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

the revelation that Evelyn’s backer was none other than Gwendolyn’s father, Marcus, and Asher’s decision to cover up Evelyn’s crimes

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

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 pot of fruit tea for his guests.

collected herself and snapped out

familiar are you with Paul Hall, the

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

continued. “That said, it’s not as if he can’t afford 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 the sole heir to the family’s wealth, and he put that money to

asked. “How long ago did he announce his

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

worked out the timeline of their relationship.

of a coincidence? They knew each other in Chanaca, and Annie immediately got the opportunity to

possible to help Annie secure a new identity if she needed one.

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

musings. She answered simply.

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

her head throbbed painfully. Gwendolyn grimaced

brush across the bruise sent stinging pain over the back of

lap. “Don’t think so hard,

and pressed closer

a nap if you feel uncomfortable. I’ll

again at her husband’s words and shut her eyes, gradually

across them, Neal felt more apologetic than ever.

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

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

Gwenny across the back

will not let him off so easily.”

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

citizens of Astoria. Interrogating and punishing them