?Chapter 1305:


    Beal dropped his gaze and replied with quiet respect, “Understood, Mr. Perry.”


    No question remained about Humphrey’s intentions.


    Eastwood Manor buzzed with quiet activity as ine pulled up in his striking sports car. His trademark grin was warm and easy, though a glimmer of calction hid in his eyes. Without hesitation, he crossed the driveway and walked into the lobby, each step brisk and sure.


    “I need to speak with your manager,” he said softly, though no one could miss themand in his voice.


    A roundbellied man in a crisp suit hurried over, wiping sweat from his brow. “Mr. Castro, it’s an honor to have you with us. How can I assist you today?”


    ine offered azy nce. “Gather everyone who was on staff the day Sutton died. I want to speak to all of them.”


    The manager’s practiced smile wavered. He looked away, suddenly nervous. A shadow passed over his features as he realized the bind he was in. “I’m very sorry, Mr. Castro, but you understand how the service industry goes. There’s a constant flow of new faces. Justst month, we had to rece the entire staff at the manor. The people you’re looking for aren’t here anymore—they’ve all been dismissed.”


    ine’s surprise was impossible to hide. Dismissed a month ago? That timing was far too coincidental. He leaned in and asked, “What about their files? You keep staff records, don’t you? Those must still exist somewhere.”


    A river of sweat threatened to break free from the manager’s brow as he started fidgeting. He threw up his hands and shook his head, his voice trembling. “It’s not that simple, sir. With this drought, the archives room caught fire. Most of the paperwork was destroyed. Whatever you’re after—those files are long gone.”


    ine’s eyebrows drew together in a skeptical line. Did the manager really think he was a fool, tricked by such a tale? Anyone could see he was lying. Watching ine’s steady silence, the manager’s anxiety grew. Sweat tracked down his cheeks, and a cold fear twisted in his gut. He understood that ine wasn’t a man to toy with. While the manager struggled to remain calm, ine caught his expression and sneered.


    He let out a slow breath and finally waved the manager off. “Never mind. If they’re truly gone, I won’t cause you any trouble. I’ll just head to the police station and get the records myself.”


    With that, ine pivoted, appearing ready to walk away. The manager, believing the ordeal was over, nearly copsed with relief. His shoulders slumped and he finally breathed easily for the first time since ine’s arrival.


    Just as he allowed himself that hope, it vanished. ine came to an abrupt stop midstep—so sudden it was almostical—then whipped around without hesitation. Not much escaped ine’s sharp gaze, and he saw the flicker of relief on the manager’s face. A secondter, the manager went rigid, every muscle tensing as he watched ine return.


    What could have brought him back? ine’s lips curved into a smile that held more secrets than warmth. He knew something was wrong. He sensed the manager was hiding far more than he’d admitted. Yet ine chose not to press the issue—at least not yet.


    With an impable disy of innocence, ine smiled, revealing a perfect set of white teeth. “I think I might have left my car keys around here.” He crouched and scanned the floor. “Never mind. I must have imagined it.”


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