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

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

He reached out and clasped

Neal noticed their mood shift and surmised that there was a deeper story to their response. He tactfully dropped the topic and instructed his staff to prepare a

herself and snapped out of her

and asked Neal, “Mr. Gray, how familiar are you with Paul Hall, the

mulled over her question before replying, “Paul has too many girlfriends. He has enough exes before Annie to form a football team. In fact, I wager he can’t remember some of his ex-girlfriend’s names. He’s inching closer to fifty but still stubbornly living the lifestyle of a playboy

the lifestyle. He’s a nobility of Ospea and can live off the family’s fortune comfortably. Plus, he actually has an acumen for business. After his father’s death, he was

and asked. “How long ago did he

on a business trip to Chanaea. Annie was studying there at the time. After becoming lovers, they’ve frequently traveled together.” Neal sipped some warm fruit tea before adding. “After talking to Paul over the past few days, I believe his feelings for his current girlfriend are genuine. He cherishes her

worked out the

of a coincidence? They knew each other in

resources, it was entirely possible to help Annie secure a

you so interested in Paul’s personal life? Do you think it’s related to this ambush?” asked

answered simply. “It’s nothing. I was

Voicing her theories now would do more harm than good, allowing her enemies to better prepare

Gwendolyn grimaced

stinging pain over the back of

lap. “Don’t think so hard, Gwenny. It’ll tire you out. You’re

and pressed closer to his broad chest.

you feel uncomfortable. I’ll

and shut her eyes, gradually dozing

them, Neal felt more apologetic than ever.

would delay your return to Chanaca, but rest assured, this matter is our police

remained lukewarm. He looked down at Gwendolyn and gently stroked her

struck Gwenny across the back of

will

make up for the ambush, I would like you to send the culprit to Chanaca once you

trailed off hesitantly. “They may be criminals, but they’re still citizens of Astoria. Interrogating and punishing them in Chanaea