Chapter 409

Stephan fixed his gaze on Johanna.
She shrank back, looking absolutely terrified. Her innocent expression carried just the right amount of panic. It was as if she truly had no idea what he was talking about.
Stephan’s expression darkened. “Are you sure you don’t know anything?”
Johanna was on the verge of tears. She hesitated before making up her mind. She bit her lip and admitted, “I… I was involved in this. The rumors about the Fullers are my doing.
“I hired people online and paid the reporters to create unfavorable publicity for the Fullers, but it wasn’t my plan to bankrupt the Fullers. I just wanted them to get the punishment they deserved! All I did was stir up some rumors. I really had nothing to do with the murder!”
Johanna wiped her tears. “Stephan, even if you blame me, I’ll still avenge my brother!”
Her confession moved a few of the men. After all, she was just trying to get justice for her
brother.
As for the murder, maybe the Fullers really were responsible. Or maybe it was the work of someone else. Either way, it didn’t seem like Johanna had anything to do with it.
Johanna’s beautiful appearance gave her an air of vulnerability, especially when she cried. The mix of stubbornness and vulnerability in her demeanor easily evoked pity.
It was hard for anyone to believe she could be the mastermind,
But Stanley, Stephan’s longest–serving subordinate, wasn’t swayed by her tears. He asked, Mr. Russell, should we investigate further?”
“There’s no need,” Stephan said. If he investigated every minor detail, his men would have to work themselves to death.
Besides, he wasn’t avoiding an investigation because he trusted Johanna. It was because he simply didn’t care.
Stephan shrugged. “I’ll have someone escort you back to Seldvale tomorrow. Stay with Imogen and take care of her. I’ll handle your brother’s matter.”
Johanna’s eyes widened in shock. This was probably the longest sentence Stephan had ever said to her, yet it was to send her away!
“I don’t want to go! I’ll stay here! Stephan, please don’t send me away!” Johanna cried.
But no matter how much she begged, it didn’t stop Stephan in his steps as he left.
Moments after Stephan entered his study, a new report came in. There was an update about the auction happening this Saturday. Among the items to be auctioned was a new donation.
from the Fullers–a map.
“What?” Stephan stared at the man delivering the news. “Are you sure about this? ”
“Yes, Mr. Russell. I went to the auction house to inquire. The map is currently sealed in a metal box, waiting for the auction on Saturday!” The man added angrily, “This means the map’s existence is no longer a secret. More people will start targeting it and the island marked on it!”
How bold of the Fullers. Did they think they could wash their hands of everything by donating the map to the auction? Did they think that they could prove they acquired the map fair and square this way?”
were
Stephan had a pretty good idea of why the Fullers were doing this. It was obvious they overwhelmed by the recent negative publicity. They likely thought the map was the root of
it as quickly as possible. their troubles and were now trying to distance themselves fro
He couldn’t understand them. If they wanted to clear their name, they should have returned the map to its rightful owner. If they had done that, maybe he would have let them off the
hook.
Yet the Fullers had caused him more trouble!
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