The Perez family had already been in decline after Kysonâs covert sabotage.
They were nearly bankrupt and barely holding on to their status.
In such a state, how could they still have over a hundred people, including bodyguards and servants?
Unlessâ¦
âDid the Perez family hold a banquet last night?â Lucinda asked.
Vivian nodded.
âIt was a birthday celebration for the head of the family, Koby.
Because of some problems in the company, the big shots in the upper class didnât go.
Koby only invited relatives for a simple garden celebration.
No one could have anticipated such a tragedy, wiping out the entire Perez familyâ¦â
Lucinda took a deep breath, struggling to imagine such a massacre in Stastle, reputed to be the nationâs safest city due to the joint jurisdiction of the National Security Bureau and the police.
The method used to eliminate the Perez family was incredibly barbaric.
The scene must have been horrible, with blood and human parts splattered in all directions.
.
.
Library
Lucinda couldnât shake the feeling that this incident was not a mere coincidence.
The sheer number of deaths, coupled with the brutal nature of the murders, suggested a deep-rooted motive that sent chills down her spine.
A sense of unease settled over her, and she felt inexplicably flustered as she replayed the details Vivian had shared.
Feeling anxious about Nathanâs investigation, Lucinda dismissed Vivian with a curt nod and immediately called him.
Usually, he would answer immediately.
This time, the phone rang for a full minute with no response.
Each unanswered ring felt like an eternity, her mind spiraling into a vortex of dread.
Panic set in, and Lucindaâs grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles turned white.
Why wasnât Nathan answering? Had something happened to him, too?
The case was sensational enough to warrant the National Security Bureauâs involvement.
Was he ambushed or assassinated during the investigation?
Her mind raced with worst-case scenarios as the phone continued to ring.
She held her breath, her anxiety climbing with each passing second.
Just as the call was about to end, Nathan finally answered, his familiar deep voice breaking through her mounting terror.
âHoney, whatâs wrong?â
Relieved that he was safe, Lucinda let out a breath she didnât realize she was holding.
âWhere are you?â
âIâm at the Perez residence, investigating last nightâs massacre.
My phone was on vibrate, so I didnât notice your call in time.
Sorry, honey.
â