Chapter 89

No.1

Beatrice’s eyes widened. She had never seen so much money. It represented over a decade of her wages!

Isabella’s intense gaze locked onto her. “Think carefully, Beatrice. Five years ago. Who entered and left this room?”

Her voice was low, persuasive. She slid the card across the table.

The temptation was overwhelming. Beatrice finally capitulated. She wet her lips nervously before speaking. “Ms. Victoria Kensington and Mr. Alexander Whitmore… they brought you in. I was delivering a supper tray next door. I saw them assisting you inside. It struck me as odd. Usually, it was couples. A trio of two women and one man was… unusual.”

Isabella’s brow furrowed. Victoria and Alexander? Five years ago, she had overheard their conversation. Had Victoria masterminded the entire incident?

This story felt wrong. Beatrice was lying.

A cold chuckle escaped Isabella’s lips. “The half-million is for the truth. Do not attempt to deceive me.”

“I wouldn’t dare!” Beatrice blurted. “Even without the money, I wouldn’t risk misleading someone of your stature. I remember them helping you. I remember the childish black dress you wore… Ahem. Forgive my bluntness, but it was… a peculiar, funky-looking garment. It was rather memorable, you see.”

Isabella’s frown deepened. Beatrice’s tone carried a ring of truth. The description of the dress was painfully accurate. She had been a laughingstock that night.

It seemed Beatrice wasn't lying.

No.2

How did Alexander and Victoria manage to bring her to this hotel?

Alexander must have been involved with Victoria. But if he was present that night, how could he have allowed Victoria to make such a critical mistake?

Beatrice noticed Isabella's skeptical expression and quickly added, "Let me call the floor manager for you. Lawrence Chamberlain has supervised this level for years. He knows every person who has entered or exited these rooms.

"I only handle food deliveries, but Manager Chamberlain provides additional guest services. He would have more detailed information about that incident. You can verify everything with him to see if I'm telling the truth."

"Fine. If your story checks out, you'll get your money." Isabella swiftly put away her bank card.

"Excellent. But please don't mention our conversation to Manager Chamberlain. He's very strict, and I could lose my job if he finds out." Beatrice stood up to leave the room.

Isabella gave a slight nod.

As Beatrice exited, she reminded her, "Remember to open the door for him when he arrives."

The door clicked shut, leaving the room in complete silence.

Isabella stared at the dishes on the table but felt no appetite.

No.3

She wondered if Manager Chamberlain would have any real information. Would his account match Beatrice's? While the waitress seemed truthful, something about the story felt off.

What crucial detail was she missing?

Meanwhile, at The Grand Monarch Hotel...

The luxury establishment stood a kilometer away from Phoenix Hotel, its presidential suite occupying the entire top floor.

Nathaniel stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his gaze fixed on the lavish bed behind him. Five years ago—on Valentine's Day—he had taken a girl's innocence on that very bed. Who was she? Why had she vanished without leaving a single trace?

Sebastian was usually highly competent. Why couldn't he solve this mystery?

At that moment, Sebastian entered with Oliver.

"Brother, I've gathered all staff members who were working here five years ago."

As he spoke, about ten employees filed into the room. They stood with their heads bowed, visibly trembling with fear.

Nathaniel turned and scrutinized the group. His voice remained ice-cold. "Who was the girl in this room five years ago on Valentine's Day?"

No.4

"Mr. Blackwood, we truly don't know."

They all gave identical answers, their eyes fixed on the floor in terror.

Nathaniel's tone turned dangerous. "Think very carefully before you answer. I have a hungry alligator waiting in my pond at home."

The staff turned pale at his words. Their bodies shook with uncontrolled fear.

Rumors about Nathaniel Blackwood's cruelty were well-known. That he kept an alligator as a pet was apparently true.

What if he decided to feed them to his pet?

One female staff member suddenly spoke up. "Mr. Blackwood, I don't know who that girl was... but he might know."

She pointed at the man standing beside her. Nathaniel's sharp gaze immediately focused on the indicated man.

The man in the tailored suit stood frozen. Gregory Whitmore, now manager of The Grand Monarch Hotel, felt his blood run cold.

His knees nearly buckled when the server singled him out. "That's absurd!" he blurted. "I was just a cleaner back then. How would I remember who accessed the presidential suite?"

No.5

"Exactly why you'd know." The server's voice remained steady. "Valentine's Day, five years ago. My shift ended at 5 AM, but my boyfriend wanted to celebrate. I swapped with you."

She took a step closer. "You covered the night watch. You monitored that entire floor. You saw everything."

Gregory's face lost all color. His hands trembled visibly.

Nathaniel Blackwood's gaze sharpened, darkening with intensity. "Seems you'd prefer to meet my alligator. Sebastian, bring him."

Sebastian moved forward, his expression grim.

Terror seized Gregory. He dropped to the floor with a heavy thud. "Mr. Blackwood, have mercy! I don't know the woman! I never saw her, I swear!"

"Then why hide working the night shift? Why the guilt?" Sebastian pressed.

As a doctor, Sebastian read people's eyes with precision.

Cornered, Gregory broke into a cold sweat. He stammered, "I... I was on duty that night. I... administered medication to Mr. Blackwood."

He trembled violently, addressing Nathaniel. "Victoria Kensington made me do it. She threatened me. Said she'd ruin my career if I refused. I slipped the drug into your drink."

No.6

"Mr. Blackwood, I beg your forgiveness! My wife is pregnant, nearly due. They need me! Please spare my life!"

Nathaniel glanced at Sebastian, who studied Gregory carefully. After a moment, Sebastian nodded. "He's truthful, brother."

So, five years ago, Victoria drugged him—not the mystery woman.

Nathaniel's voice turned icy. "If Victoria drugged me, why did another woman enter my room?"

"I don't know! After dosing your drink, I panicked. I hid on the stairwell. Victoria ordered everyone to stay away. I saw nothing else," Gregory confessed, his voice shaking.

Nathaniel's expression hardened. Only Victoria held the answers now.

He rose, pausing beside the kneeling man. "Your wife needs you. Go home to her." The dismissal was clear.

Gregory collapsed in relief. He'd been fired, but he was alive. That was mercy enough.

"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood!" He bowed deeply, gratitude overwhelming him.

The three Blackwood men entered the elevator, descending in silence.

No.7

The entire surveillance system conveniently malfunctioned that exact night.

Not a single clue remained.

"What an unfortunate coincidence," remarked Sebastian.

"Only Victoria holds the answers now. Do you wish to confront her yourself, Nathaniel?"