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.

never been the

father, Marcus, and Asher’s decision to cover

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

a deeper story to their response. He tactfully dropped the topic and instructed his staff to prepare a pot of fruit tea for his

Gwendolyn collected herself and snapped out

suddenly remembered the odd Annie and asked Neal, “Mr. Gray, how familiar are you with Paul Hall, the count of Ospea, and

He has enough exes before Annie to form a football team. In fact, I wager he can’t remember

After his father’s death, he was the sole heir to the family’s

“How long ago did he announce his relationship

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 more than any other woman in his past, and I wonder

math and worked

other in Chanaca, and Annie immediately got the

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

Paul’s personal life? Do you think it’s

question interrupted Gwendolyn’s musings. She answered simply. “It’s nothing.

her theories now would do more harm than good,

head throbbed painfully. Gwendolyn grimaced and massaged the back of her head.

brush across the bruise sent stinging pain over the back of

noticed her discomfort and pulled her into his lap. “Don’t think so hard, Gwenny.

weakly and pressed closer to his broad

you feel uncomfortable. I’ll handle

nodded again at her husband’s words and shut her eyes, gradually dozing off in

across them, Neal felt more apologetic

happened because I did not manage Astoria competently. I hope you’ll accept my deepest apologies. I did not imagine this would delay your return to Chanaca, but rest assured, this matter is our police force’s top priority. We will

He looked down at Gwendolyn and gently stroked her back, hoping to

struck Gwenny across the back of the

investigating it. We will not let

culprit to Chanaca once you find him. I will deal with

but they’re still citizens of Astoria. Interrogating and punishing them in Chanaea seems rather inappropriate, don’t you think so?”