Chapter 251

The loud explosion startled everyone. John and Bianca turned back in horror, their eyes widening at the sight of the car they had just exited now reduced to smoldering fragments.

A wheel, ripped loose by the explosion, soared through the air, then rolled menacingly toward them, as if hunting its owner.

The poor driver didn't even have a chance to scream, his life snuffed out in an instant, consumed by the explosion.

John's face turned pale. It was his first experience with such a terrifying assassination attempt. Bianca's face didn't look any better, trembling with fear, she subconsciously held onto John's arm.

Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, Isabella and her group also heard the explosion outside. Looking through the window, all they could see was a pile of burning debris.

"A car explosion? And right by the hotel? What's happening?" Joseph mused, his brow furrowed.

Isabella's eyes widened in sudden understanding. She immediately left the banquet hall and ran downstairs, with Joseph following closely behind.

When Isabella arrived at the hotel entrance, a large crowd had already gathered, with John and Bianca standing among them. Security guards surrounded them, keeping the crowd at bay.

When Bianca saw Isabella, she shrieked and pointed, accusing, "Was it you? Did you plant the bomb in our car?"

Isabella paused, confirming her suspicion: the destroyed car indeed belonged to John.

She glanced at John, who had a furious expression and seemed to also suspect her.

"If you think it was me, call the police. But I warn you, if it turns out not to be me, I'm suing you for defamation," Isabella retorted, staring coldly at Bianca.

Before Bianca could say anything else, John pulled her hand and shook his head.

The scene had terrified Bianca, making her tremble uncontrollably. It was her first time facing death. She couldn't imagine what would have become of her had she not, on a whim, decided to stay at the hotel with John for the night. Perhaps she would have been blown into burning pieces.

Joseph also rushed over, looking surprised by what was happening outside.

"What on earth is going on here?" Joseph asked the people nearby with a furrowed brow.

When he was told about the explosion of the car John was in, Joseph was taken aback.

It had been a long time since anyone had targeted the heirs of the four major families since Pearl was tortured into a cripple and a lunatic. And this time, it was a direct attack on the largest family, the Williams Family.

"Did you do this?" John demanded of Isabella, his eyes narrowed.

Isabella glared angrily at John. "Stop accusing me every time something terrible happens! Paxton did that, and now you're doing the same! Am I some kind of professional scapegoat?"

Isabella's outburst drew all eyes. Recognizing the connections between the three, the onlookers murmured amongst themselves.

Sensing Isabella's anger, Joseph stepped forward to shield Isabella., looking at John.

"John, I can testify that from the moment Isabella left the company until now, she has been with me the whole time. She didn't answer any calls or contact anyone. This couldn't have been her doing. If you doubt it, you can have the police investigate, and I will fully cooperate," Joseph said calmly.

Isabella watched Joseph's back, furrowing her brows slightly, then took a step aside from behind Joseph.

"I said I didn't do it, and I didn't. Don't push every disgusting thing onto me! I don't need anyone to testify for me. If you don't believe me, go ahead and investigate." Isabella looked coldly at John before turning and leaving, heading back to the banquet hall to wait for the police.

John clenched his fists, looking angrily at Isabella's retreating figure.

At that moment, the hotel manager hurried over anxiously.

"Sorry, Mr. Williams, for the disturbance. I have informed everyone to seal off all exits of the hotel. We have to wait for the police to arrive, and no one will be allowed to leave the hotel!" he stammered, wiping beads of sweat from his brow.

Initially, the manager didn't take the explosion outside seriously, thinking it was just a blown tire from a passing car. It was only when he learned that the wreckage was John's car that he felt a chill of dread.

John's gaze was icy as he passed the manager, striding into the hotel.

The manager felt a deep sense of panic. If he didn't handle this situation well, losing his job would be the least of his worries. It could even cost him his life.

"I'm so sorry, everyone," the manager said, his voice heavy with apology. "Please come back inside and wait. We'll get you all out as soon as the police arrive."

That was all the hotel manager could do. He couldn't stop the hotel staff and guests from spreading the news beyond the hotel's walls.

The news of the explosion spread virally. Soon, the news media got wind of the incident, and many reporters gathered outside the hotel, trying to come in for interviews but were stopped by the hotel security.

On the other side, Michael and Mason also learned about what had happened.

Michael was in the midst of briefing Mason at the hospital about his recent efforts to help Isabella when Charles rushed in, interrupting them.

"Mr. Mason Williams, something bad has happened. Mr. John Williams's car exploded!" Charles said with a grave expression.

Mason, lying in bed, widened his eyes and asked anxiously, "How is John?"

Charles quickly replied, "Don't worry, Mr. Mason Williams, Mr. John Williams and Bianca weren't in the car, but his driver died in the explosion."

Mason furrowed his brows tightly and looked at Michael. He wasn't suspecting Michael of planting a bomb in John's car but wanted to hear Michael's opinion.

Michael also furrowed his brows. Despite their current rivalry, the thought of using a bomb to kill John was utterly abhorrent.

"Who do you think could have done this? I remember you were also attacked when you returned to the country. Could it be the same group? Or maybe Isabella's husband?" Mason pressed Michael, staring at him.

Michael shook his head. "There are too few clues at the moment to determine who did it. But I suspect it might be someone from the four major families. As for the motive, I think it's probably to frame me."

Mason's eyebrow arched in surprise as he regarded Michael