After a week, Aric returned to the base and entered the discussion room. A loud voice struck his ears. Aric lost his grip on the door handle and stepped back slightly. The voice echoed with anger and pressure. He moved forward and opened the door, only to be met with files flying toward him. Aric reacted instantly, moving aside like a flash.
There was an arrogant look on Aric's face as he took a quick glance at Darian, who was resting in a chair with a stressed expression.
"You little brat, where the hell have you been?" Chief Dave burst out in anger and flicked the pen stand toward him.
Aric continued glancing at Darian when the glass struck his head, and blood trickled down. The Chief froze mid-action, his eyes narrowing with guilt.
"I… I didn't mean to," the Chief muttered in a low voice.
"That's fine, Chief. It was my mistake that this case was delayed because of my unethical behavior. Please forgive me," Aric replied in a cold, emotionless tone.
"Look, Aric, this matter is not as simple as you think. According to your team's data collection, many higher authorities are involved. I want you to put your personal issues aside, focus on this case, and finish it as soon as possible."
With that, the Chief left the room in silence.
"Chief, where have you been all these days? Are you okay?" Steve asked, straightening himself with concern.
Alex and the other team members, except Darian, murmured among themselves.
"What else do you expect from someone like him? He doesn't care about others. What emotions could even affect him?" Alex muttered.
"What do you mean, Alex?" Lucien asked curiously.
Alex lowered his voice. "Don't you know? When Aric's parents died, he never shed a tear. And the main gossip is that they died because of him."
"Really?" Ezra asked.
"Really. The place he comes from is full of murder and drug dealers. Who knows what kind of influence he used to get there?" Alex continued, his words sharp.
Darian straightened, sighed, and thought, "These fools will never stop bad-mouthing about others".
With that thought, he left the room.
Aric noticed Darian leaving and followed him outside. On their way to the terrace, a police officer rushed toward them and stopped in front of them.
"Chief, I was about to see you," the officer said, breathing heavily, placing a hand on his chest.
"What happened?" Darian asked.
"Sir, Williams—the investor of Canon Orphanage—has been found dead," the officer said, then fell silent.
"What?" Darian asked, confused. "Where was he found?"
Aric finally spoke. The officer hesitated.
"Chief, it would be better if you checked it yourself."
With a strange expression, the officer left.
Aric grabbed Darian's wrist. "Darian, come. Let's finish this matter. I'll explain everything later."
Darian nodded, and the team was instructed to reach the crime scene...
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