"Are you sure each batch has been thoroughly inspected?" Benjamin asked.
"I'm sure," Harper affirmed. "The supplier also needs to investigate quickly. This matter has escalated. If the Martin Group is found to have used non-compliant steel bars, all our properties and buildings will be questioned. It's not just about the impact on the Martin Group anymore. We will be in great trouble."
Benjamin was aware of it, so he had been trying to stay calm, attempting to downplay the situation and communicate with the victim's family before investigating whether this was an accident or intentional.
He walked up to Harper with a serious expression.
Harper asked, "Will this trouble the Martin Group?"
Benjamin replied, "Depends on how things are developing. The victim's family is unwilling to settle privately. They've applied for an official investigation into this project. It seems like we'll have to halt construction for now."
"What should we do?" Harper was worried.
"We wait," Benjamin said.
"Wait?" Harper didn't understand.
Benjamin explained, "We can only wait for the heat of this matter to die down before we can take action. Otherwise, whatever we do, good or bad, will be overly interpreted by the media. If this wasn't just an accident, those lurking in the shadows want to see us react recklessly now, giving them an opportunity."
This was the first time Benjamin had discussed such a topic with Harper.
She was surprised by his rational analysis of all the pros and cons.
The negative impact this incident would bring to the Martin Group was unpredictable, but Benjamin remained calm.
Sitting in his position, he bore much more weight than others, so his mental resilience must surpass everyone else's.
Harper understood his true meaning.
Remaining silent and not responding until everything was clear was the best course of action for now.
Since Harper was pregnant, Benjamin didn't let her stay longer and escorted her out through the back door.
Outside, a crowd had gathered with cries and chaos.
Harper wouldn't be going to the company today, so she went straight back to the apartment. Paul called, asking about the situation. "This matter must be thoroughly investigated. The Martin Group must not be tarnished."
"I will," Benjamin promised.
He dropped Harper off at the apartment and then drove to the company.
Curtis returned from the scene.
"How did the discussion with the deceased's family go?" Benjamin asked.
"Supported by public opinion, they're unwilling to settle. They've made a unanimous decision to wait for all investigation results and then proceed with compensation according to the law."
Due to the intense public opinion, an investigative team was established, entering the construction site for a transparent investigation. This was also stated in the statement Benjamin had the Martin Group's social media account post.
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