Chapter 130
Chapter 130
Lukas saw that Ella Rhodes, the one who had ordered a customized jewelry piece from me, had also fallen victim to the incident. This made him believe somewhat in Martins’s statement that it was the work of enemies of the Rivers Family.
Considering that Ella Rhodes was considered a prospective daughter–in–law of the Rivers Family, the incident might indeed be directed at the Rivers Family. Moreover, I had been seen with Anthony the previous night, making it more suspicious.
While Lukas was still looking at the list, I spoke up, “Mr. Strakovski, this is the printed design draft. I will try to draw the original as
soon as possible.”
Lukas turned to look at me and asked, “What do you think about last night’s incident?”
I was a bit taken aback and my expression seemed somewhat unnatural, but I quickly responded, “I was planning to discuss this with you. I have a suspicion that Ella may be responsible for it. Yesterday, I only consumed the wine she gave me and coincidentally, she happens to be close friends with Elena. Additionally, I accidentally spilled some of the wine on Elena. It seems plausible that Ella may have wanted to seek revenge on Elena.”
Especially after hearing Ava’s words, warning me to stay away from Ella, I felt that Ella’s actions were questionable.
“Ella was also one of the affected guests,” Lukas shared, which left me feeling shocked and speechless.
“What did you say?” I asked, looking confused.
Lukas’s eyes flickered as he repeated, “Ella was also affected last night. She had a problem with the wine she drank. Furthermore, it wasn’t just you and her; several others left the event early because of the tainted wine. I suspect it was directed at the Rivers Family, and you were seen with Anthony last night.”
I was completely stunned. While I had been suspicious of Ella, now that Ella herself was also affected, I became perplexed. “Is that
so?” I said, unsure.
If it had only been me, I could still suspect Ella, but with Ella being affected as well and others also falling victim to the incident, the whole situation became even more puzzling.
Lukas saw my dazed expression and said, “If the culprit weren’t targeting the Rivers Family, there would be no need to cause such a commotion during Madame Rivers‘ birthday banquet. Since it affected so many people and the person behind it can’t be traced, it
will surely create discord with the Rivers Family in the future.”
I looked serious as I raised a point, “Could it be a diversionary tactic?”
Lukas’s pupils contracted slightly, “What do you mean?” He asked.
I took a deep breath and continued, “I mean, someone may want to retaliate against one of those affected but doesn’t want to be
exposed. So, they tampered with some of the drinks, affecting multiple people. This way, everyone would naturally think it was directed at the Rivers Family.”
“Not only could this shift the focus of investigation away from the real culprit, but the mastermind behind it could also better hide themselves. They might even be affected by the incident, making it more convincing and blurring everyone’s focus.” I stated.
Lukas’s expression turned grim, “Are you saying it may be thieves accusing thieves?”
I pursed my lips, “I’m just considering mother possible scenario.”
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Escape From My Step Brother’s Dangerous Obsession
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Chapter 130
Lukas fell silent for a few seconds before speaking again, “Regardless of the possibilities, we need evidence. Martins said the waiter who tampered with the drinks disappeared last night. We can only make further progress once we find that person.”
I nodded without saying a word.
Lukas took the printed design draft from my hand, “I’m going out for a bit. Make sure to draw the original draft as soon as possible.”
He ordered.
After Lukas left, I went upstairs to work on my design draft.
At the same time, at the Rivers Family residence, they had learned about the incident early in the morning and spent the entire morning apologizing to the affected families over the phone.
Anthony walked out of the study, looking exhausted. He couldn’t have imagined such an incident happening at his mother’s birthday
banquet.
A well–planned birthday banquet had turned into such a mess.
As he took a few steps forward, he noticed the guest room’s door opening.
Ella walked out of the room with a pale face. When she saw Anthony, her eyes instantly turned red.
There were visible marks on her neck, and her lips were bruised, indicating how intense the struggle was last night.
Anthony glanced at her but quickly averted his eyes and walked away as if he didn’t recognize her at all.
Ella’s eyes welled up with tears. She clenched her hands tightly, realizing that not only Anthony but the entire Rivers Family would not wish for her to marry into their family now.
She could never have expected things to develop into the current situation.
Last night, Ella Rhodes was, indeed, the one behind tampering with the drinks that affected so many people.
Her goal was to ensure that no one would uncover the truth and link the incident back to her.
As for the waiter who tampered with the drinks, he had used a false name, and she had arranged for him to leave the country before the banquet ended.
Under these circumstances, finding the culprit would be as difficult as reaching the sky’s end.
Moreover, since she was also seen as one of the affected individuals, there would be no suspicion directed toward her.
However, being affected herself was part of Ella’s plan all along.
She felt unwell and thought of informing Anthony’s mother about her condition.
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