saw Julian looking for him.
“Someone’s looking for you, Jasper,” Julian informed him.
Jasper frowned. “I’ll be very busy for the time being. If it isn’t anyone special, decline them.”
“It’s Darrel.”
“Darrel?”
Jasper’s head lifted as he replied calmly, “Have him meet me in the backyard then.”
In the backyard, a haggard-looking Darrel arrived before Jasper under Julian’s lead.
“Jasper.”
Darrel greeted him with a raspy voice.
Jasper pointed at the seat before him and smiled. “It’s just been a few days since we last met. How did the New Year’s wear you out till your cheeks are hollow?”
