Chapter 1044: In Need of Evidence

Lucian commanded in a cold voice, “Find out what happened near the Farwell residence and who dared to interfere. You have one day.”

Axel readily agreed and immediately dispatched his men to patrol the area. Aubree had instructed the few hooligans who had extorted money from her to remain nearby and observe the children. She suspected they would return, having failed to find Estella last time. This time, she intended to ensure they wouldn't escape so easily.

The following morning, the Farwell residence security team apprehended the hooligans. "Please, we didn't do anything!" the hooligans cried, crouching and shielding their heads, sensing the team's formidable presence.

Axel regarded them coldly. "Did you chase two children yesterday?" They exchanged uneasy glances, hesitant to answer. The black-clad security men clearly sought those who had harmed the children. The hooligans knew admitting their involvement could have dire consequences.

"Didn't you hear me?" Axel kicked one, not with full force, but enough to intimidate them. "We… someone paid us!" the kicked hooligan whimpered, shutting his eyes. "Otherwise, we wouldn't dare! Those children looked rich. We wouldn't have provoked them otherwise!"

He shrank back into the group. "Sir, I've told you everything. Please, don't hurt us…"

Axel frowned, probing coldly, "Do you know who paid you? What do they look like?"

The hooligans shook their heads vehemently. "It was a woman, but she was completely covered. We couldn't see her face."

Facing the imposing figure of the tall man in black, the hooligans felt a profound sense of misery. They regretted not noticing the woman's cautious concealment sooner. They’d thought they were lucky; now they faced serious trouble.

Axel scrutinized their trembling forms; their fear was evident. They were clearly not lying. After confirming the information, he gestured to his subordinates.

The hooligans were soon surrounded and their wails of pain filled the air. Axel stopped his team after a while, warning coldly, "This is a lesson. Stay away from this area."

The injured hooligans nodded, clutching their wounds. After watching them leave, Axel returned to the manor and reported to Lucian.

Lucian, who had been at the manor for two days, was working in his study when Axel arrived. His eyes darkened upon hearing the report. So, they were following orders. Who dared do this on his turf? A completely covered woman, according to the hooligans.

A conjecture surfaced in Lucian's mind, but he suppressed it. "Continue the investigation," he instructed coldly. He needed concrete evidence, despite his suspicions.

Axel nodded and departed. Lucian, meanwhile, picked up his phone; he felt it was only natural to inform Roxanne of the investigation's progress.