Chapter 301

True to his word, Harrison did exactly what he promised.

The next day, the police received an anonymous email.

The email detailed the case process extensively and provided such comprehensive evidence that it was enough to close the case on the spot.

The sheriff, after toiling for so long with nothing to show for it, was left without words.

What the hell was this?

A free lunch?

Even though it felt a bit odd, cracking the case was still good news.

After validating the email evidence and confirming its legitimacy, the police issued a statement.

Firstly, there was a video clip, seemingly shot by a hidden camera. It proved that Jane was murdered, and the perpetrator was that security guard.

Secondly, there was an audio recording. It appeared to be orders from a higher–up to the security guard, telling him to take out Jane and pin it on Ben and Susan.

Thirdly, the security guard had a small tattoo on the back of his neck. After checking, this tattoo was found to be the signature symbol of the Phoenix Collective. The archivist who committed suicide had an identical tattoo too.

Putting these points together, the real situation was that both individuals were members of the Phoenix Collective, and their actions were directed by the organization to frame Ben and Susan in order to achieve the goal of inciting unrest in Coraland.

This announcement had evidence and logic.

A few minutes later, the Phoenix Collective even retweeted the official post, directly admitting to the case.

With that, the case was closed.

Online users passed the investigation findings to the security guard’s wife. Yet, the individual who had earlier professed to be seeking justice for her father vanished abruptly once the evidence came to light.

The police then released another statement, indicating that the wife had abruptly left the country, believed to be leaving for Riowert.

For a time, everyone was somewhat speechless.

They’d been completely taken advantage of once more.

“Alright, I’ve been burned before. Next time I hear any gossip about Ben and Susan, I’ll take it with a grain of salt.”

“I was wrong again.”

“I just have to say that the way this couple flips the script every single time is beyond anything you could predict. Just when I thought we were looking at a straightforward murder, it spins into a plot cooked up by an international cabal. You wouldn’t even see twists like this on a TV show. I’m completely blown away.”

“I’m done talking. I just need a moment to myself.”

Life threw another curveball.

Susan looked at the official announcement and was also very surprised.

She furrowed her brow, “Why does it have to be so complicated? Thankfully, the authorities uncovered the evidence. Without it, we’d have a tough time proving our innocence. And dealing with the Phoenix.

Collective is just a headache.”

Ben just smiled without saying a word.

Yet, he harbored different thoughts.

The true puppet master was certainly not the Phoenix Collective.

The Phoenix Collective was merely a scapegoat that Harrison had long prepared.

The real organization Harrison belonged to remained hidden in the shadows.

Harrison, a celebrity of global renown, also possessed a fortune in the hundreds of billions.

Someone like that might have been affiliated with a group, and chances are he wasn’t a key player; if he were, they wouldn’t have tossed him into the fray so carelessly.

This organization wielded enormous financial power and had covertly cultivated a network of devoted followers willing to lay down their lives for the cause.

Most importantly, this organization remained shrouded in secrecy, operating under the radar.

It was only because they made a move against Ben that he caught a glimpse of the tip of the iceberg.

Ben didn’t grasp the full extent of the iceberg.

He had this nagging suspicion that after this whole ordeal, the organization would likely slip back into the shadows.

When it reemerged, it wouldn’t be just minor scuffles like we saw this time.

Ben’s eyes narrowed as if he could see a bloody, tumultuous future ahead.

He had many guesses and worries, but he said nothing.

He just gave a wry smile and said, “Yeah, the Phoenix Collective was absolutely despicable.”

His Susan only needed to be happy and he would handle the rest.

The case was closed.

Ben and Susan were no longer confined.

O When Ben and Susan came down, they found Charlie and Judith cozily sipping coffee together.

Eason and Penny were also there.

“Charlie, the cat’s out of the bag,” Judith said, letting out a sigh. “You’ve been on pins and needles all this time, haven’t you?”

Charlie grinned, taking a sip of his coffee, “Not in the least. This little episode? The kids could easily run the show.”

Penelope chimed in with a tease, “Dad, you’ve been going on these midnight walks for days now, or have you forgotten?”

Charlie’s expression soured, “What are you getting at? I just overate, that’s all. Couldn’t sleep because of it! It’s not like I was up worrying about them.”

“Well, well,” Penelope replied helplessly.

The others also started to laugh.

Then, after the storm came the calm.

Their mood was sky–high and each person seemed happier than the last.

Ben and Susan witnessed exactly that kind of harmonious scene.

Judith’s eyes suddenly met Susan’s across the way. A spark of recognition flashed, and she hurried over, eagerly taking Susan’s hand in a firm, warm grasp.

Ben was squeezed to the side.

Seeing Judith holding onto Susan’s hand, he felt a lump in his throat.

Judith couldn’t bother with Ben’s feelings. She ushered Susan over to the couch and flopped down beside her.

Ben had intended to sit on the other side.

But Eason was quicker on the draw. He stood up and swiftly claimed the seat next to Susan, the only other one vacant.

Ben was speechless.

Judith’s move made sense but Eason? Why was he jumping into the mix?

Wasn’t that a bit too much?

Ben couldn’t resist shooting Eason some dirty looks, but Eason acted as if he was completely oblivious.

“Susan, you look like you’ve dropped some weight recently,” Judith noted, a touch of worry in her voice.

Susan felt a little sheepish as she replied, “Oh, not really, I just checked, and I’ve actually pu weight.”

“Then there must be something wrong,” Judith said decisively.

“Yeah, I thought you were looking slimmer,” Charlie agreed. “That scale’s not to be trusted.”

on a little “I’ve brought a bunch of nutritional supplements this time. Susan needs to get stronger,” said Judith.

“Exactly. She’s not getting enough,” Charlie said, shooting Ben a stern look. “It’s pretty shameful that a guy like you can’t take good care of his wife.”

Ben was still left speechless.

“Don’t say that,” Judith quickly cut in. “Ben’s been managing fine. It’s just that guys aren’t always as detail–oriented as women. They’ve been cooped up together upstairs for days; it’s natural they weren’t paying much attention to their well–being.”

“Now that they’re off the hook, I promise I’ll look after Susan until she’s in tip–top shape,” Penelope declared confidently.

The group was abuzz with talk about Ben and Susan, but the pair found themselves unable to jump into the conversation.

After a lengthy conversation, Judith segued with, “There’s actually another reason I’ve come to talk to you all.”