Chapter 375

"The dates of disappearance for these people are all the same," someone spoke. "Each person went missing on August 23rd."

"The forensic reports confirm that the time of death matches. Right now, there are ten bodies. I'm worried there might be more deaths," they continued.

"Let's set aside the deaths for now. The fact that all these victims went missing on the same day confirms that August 23rd could be a special day for the killer," Kuonaster finished. Odalys fell silent.

"According to this magical training, there are twelve zodiac signs," Dilalys said. "Ten are dead. There are likely two more. Keep a close watch on that villa. No one is allowed to get near or enter. The villa has been secured."

"If there are more deaths, the killer will find a way to get those bodies into the villa. This is what's known as a sacrifice," she explained.

"What they need are living people. The people must be alive when they're brought in and placed in the correct positions. Only when the twelfth person dies will some kind of agreement be fulfilled," she added.

"Today is July 27th, and we're less than a month away from August 23rd," Odalys calculated.

Ter listened quietly, taking notes.

"Got it," Lee murmured, his gaze toward Odalys now filled with admiration. He had respected her bravery and decisiveness before, but now, his admiration was almost overflowing.

"Do you need me to assist in any way?" Evander asked, his voice firm. Lives were on the line, and the situation had to be treated seriously. This was Crownridge, the Stewart family's territory.

"If the Stewart family can assist, I believe we'll have a better chance. The police force is limited, especially with so many officers recently dispatched," Lee said.

Evander nodded in agreement. Just then, Percival entered. He overheard part of their conversation, though not all of it. He didn't interrupt but quietly approached, bowed, and waited. It wasn't until Odalys and Lee had finished their discussion that Percival walked up confidently.

"I've already had Callum assemble a 30-person team dedicated to assisting your police force with the investigation of the suburban villa case," Percival said.

Lee was thrilled by this news. Normally, outsiders weren't allowed to interfere with investigations. Even if they offered help, the police would have to ask for approval from Ingher-uja. But Lee hadn't done that.

"Thank you for the Stewart family's support," Lee said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Afterward, Percival and Lee had a private discussion, quickly reaching an agreement. Once their cooperation was confirmed, Lee thanked Odalys again and rushed off to the hospital.

"I suspect there's a mole in the police department, possibly someone in the higher-ups," Percival said in a low voice. "Otherwise, why have so many people died, and yet there's been no progress in the investigation over the years? Someone has been actively hindering the case. And today, the school explosion targeted Lee's daughter. It seems like someone is warning him. Lee is smart, and he probably knows what's going on. He should have some idea. When you mentioned that the Stewart family had organized a 30-person team, he didn't refuse."

Evander listened to the two of them converse so naturally and seamlessly, feeling a sense of relief. He hadn't expected Percival, who had always kept his distance from women, to get along so well with Odalys. All his previous concerns seemed to fade away. He had thought that he would never see Percival fall in love, get married, or have children. Now, it seemed like Percival's life was about to become…

Chapter 7.3

"How about it? Want to have a barbecue for Uncle Inicial tonight? What do you think?" Odalys asked. "I'll post with whatever you two tender ideas."

Soon, bodyguards brought the requested ingredients. The three of them set up the grill outside the company, and Percival rolled up his sleeves and placed the tasty beef and pork belly onto the grill. The meat quickly began sizzling, the sound of fat spitting and the aroma filling the air.

Odalys and Evander sat back, sipping cold Sprite, eagerly waiting for Percival to serve them. Odalys was surprised that Percival was so good at cooking.

"I want some pork belly," Odalys said.

Evander pushed the plate forward, adding, "Give me some beef."

"Wait a moment," Percival replied, flipping the meat. After a few moments, he placed the cooked pieces onto their plates and continued grilling.

Odalys and Evander ate happily, and Percival watched them with a relaxed expression, his previously tense face softening.

"Percival, your cooking skills are impressive. From now on, your cooking will be the key to my and Odalys' happiness," Evander said, jokingly passing the pressure onto Percival.

Mature and with a good temperament, Percival was well-suited to his position of power. Having encountered so many people, he was naturally adept at embracing his role.

"Alright, whenever you and Odalys want to eat, just say the word," Percival replied with a deep, amused smile.

He served them more grilled meat and mushrooms. Odalys added some potatoes to her plate, and Percival placed some salad on it as well.

"Thank you," she said quietly. The side dishes were also delicious.

After the barbecue, Odalys and Evander were both full, but Percival had eaten very little, mostly focused on grilling. Evander, being older, rarely ate such food, and tonight he was thoroughly satisfied. "His cooking skills are impressive. This is the first time I've had meat grilled by him," Evander remarked.

Not far away, a figure stood, glaring at the scene with intensity. She never imagined that Percival and Evander would come to this shabby company to have a barbecue with Odalys. What struck her even more was that Percival was the one who had taken the initiative to grill, thoughtfully serving Odalys and even affectionately pouring her a drink. As a mother, Edie had never experienced such treatment. After the insult she had suffered outside city hall that morning, Edie felt a surge of resentment that only grew the more she thought about it. She had intended to come here to cause trouble for Odalys, but never expected to witness this scene. She certainly didn't expect Evander to get along so well with Odalys.

"It seems I'm the outsider here. They've never treated me so well," Valur mumbled, her internal fury bubbling.