Alvin didn’t even finish his words when someone shouted loudly, “Corrupt businessman! If there’s nothing wrong with the cosmetics your factory produces, why did my wife develop rashes after using your products? If she gets disfigured, I won’t let you off!”
“My daughter just started college this year, and her face turned into a mess. How can she face anyone now?”
“Reporters and police, you must ensure justice for us. Expose this black-market factory and let these corrupt businessmen face legal consequences!”
The arrival of the police and reporters gave the protesters newfound confidence, and they launched a fresh wave of attacks against Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company and Alvin.
While the police were trying to maintain order and calm down the agitated crowd, they assured, “Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm. The police have already set up a special task force to investigate this matter. If Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company’s products indeed have quality issues, they will face severe legal consequences.”
At this moment, another media outlet joined in. A reporter thrust a microphone so close to Alvin’s face that it almost touched his nose. “Mr. Simpson, as the factory manager of Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company, your factory is facing these severe issues with its cosmetics. Have you taken any corrective measures?”
This question was tricky. If Alvin didn’t answer it well, it would be seen as an admission of problems with the cosmetics.
Alvin made an effort to keep his emotions under control, organized his thoughts, and then spoke in a clear voice, “Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company was formerly known as Maple Springs Cosmetic Products Manufacturing Factory, a factory I personally established and have deep sentiments for. I can personally vouch that all cosmetics produced by Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company are of high quality, and there are no subpar products in our range. This incident is undoubtedly a case of malicious framing. I believe that, once the police investigation is complete, Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company will be vindicated.”
The reporter from this media outlet clearly wasn’t buying Alvin’s statement and pressed further, “You claim your factory’s cosmetics have no issues, but why are consumers experiencing severe allergic reactions after using them?”
This question left Alvin momentarily speechless.
“Mr. Simpson, this question shouldn’t be hard to answer, right? Your silence implies an admission, doesn’t it?”
Just then, someone wearing a hooded jacket and a face mask hurried over to the scene. This person was none other than Leo.
Initially, Leo had intended to reveal his true identity. However, upon seeing the large number of media personnel present, he had second thoughts. If his true identity were exposed and sensationalized by the media, it would become a major headache. Thus, Leo had opted for this disguise.
Leo pushed through the crowd, raised a hand, and declared loudly, “Reporters, I have something to say!”
Leo’s actions immediately drew the attention of most of the people.
Bob couldn’t help but smile slightly because he knew exactly who the man in the mask was.
The reporters quickly shifted their focus to Leo and asked, “Sir, what would you like to say? And why are you wearing a mask? Are you a victim in this case?”
The rapid-fire questioning from the reporters didn’t faze Leo. He calmly spoke into the microphone, “I’m not a victim; I’m just a concerned citizen with a sense of justice. What I want to say is that both Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company, Sophia Cosmetics, and Merano Group are victims in this case.”
Leo’s statement immediately caused an uproar in the crowd.
“This incident is a result of malicious framing by Spring Wind Cosmetics. They tampered with the products from Sophia Cosmetics, which were sold to Merano Group, causing the current situation,” Leo declared confidently.
A reporter pressed on, “Sir, how do you know all of this? Do you have evidence?”
“Of course, I do. I have recorded conversations between the general manager of Spring Wind Cosmetics, and the sales director of Merano Group,” Leo replied.
Hearing the mention of recorded evidence, several police officers rushed over. One, who appeared to be the captain, scrutinized Leo and asked, “Sir, where is your recorded evidence?”
Leo pulled out his recording device from his pocket and raised his voice, “The conversations between Spring Wind Cosmetics’ manager Ford Gregory and Merano Group’s sales director Larry Roy are all on this recording. I’ll play it for everyone now.”
He borrowed a loudspeaker from the media and placed his recording device in front of it, hitting the play button.
As the recording played, the atmosphere at the scene grew strangely quiet.
Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, “He’s hiding behind a mask and a hat, too afraid to show his face. This recording is probably fake, meant to confuse us!”
Once this skeptical tone was set, another person chimed in, “Definitely fake! Making a recording like this is a piece of cake. This guy must be a stooge hired by Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company!”
“They’re pure evil, playing these tricks. He and the factory owner, Alvin Simpson, must be in this together! Officers, reporters, don’t let him fool you. It’s all a dirty ploy by these corrupt businessmen!”
Hearing the doubts raised by the crowd, the reporter looked at Leo and asked, “Sir, people don’t believe the recording you’ve presented. Do you have any other substantial evidence?”
Leo’s cold gaze zeroed in on the first person to introduce doubt. This type of person was expected; during his time at Sophia Cosmetics, they had been the ones causing trouble.
The first doubter confronted Leo, pointing a finger at his nose, and exclaimed, “The recording is fake. If you don’t have more evidence, then you’re in cahoots with Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company!”
Leo, like a hawk, fixed his intense gaze on the man and said coldly, “You seem quite enthusiastic; you must have received a hefty sum of money. I’ll give you a chance to reveal who ordered you to do this. Otherwise, the consequences will be severe.”
The man was momentarily shaken by Leo’s gaze but tried to appear composed. “Who do you think you are, threatening me like this?”
“It seems you don’t want this chance. Don’t blame me, then,” Leo said as he swiftly delivered a powerful kick.
The man was sent flying and crashed heavily onto the ground. In the blink of an eye, Leo was next to him, with a foot planted firmly on the man’s back.
The man had initially tried to struggle and get up, but as Leo increased the pressure with his foot, he could only lie there, completely subdued.