Chapter 656:

Lowell turned to Shaun, a hint of amusement in his smile. “Shaun, my sister said you needed to speak with me. What is it?”

Shaun nodded firmly. “This isn’t the right place. Let’s find somewhere more private.”

“My office will do.” Lowell looked at Jayden and Elyse. “You two should come as well.”

Elyse and Jayden followed Lowell to the elevator without objection.

In Lowell’s office, he gestured at the paperwork piled on his desk. “Apologies, I just took over the company, and as you can see, there’s a backlog.”

Elyse settled onto the sofa after surveying the office. “Mr. Ruiz,” she said directly, “back in Watscar, you met Tracy alone, didn’t you? You even dropped her off at my place.”

Lowell was surprised by her directness. His expression shifted before he nodded. “Yes, I met Tracy and helped her.”

Elyse leaned forward, her smile widening. “And during this help, did you ask for anything in return? It’s well known you disliked Tracy, even challenging her to a car race to end your marriage.”

Lowell paused, then admitted, “Yes, I wasn’t fond of her.”

“So, what was your price for helping?” Elyse pressed.

Lowell’s face darkened. “Are you treating me like a criminal? I helped Tracy once, and now you’re grilling me?”

Noticing Lowell’s anger, Elyse replied with a faint smile. “Considering your and your sister’s reputations, it’s hard to see you as good people.”

Lowell’s expression chilled. “I’m not sure what I’ve done to offend you, but you’re not the police. You have no right to question me.”

Undeterred, Elyse continued, “If you’re avoiding such a simple question, let me ask directly. Did you fabricate the story of Tracy’s suicide at sea? Or are you the killer?”

Lowell’s demeanor became even more forbidding. Jayden restrained him; otherwise, he might have lunged at Elyse.

Watching Lowell’s restraint, Elyse realized something: a truly innocent person wouldn’t remain silent under false accusations. His reluctance spoke volumes. He couldn’t produce a believable alibi.

Although increasingly convinced Lowell and Dolores were responsible for Tracy’s death, Elyse knew she couldn’t get them arrested. Nearly two weeks had passed since Tracy’s alleged suicide; any missing evidence would be gone.

Her trip to Liverton was about uncovering the truth and identifying the culprits. With her suspicions confirmed, staying in Liverton seemed pointless.

Shaun frowned. “Even if you doubt Lowell, this isn’t the right way to confront him. You’re treating him like he’s already guilty.”

Elyse ignored Shaun. Her voice was steady. “I’m convinced Lowell and Dolores are behind the murder. However…”

She paused, then addressed Lowell. “There’s no remaining evidence, is there? With the time that’s passed, any proof you took Tracy to Liverton and killed her would be gone, wouldn’t it?”

Lowell remained silent, his gaze unwavering. . . .