The group sat back down.
Ruth Frazer appeared sad, her eyes red as she said, "Since last year, he's been acting strangely, disappearing for uncertain lengths of time. Either we don't see each other for a month or two, or we argue as soon as we meet... I don't come back often, and when I do, I find there are fewer servants at home. He said he had another property that needed tending, so I had to hire new ones. But after a while, the ones I hire get taken away by him again!"
"Do you know where he takes them?" Aria Jackson asked.
Ruth shook her head, "I really don't know. Our relationship has been deteriorating since last year. We hardly see each other throughout the year, and moreover..."
She sighed, giving a bitter smile. "He's a master-level painter. Whatever he says or does, I can't interfere."
"Do you know why he changed? What triggered it?" Aria said. "Even speculation is fine. The more clues we have during this case review phase, the easier it is for us to investigate."
