Chapter 60

Chapter 60 Dead Ends 40 Jason acknowledged Elliot’s announcement by accepting the cigarette Elliot handed him, but he didn’t light it. He twirled it between his fingers and then murmured, “Corynn doesn’t like the smell of smoke.”

Upon hearing this, Elliot extinguished his cigarette without hesitation. Tossing the cigarette butt, he leaned back in the driver’s seat and said, “It was the parents. They received a hundred thousand dollars from a stranger in exchange for inciting Tyree to commit murder.”

Initially, Tyree’s parents were reluctant, but whoever bribed them convinced them that their son, being intellectually disabled, wouldn’t face serious consequences–just a stint in a mental hospital at most.

But what Tyree’s parents didn’t foresee was their son’s sudden disappearance. They returned to the hospital the day after the incident and searched for him everywhere, but Tyree was nowhere to be found.

When Kaden found them, they initially denied everything, but after seeing how badly beaten and bruised Tyree was, they confessed.

But the trail ended there.

Whoever hired them to do this had only communicated with them online, never in person.

The money was left at a designated location, so they didn’t even know if it was a man or a woman.

Jason frowned. The mastermind was more cunning than he had anticipated.

“Kaden checked the surveillance footage around the drop–off point but found nothing. However, I did catch someone trying to delete the footage in the hospital,” Elliot continued, though judging from the tone of his voice, it was clear that this person lead them to a dead end as well.

“Did you check the account that contacted Tyree’s parents?” Jason asked.

“Yes,” Elliot responded, closing his eyes. “It belonged to someone who’s been dead for two years.”

Jason walked away but paused before entering his car. “Any movement from the Willis family?”

“None.” Elliot opened his eyes and watched Jason drive off.

He followed Jason back to the hospital, observing the latter’s movements.

Elliot also got out of his car, but he didn’t go inside. Jason caught sight of Elliot standing by the hospital entrance as he ascended the stairs.

His expression darkened. He hated to admit it, but Elliot was a formidable opponent.

In light of the recent incidents, Corynn was heavily guarded all day to prevent any further attacks.

Despite having narrowly escaped death twice, Corynn still managed to joke with Shirley in the hopes of cheering her mother up.

12-21 When Jason entered the ward, Shirley’s eyes lit up. She quickly stood up, eager to leave. “Perfect timing, Jason! Have a seat.”

Jason didn’t refuse, nor did he try to convince Shirley to stay, as he had something to discuss with Corynn in private.

Once Shirley left, Corynn’s smile faded. “So, how did it go?”

“The few leads went cold. We know that Tyree’s parents were bribed, but we couldn’t trace the mastermind,” Jason said tersely, frustration evident in his voice.

Corynn consoled him, saying, “Should’ve expected that much; whoever’s behind this wouldn’t let us catch them so easily. But don’t worry. I just know we’ll catch them eventually!”

Jason sighed, his forehead creased with concern. “As long as they’re at large, I won’t stop worrying about you.”

“Oh, come on,” Corynn replied lightly. “I’m surrounded by a ton of bodyguards. Besides, they failed to kill me not one, but twice–

which means they already know we’re on alert. They won’t dare to act recklessly again, at least not anytime soon. I’m safe for now.”

Though she spoke lightheartedly, having nearly died twice did scare her out of her wits.

But she refused to show the people close to her just how scared she was.

“Well, aren’t you the optimist!” Jason teased, unable to resist flicking Corynn’s forehead in feigned annoyance.

Corynn covered her forehead and chuckled.

After a moment of hesitation, Jason furtively asked, “Do you know who saved you?”

Corynn fell silent for a while before nodding.

“Don’t worry. Even though he saved me, it doesn’t mean anything to me.”