Chapter 147

The officer dismissed Natalie's anxiety, attributing it to understandable concerns about criminal retaliation. "The glass is one-way, Miss Natalie. They cannot see you," he assured her with practiced patience. Relief washed over Natalie's tense features as she drew a steadying breath, following the officer toward the exit.

In their wake, Walter returned to the room, dropping a folder onto the table with barely contained frustration. "Have you reconsidered your position?"

"I've stated my case. Your disbelief doesn't change the truth. What more can I add?" Vivienne's composure only intensified Walter's mounting anger. His fist slammed the table as he roared, "Vivienne Hayes, enough games! Don't expect special treatment because of your gender! Trafficking historical artifacts and forging antiquities—either charge alone could destroy your future!"

Vivienne maintained her tranquil demeanor, her voice steady. "I request Chief Falco's presence."

"Chief Falco doesn't grant audiences on demand!" Walter sneered. "A few days in lockup without meals might loosen that tongue of yours!"

The officer at his side shifted uncomfortably, leaning close to whisper, "Sir, something peculiar has caught my attention."

"Explain," Walter demanded, his severe expression darkening.

"How does she know Falco is our chief's surname?"

The question gave Walter pause, his brow furrowing. "Where's her documentation?"

"Right here." The officer presented the folder, its contents barely reviewed in the rush of the investigation. Opening it, Walter discovered Vivienne's background check contained only the most basic information.

"Sir, this is…" The officer's disbelief was palpable. Despite their department's sophisticated resources and skilled investigators, Vivienne's file revealed nothing beyond elementary details—birth date, name, and gender. This unusual sparseness suggested either unprecedented innocence or, more likely, an identity deliberately shrouded beyond their clearance level.

A heavy silence fell over the room as Walter and the officer exchanged a look. Vivienne remained effortlessly composed, as if she already knew what they had found. Yet, as far as Walter knew, no influential family in Lyhaton bore the surname Hayes.

Before he could press further, a sharp knock interrupted the tense atmosphere. An officer stepped in, giving Vivienne a lingering glance before whispering to Walter, "Sir… Chief Falco wants to see you."

Walter's eyes narrowed. "Wasn't he attending a meeting in the neighboring city?"

The officer shook his head. "I… don't know the details, sir."

Before he could elaborate, Falco Salomi's thunderous voice resonated through the corridor. "Where's that troublemaker Walter? Get him out here immediately!"

Every eye in the interrogation room turned toward Walter, gauging his reaction. He frowned slightly, passed the file to his colleague, and strode toward the door, nearly colliding with Falco's approaching figure.

"Not a single peaceful day with you around!" Falco's glare could have melted steel, his jaw clenched tight. "What sin did I commit to deserve you as my eternal headache?"

"Chief, that's hardly fair. You sang a different tune when I was breaking cases." Walter extracted a cigarette, offering it with practiced nonchalance. "Care for one?"

Falco's exasperation dissolved into bitter laughter. "You dare think about smoking now? Go ahead—consider it your parting indulgence!"

The words struck Walter like a physical blow, leaving him momentarily stunned.