Percival had never intended to summon Richard, but since Baron wanted Richard there, he had no objections.

The tale of his grandparents and Baron was something he had heard since he was a child. His grandmother had been pivotal to both men.

If they wanted to settle old scores, Percival was willing to let them.

Upon hearing that Percival had unearthed the murderer of the dear old lady, Richard dropped everything and bolted over to the Brooks Mansion.

Bursting through the door, he was brimming with urgency. "Percival! Baron just told me over the phone that you found out who killed your grandma. Is it true?"

With a nod and a knowing glance at Thomas, Percival affirmed, "Yeah. Take a seat. We'll get to the bottom of this."

Thomas dragged over a chair, and Richard plopped down eagerly. "Alright! Let's see who murdered your grandma. Just give me a name, and I'll break their damn kneecaps!" His gaze purposefully swept towards Judith.

Baron had hinted over the phone that Judith was tied up in this mess.

Richard settled in, but Baron did not have anyone to fetch him a chair. So, he grabbed one himself and sat down.

Percival scanned the room, pulled out his smartphone, and handed it to Thomas. "Project this."

His phone had a built-in projector, a feature Thomas had used countless times. He quickly set it up.

"Open this photo," Percival instructed Thomas, then turned to Judith. "After the tragedy with my grandma, the police locked down the scene. You, being her close friend, were interrogated. This was your statement from back then."

The statement seemed clear-cut, leaving no room for suspicion.

All evidence pointed to Judith having an alibi.

The crowd was puzzled, turning to Percival, wondering what a flawless statement could possibly reveal.

confusion, Percival spoke calmly, "This statement is perfect. Too perfect, in fact.

testimony, you said you hadn't left your home for three days around the time of Grandma's dinner party. Witnesses confirmed that. So then... Who is this?" Thomas flicked to the next

Judith went pale.

How could this be?

her tracks perfectly. How had Percival gotten hold

the crowd, their gazes shifting

instantly. "You sneaky witch, Judith! It

Judith, but Thomas was quick to intercept. "Calm down. Let's get the full

countering, "What does this photo prove? I was merely out

us to believe you traveled over a hundred miles to some podunk town for shopping? What business does a lady of your stature have there? That's where Dahlia and her friends were

nearly sent Richard over

of the local Rivenwood cuisine and craved something new. Somehow, they settled on this little town with a rumored fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Richard had

about a nearby church said to be powerful, they booked their visit on the fourteenth, planning to stay overnight and visit the church on the fifteenth. Dahlia was quite superstitious, so she was very

for safety, and Richard, being extra cautious, assigned

safety did he allow Dahlia

tragedy struck that evening - a fire claimed the

Dahlia, her friends, and the nannies were

The devastation was incomprehensible.

culprit

even invite me!" Judith spat

to the

showed a call from Judith's family landline to Dahlia, made

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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