The Ex and Her Riches

Neal personally visited the police station to assist with the investigations.

The first round of interrogations had wrapped up just as Cedrick and Gwendolyn turned up.

Neal immediately stepped forward when he noticed their arrival.

“Why did you rush over, Ms. Harris? Have all your injuries been treated?”

Gwendolyn opened her pale lips to respond, but Cedrick interjected, “Yes. The doctor said her injuries weren’t too serious, and because Gwenny wanted to investigate this ambush as soon as possible, we decided to come to the police station now.”

His words met with no protests. Neal opened his arms and ushered them into a lounge to rest.

They had barely warmed their seats when Cedrick asked sternly, “How are the interrogations?”

Neal shook his head and said. “They’re skilled assassins bought off the black market anonymously. They were only serving orders and had no idea about their client. And while we didn’t catch the sniper, we’ve sent the bullet removed from Ms. Harris elbow for further analysis. We should have some leads from there soon.”

Astoria practiced strict gun ownership laws. One had to undergo professional evaluations and obtain a license before purchasing a gun.

Once they confirmed the model of the small sniper rifle used in the ambush, they could narrow down their pool of suspects.

Gwendolyn listened to their conversation and could not help but smirk. She commented, “Buying assassins off the black market. What a familiar tactic.”

Her tone surprised Neal, who asked. “Have you encountered such ambushes in the past, Ms. Harris?”

Gwendolyn remained silent.

Cedrick replied in her stead, “Yes. Gwenny’s stepsister, an illegitimate child of the Harris family, once hired forty assassins on the black market to ambush her on Crane Bridge, Fairlake. Thankfully, gun control laws in Chanaca are the strictest in the world, so there were no snipers around.”

A bewildered Neal asked, “She’s just the illegitimate child of a rich family. How did she accomplish that?”

Cedrick fell silent and glanced at Gwendolyn. As expected, her expression had cooled by several degrees.

existence had never been the

revelation that Evelyn’s backer was none other than Gwendolyn’s father, Marcus, and Asher’s

the turmoil in Gwendolyn’s expression. He reached out and clasped her clenched fists,

deeper story to their response. He tactfully dropped the topic and instructed

Gwendolyn collected herself and snapped out of her reminiscence.

“Mr. Gray, how familiar are you with Paul Hall, the count

team. In fact, I wager he can’t remember some of his ex-girlfriend’s names. He’s inching closer to fifty

acumen for business. After his father’s death, he was the sole heir to the family’s wealth, and he put that money to good use in business investments. If you can

response and asked. “How long ago did he announce

at the time. After becoming lovers, they’ve frequently traveled together.” Neal sipped some warm fruit tea before adding. “After

the math and worked out

in Chanaca, and Annie immediately got the opportunity to leave the country.

and resources, it was entirely possible to help Annie secure a new identity if she

you so interested in Paul’s personal life? Do you think it’s

She answered simply.

they had any solid evidence. Voicing her theories now would do more harm than good, allowing her enemies to better prepare for their

painfully. Gwendolyn grimaced

stinging

her discomfort and pulled her into his lap. “Don’t think so hard, Gwenny. It’ll tire you out. You’re

weakly and pressed closer

feel uncomfortable. I’ll handle

shut her eyes, gradually dozing off in

them, Neal felt more

deepest apologies. I did not imagine this would delay your return to Chanaca, but rest assured, this matter is

expression remained lukewarm. He looked down at Gwendolyn and gently stroked her back, hoping to ease

out who struck Gwenny

replied, “We’re investigating it. We will not let him off

for the ambush, I would like you to send the culprit to Chanaca once you find him.

they’re still citizens of Astoria. Interrogating and punishing them in Chanaea seems rather inappropriate, don’t