The air in the opulent foyer hung heavy with tension as Olivia stood face-to-face with Inspector Davies. His cold gaze dissected her, searching for answers she didn't possess. The attack on her grandfather, the unsettling presence of Alexander, and now the arrival of this enigmatic detective, had plunged her world into a state of utter confusion.
"Miss Rosewood," Inspector Davies began, his voice laced with suspicion, "your presence at the scene raises several questions. Were you aware of any threats towards your grandfather?"
Olivia met his gaze with unwavering defiance. "No, Inspector. The attack came as a complete shock."
Inspector Davies' eyes narrowed further. He turned his gaze towards Alexander, who stood stoic beside Olivia.
"And who might you be, Mr. Sterling?"
The mention of the Sterling name elicited a gasp from Reginald, who lay on the couch, his face pale. A flicker of recognition crossed Inspector Davies' face as he studied Alexander, his lips forming a grim line.
"The resemblance is undeniable," he remarked, his voice laced with a hint of intrigue. "However, your presence here is just as curious, wouldn't you agree?"
Olivia felt a surge of protectiveness towards Alexander. "He was simply enjoying an evening walk in the garden when the attack happened," she interjected, her voice firm.
Inspector Davies remained unconvinced. He continued his interrogation, his questions probing and relentless, seeking any hint of information that could link the attack to either Olivia or Alexander.
As the interrogation progressed, it became increasingly clear that Inspector Davies harbored a personal vendetta against the Sterling family. He spoke of past investigations, of grudges held close, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Olivia, sensing the underlying hostility, tried to reason with him. "Inspector, regardless of past grievances, we need to focus on finding the attacker and ensuring my grandfather's safety."
Inspector Davies paused, his gaze flickering between Olivia and Reginald. A hint of something akin to pity softened his features for a fleeting moment.
"Your concern is noted, Miss Rosewood," he conceded. "However, my investigation cannot afford to be swayed by sentiment. We will leave no stone unturned, regardless of where it may lead."
With those cryptic words, Inspector Davies concluded his interrogation and began his investigation in earnest. The mansion buzzed with activity as detectives scoured for clues, their presence a constant reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows.
Olivia, left feeling helpless and ostracized, retreated to her room. The night's events played on her mind in a relentless loop – the attack, the interrogation, the unsettling revelation of the vendetta against the Sterlings. As she lay awake, staring at the moonlit ceiling, a question gnawed at her: was the attack orchestrated by the same unseen force attempting to keep her apart from Alexander, or was it something more sinister altogether?
Meanwhile, in the shadows beyond the mansion, a lone figure watched the lights flicker in Olivia's room. A cruel smile played upon their lips as they whispered to themselves, "The game has just begun."