Chapter 685
“No, Caitlin only went with the police to assist their investigation,” Nicoletta replied.
Hearing this, Liliana was a little disappointed. So Caitlin wasn’t the culprit after all.
Back at the Jonathan estate. Liliana pieced together two shocking bits of news: Ivo had been caught, and Uzma was dead. She didn’t understand exactly what had happened, but one thing was clear–ever since Caitlin had stepped into their house, peace had fled. Maybe all of it was Caitlin’s doing, stirring chaos behind
the scenes.
Regalis Police Department.
Caitlin arrived with the patrol car. The officer in charge of Uzma’s case sat her down for a formal statement.
“Caitlin, earlier you mentioned crucial evidence. Were you a direct witness to the crime?”
“Yes.”
“Can you describe exactly what you saw?”
“Of course.”
Caitlin detailed what she had witnessed in the Jonathan gardens. As she spoke, the officer’s expression grew skeptical.
“You say you saw the crime with your own eyes, even recognized the killer. Then why didn’t you call us immediately? Why wait until now?”
“I’m only a distant relative visiting the Jonathan family. I was afraid speaking out would bring me trouble, maybe even retaliation. But when I saw they wanted to rush Uzma’s cremation, my conscience wouldn’t let me stay silent. So I spoke up.”
Her explanation was reasonable. The officer believed her, but pressed further. “Thank you for your honesty, Miss Lin. But you’re claiming that the person who killed Uzma was Fletcher Jonathan, the family’s eldest son. Are you absolutely certain?”
“I saw him clearly.”
The officers exchanged shocked glances. “Fletcher is a sitting member of Parliament. Why would he do such a thing?”
“That’s a question for him to answer.”
“We’ll investigate immediately.”
Caitlin nodded. “My word alone may not convince anyone. Fortunately, I also have video evidence.”
10:05 Wed, Oct 8
Chapter 685
She handed over her phone. The officers watched the footage and were stunned.
The video showed everything: Uzma being overpowered in the grove, her body shoved into the pond, and the killer walking away. Fletcher’s face was unmistakable.
The officer exhaled sharply. “This is conclusive. With this, we can move for an arrest warrant right away. You’ve just saved us days of work. Thank you.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
Her statement complete, Caitlin left the station.
Outside, a black car waited. She checked the license plate, then slid into the back seat. Immediately she was wrapped in Sebastian’s arms.
“Drive,” he told the chauffeur.
As the car pulled into traffic, Sebastian studied her intently. “Tyler already told me what happened at the Jonathan estate. I’m worried. Shouldn’t you pull out before things get worse?”
He’d heard about the midnight intrusion at Moonstone Court. Just imagining what could have happened to her kept him on edge.
“No. The net is almost ready to close. I can’t back out now.”
She wasn’t about to leave without the codex. Besides, once she pulled out, it would be nearly impossible to infiltrate again.
Sebastian held her tighter, pressing his forehead to hers. “Then promise me you’ll check in every day.”
“I promise.”
Neither said more. From the front seat, the driver caught sight of the couple in the rearview mirror, quickly looked away, and kept his eyes on the road.
Later they shared a quiet meal together, then returned to the residence Magnus had arranged. The prince himself returned from his official visits just as they arrived.
“Caitlin, how are things on your end?” Magnus asked.
“Everything’s on track. And you?”
“My visit here is basically finished. I’ll be flying home tonight.”
“Oh, I see.”
“You can continue using this residence. I’ll leave staff here to look after you until you’re ready to return home safely.”
“Thank you,” Caitlin said sincerely,
They lunched together. Afterward Caitlin spent the afternoon with Sebastian, only returning to the Jonathan estate by dusk once she had received the hospital’s lab results on Delilah’s medicine.
By then, the family had gathered in the great hall, waiting for dinner. Fletcher was present, looking calm, as though nothing were amiss. Clearly the police hadn’t yet moved on him.
“Caitlin’s back,” someone announced.
All eyes turned. Fletcher’s face hardened. He knew she had been with the police. That was direct opposition. But his people had already checked–there was no word at the station about him. Caitlin must have been bluffing.
Nicoletta cut in sharply. “Caitlin, what took you so long at the station? What are you trying to do? Haven’t you stirred up enough trouble in this family?”
Caitlin’s voice was calm. “What I’m doing, Nicoletta, you know better than anyone.”
Nicoletta bristled. She had already heard from Hector about the agreement Caitlin had forced him into. To her, it was a trap. Once they handed over the codex, Caitlin would surely turn on them.
Liliana’s eyes narrowed in disdain. “Caitlin, just say it. Was Uzma’s death your doing? Are you trying to frame someone again?”
Caitlin exhaled lightly, a faint smile on her lips. “Funny. Do I really look like someone who spends her days plotting? Uzma and I had no enmity. Why would I harm her?”
“You know why,” Liliana snapped.
Caitlin ignored her. Before more could be said, Hector arrived. Devin called everyone to dinner.
But just as they began to move toward the dining hall, the police arrived at the estate.
Hector greeted them, recognizing the same officer from before. “Captain, did you determine Uzma’s cause of death?”
The officer stood in the hall and spoke clearly. “Mr. Jonathan, our forensic team completed a full autopsy and analysis. Uzma died of asphyxiation. The bruising on her neck is consistent with strangulation. While her body was in the pond, the amount of water in her lungs and stomach was under 100 milliliters. This proves she was already dead when she entered the water.”
Hector’s brow furrowed. “Then have you identified the killer?”
Fletcher’s heart pounded in his chest. Around them, the family waited in tense silence for the answer.