ANA:
"So you're telling me you didn't hear or see anything that night?" Officer Henry asked again, his tone sharp as the Q&A session dragged on. Fortunately, I didn't have to go to the police station—my father pulled a few strings to have it done here, in the comfort of our own house.
I glanced at the man standing behind the officer—David. His expression was dead serious, worry etched deep into his furrowed brow. He looked lost in thought, as if he was already five steps ahead of the conversation. I took a steadying breath, keeping my voice calm. "No, officer."
"Did you see anyone in the house who shouldn't have been there? Or know anyone who might've held a grudge against Dr. Helia?"
I paused, pretending to think it over. "Well, with her reputation and background, I imagine she's had more than a few people holding grudges."
Officer Henry's face tightened, clearly displeased with my evasive answer. He leaned in slightly, his voice low and stern. "Answer only what you're asked, Anastasia."
I bit back a scoff and nodded, playing the part. "No. I didn't see anyone that night who didn't belong here. Just household staff and security."
"Hmm..." The officer leaned back, studying me with eyes that gleamed with suspicion, as though he wasn't buying a word I said.
I struggled to maintain my composure as my mind raced back to that night—specifically, the warning letter I'd received.
"You'll stay quiet about our meetings if you want to learn more about Emma Brown."
Fifteen words. Fifteen words that sparked a thousand thoughts. He knew about my mother. But how much did he really know? Did he know where she was now? Was she alive? Safe?
I had no answers—only more questions. My instinct screamed to fight back, to push for the truth. But I knew better. He held the key to the one thing I needed most, and he knew it. That bastard knew it all too well.
So, for now, I played along.
"Would you tell us again what exactly happened that night, Miss Brown?" Officer Henry asked, his voice cutting through the tension in the room.
I sighed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I've already told you twice, Officer."
He gave me a smirk, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "I'd like to hear it once more."
I swallowed hard, forcing a nod. "If it'll satisfy you, fine." I said, my voice tight. "I wasn't allowed to leave my room after the accident at college, so I was in there after dinner. I took a shower and then I went to sleep. I worke up when I heard a scream. When I came out, my bodyguards told me they found Dr. Helia... dead in the living room. Nd that is only when I came to know about the blood on my body."
"Stabbed twenty-nine times and her throat slit until she bled dry, Miss Brown," the officer corrected, his words cold and deliberate. "She wasn't just dead. She was brutally killed."
The accusation in his tone was unmistakable. He didn't believe me, but without evidence, he couldn't pin anything on me—yet.
"And your bodyguard, Mr. Charlie? How exactly did he disappear?" His gaze hardened, probing for a crack in my story.
I shrugged, feigning indifference. "I have no idea."
"Hmm..." Officer Henry hummed, his skepticism evident as he stood up. "Even though I don't quite believe everything you've said, Miss Brown, I have no choice but to let you go for now." He paused at the door, turning back to add, "But I'm sure I'll find the truth soon enough."
Relief flooded me the moment he stepped out, but it was short-lived. I looked over at David, wincing slightly. He met my gaze with quiet reassurance. "Don't worry, A. I know you didn't do anything, and I'll prove it."
Just then, Officer Henry turned back, his frown deepening. "I guess Detective David forgot we're supposed to keep our emotions out of this profession."
"And I guess Officer Henry forgot that without proof, accusing an innocent person is a crime in itself," David shot back, his voice sharp.
Their eyes locked in a heated exchange before Henry responded with a cold smile. "We'll see about that."
Then he was gone, leaving the tension lingering like a storm ready to break.
David led me to my room, handing me the medication my new doctor had prescribed. "Don't worry, A. I know you're innocent, and I promise I won't let anyone hurt a single strand of your hair this time."
I gave him a small smile, swallowing the tablets. He returned my smile, but there was tension behind his eyes. "What about Robert and Rika? Are they in danger?" I asked.
He shook his head. "Surprisingly, the murder... it's very similar to..." He hesitated, his gaze flickering to mine. "Like the Devil."
My heart skipped a beat, and I bit my lip, trying to steady my nerves.
"No evidence left behind," David continued, his voice low. "But the thing is, I triple-checked Dr. Helia's background. She may have been a crazy doctor, but she had no ties to the Romanos. If the Devil is really alive and back in town, like you suspect, I doubt he needs a reason for what he does. He's a maniac, A. He thrives on hurting people. But this time..." He bit his lip, his face clouded with worry. "This time, I'll catch him."
I kept my voice steady, masking the unease swirling inside. "But there's one thing I don't quite understand, Officer. The cameras—the ones outside your room. It was turned off at the exact moment Dr. Helia was killed, and it stayed off for almost half an hour... right until the bodyguards found her body. Don't you think that's a little too coincidental?"
he watched me closely, waiting for a flicker of reaction, but my expression remained unreadable. The silence that followed was thick, charged with suspicion. Something didn't add up, and we both knew it.
Thankfully before I could say anything, the door creaked open. I looked up, recognizing the man standing there. "Leo?"
Leo Hudson smiled, his expression casual, too casual. "Hello, darling. I hear you've found yourself in some trouble?" His smirk was maddeningly nonchalant. Pulling a thick wad of cash from his coat, he waved it in the air. "And since when has trouble been a match for money?"
David frowned, and so did I. What was Leo doing back in town? The last time he was here, it was because of Jules. And now?
Sensing our confusion, Leo's smile widened. "Well, Ana, darling, your father couldn't make it to clean up this mess, so he sent me. He's upset, beating himself up for not recognizing Dr. Helia's true intentions. He's angry—at himself—for failing to protect you." His voice softened in a way that almost made me believe him.
But where was my father? Why wasn't he here? Oh, right. His new family. His new wife. His son.
He always wanted a son.
I swallowed hard, biting back the tears that threatened to spill. I had to accept it. I wasn't his priority anymore.
"But don't worry," Leo said, his smile returning. "Now that I'm here, rest assured, everything will be taken care of."
David scoffed at his words. "She doesn't need to be 'taken care of,' Mr. Hudson. Ana is the victim here. Dr. Helia, the woman Mrs. Brown hired to look after her, nearly killed her. Thankfully, she died before she could finish her plan. But make no mistake, Ana is innocent."
Leo laughed, lighting a cigar with one hand while still holding the stack of cash in the other. "Oh, I like you, Detective. You've got guts." He walked toward David, a predatory glint in his eye. He stopped just inches from him, his towering presence casting a long shadow over the room. With a slick grin, he slipped the cash into David's pocket, leaning in close. "I trust you'll know how to put this to good use, Detective. Make sure the Brown family name stays... untarnished."
David didn't flinch, but the tension between them was palpable. Leo straightened, puffing on his cigar with a satisfied smirk. The room felt colder, darker, like the devil himself had just walked through it.
Before David could object, Robert and Rika entered the room. Leo turned to them, his voice smooth and authoritative. "Make sure Ana is well-fed and resting. David and I have some things to discuss."
I stepped forward, my heart racing. "But, Leo, wait... What about my father? Is he coming back?"
Leo's smile was tight, almost rehearsed. "Oh, he wanted to, but he's... preoccupied. Don't worry, I'll be here until he returns, I'll... watch you. And the office. How about we go for a walk tomorrow morning? You can show me around, and I'll keep an eye on you."
His words unsettled me. The way he said "watch you" sent a chill down my spine. Leo had always been flirtatious, but with my father around, he'd never dared cross any lines. Now, with my dad conveniently absent, something felt... off.
I frowned, my instincts warning me that Leo's presence was more trouble than comfort. I watched as they left the room, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. Helplessness gnawed at me. What had my life become? For so long, I'd let others dictate my path, but maybe... maybe it was time to take control again. Before it was too late.