Her words nted a seed of doubt in Lionel''s mind. He frowned. She was right. How did he know the recording wasn''t something Hannah had prepared


    specifically for that moment? She was a seasonedwyer; she knew every trick in the book.


    Seeing his frown, Sandra''s lips curved into a subtle, fleeting smile. "Lionel, please don''t mind what I just said," she added, feigning panic.


    He nodded, saying nothing.


    Sandra tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, turning her face to present what she considered her best angle.


    "They say a cornered animal willsh out. Xenia knows about your rtionship with Hannah, so of course she''s going to say whatever she can to save herself. And Zack is her brother; naturally, he''d go along with her story."


    She lowered her eyes, her expression a perfect blend of gentleness and grace. "Honestly, I don''t really care that they''re ndering me. I know they''re just desperate."


    She took a sip of her coffee, a sh of annoyance in her eyes. She couldn''t believe that bitch Hannah had gone to the police station and told Xenia she had cut off Zack''s medical funding. None of this would have happened otherwise. Why couldn''t Hannah have been gang-raped and killed during that kidnapping? It would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.


    Kidnapping?


    An idea began to form in her mind, but now was not the time.


    "They''re both facing prison time," Lionel said, putting his coffee down. "By the way, I heard Mr. Jones from the firm went to Nyden."


    "He did?"


    The sudden change of topic caught Sandra off guard. "When did that happen? I had no idea."


    "Hended today."


    "What? But the arson investigation isn''t even finished. Why would he suddenly go to Nyden?" Sandra pulled out her phone. "I haven''t been feeling well sol haven''t really been keeping up with my old colleagues.”


    She pretended to text a few people, then looked up, her face a mask of shock. "You''re right, he''s in Nyden. What happened? Do you think he was the one who started the fire and that''s why he


    She covered her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    "Perhaps,” Lionel said. He opened a file on his phone and slid it across the table.


    "But his bank ount shows a ratherrge transfer from you."


    His tone was casual, as if he werementing on the weather.


    Sandra''s heart hammered against her ribs. She never thought he would look into that. She picked up the phone, her brow furrowed. "So that''s why he suddenly asked to borrow money from the He said it was for office renovations. I didn''t have much myself, so I had to borrow from a friend to help him out. I can''t believe he took my money and ran!"


    Lionel rarely saw her angry. She was always the one to turn the other cheek. This


    time, she seemed genuinely furious.