The Connolly Estate.


    In Aetheria, the Connolly family''s residence was noticeably more magnificent than their homes in Novaris and Solmaris.


    Not long after Ste and Joshuanded, Neville personally drove to pick them up.


    Seeing Joshua by Ste''s side as always, aplex emotion flickered in Neville''s eyes.


    But he quickly masked it with a faint smile and greeted them.


    "Star, Joshua."


    On the way to the Connolly estate, Ste asked, "How is Grandma Connolly doing?"


    Neville sighed. "Not well. The doctor said she might only have a month left."


    A knot formed in Ste''s chest.


    Though she had met Grandma Connolly only a few times, her impression of the elderly woman was incredibly positive.


    The thought that the kind, gentle woman would soon be leaving this world filled Ste with sadness.


    Sensing her low spirits, Neville offered somefort. "Star, don''t be sad. Grandma has been very happytely. She says she has no regrets."


    Ste then asked, "How has Marvin been?"


    "He''s doing well," Neville said. "He just keeps nagging me about wanting to see you."


    "I''m sorry," Ste said apologetically. "I haven''t had much time to spend with Marvin since I returned to Solmaris."


    Neville smiled. "You''re just starting out, it''s normal to be busy.


    When I get busy, I barely have time to even talk to him.


    But back then, I was lucky to have met you. You took care of Marvin for so long."


    The two chatted casually, and the car soon arrived at the old Connolly mansion.


    Joshua looked at the grand, imposing architecture. "So this is where Mr. Connolly lives."


    Neville nced at him. "What, you know this ce?"


    "It''s precisely because I don''t that I''m surprised," Joshua replied.


    Then, his tone shifted abruptly. "By the way, Mr. Connolly, how are things between you and Miss Vance?"


    At the mention of Shirley Vance''s name, Neville''s brow furrowed.


    He had been preupied with his grandmother''s health recently and had little time to deal with Shirley.


    Besides...


    That woman was not nearly as fragile as she appeared.


    "Nothing to report," Neville said coolly.


    Joshua pressed on. "As I recall, you and Miss Vance had a three-month agreement, didn''t you?


    By my calction, the time should be up.


    Is it time for you to take responsibility for Miss Vance?"


    Neville''s voice was indifferent. "If she were truly innocent, I wouldn''t mind taking responsibility.


    But if she plotted against me and still expects me to be responsible, she''s delusional."


    Ste picked up on the implication in his words. "Neville, do you think Shirley might be one of the people who framed you?"


    Neville''s eyes were dark. "A setup that could have been so easily exposed was dragged out to the point


    it where there are no witnesses left it''s impossible that she wasn''t involved.


    And her coborator is likely the mastermind behind the whole thing."


    Joshua smiled. "Mr. Connolly truly


    lives up to his reputation as


    of Tholly Group to hahet


    figured that much out


    I just wonder if you''ve figured out who framed you?"


    Neville suddenly fell silent.


    Having spent so much time with Neville, Ste knew him well enough to read his moods.


    She turned to him. "Neville, have you found something?"


    Neville''s expression was unreadable.


    After a moment, he finally spoke. "ording to my investigation, Foreman Richards seemed to be


    verclose to Shirley


    time." .


    that


    Ste''s expression dimmed. "I''m sorry. If it weren''t for me, you two wouldn''t have


    been targeted by him."