“Many things can change in three years. Like your job, your social circle, your personal relationship or your living environment.” Stella Grace said as she tried to get away from Jasper Milton.
Jasper grabbed her hand and
pulled her in front of him.
She was unprepared and knocked against his chest.
She could smell his familiar scent.
Stella was flustered and that made her angry. She pulled away her hand and slapped Jasper in the face.
There was a loud snap.
Three swollen fingerprints appeared on his face.
Jasper squinted at her coldly.
Stella knew that she had overreacted, so she avoided his gaze.
Jasper blocked her with his body. “Are you afraid of me?” he asked intently.
Stella looked at him and said, “People’s behaviors are related to their past. I have been raped before. That’s why I dislike people who touch me without my permission or force me to do something I don’t want to do. I’m sorry if I have offended you, Chief.”
Jasper’s gaze grew darker.
Sexual assault wasn’t something any ordinary girl would talk about easily, yet she mentioned it so casually.
Either she had somehow gotten over it
or she was deliberately discrediting herself in front of him.
Stella nodded and turned to go out. “Please bring me to Mr. Shine’s room,” she said to Betty.
“Sure, this way, please.” Betty led the way upstairs.
Stella glared at Greg Miles with annoyance. ” Follow me. You came here to solve the case, don’t just stand there and watch,” she snarled.
Greg was a bit embarrassed.
He thought he would give them some privacy.
He didn’t dare to go in.
Betty opened the door to Jeremy Shine’s room.
It was very clean and neat, with little fragrance. There was a study table and the books were arranged in order on the table. There were also paintings as well on the table.
Stella picked up one of the paintings and took a look.
There were various kinds of paintings, including portraits, scenery, etc.
He even made a customized stamp which graced the right corner of his paintings.
The stamp read, “Jem.”
There was a wedding photo of him and Angie on the wall behind their bed.
Stella opened the drawer of the bedside table.
There was only a bottle of cologne in it, nothing else.
Stella also opened the wardrobe.
Jeremy Shine was a meticulous man.
He arranged the clothes according to their types, he even categorized them based on the seasons.
“Betty, may I ask you some questions?” Stella asked politely.
Betty was afraid that she would say something wrong. However, she did not dare to refuse since Stella came with the police.
“What do you want to ask?” Betty asked softly.
“Let’s go to a quiet place and sit down there. You don’t have to be nervous. Let’s just talk casually,” Stella said with a smile.
Betty nodded and said, “Let’s go to the guest room on the second floor.”
Betty walked ahead of Stella. Stella turned and said to the police, “Please call Young Master Shine too. I will interview them together.”
“Okay.”
Betty opened the door of the guest room.
There was a fruit basket on the table and an ashtray. The fruits in the basket were still fresh. There were also some cigarettes in a goblet.
Stella sat on the sofa and took out her notebook and a pen from her bag.
Terry Shine entered the guest room shortly, following closely behind him was Jasper.
As soon as he came in, the atmosphere in the room became solemn.
The man brought a tense air with him.
Stella looked into his eyes.
Jasper returned her stare intently, his eyes as dark as ink.
She didn’t like his gaze, which was like a beast in the darkness. It was too focused, too strong, with a sense of aggression.
“How is the relationship between your mom and dad?” Greg asked Terry.
“Pretty good. My dad is a family guy. He is always thoughtful and he takes care of my mom very well. A lot of people envy my mom for marrying such a good husband. My mom is a kind and optimistic person. People around her adore her very much,” Terry said confidently.
Stella continued to question Terry. “How often do you come home?”
“The military rules are relatively strict. I only have half day off on Sundays. I spend most of the time with my comrades.” Terry said.
“So you don’t come home often, do you? When was the last time you came home?” Stella asked.
“Around a month ago? My mom injured her leg. My dad even took leave to take care of her. They are the most ideal husband and wife,” Terry said sincerely.
Stella stared at Betty.
Betty lowered her head and twisted her apron with her hands. She looked very nervous.
Stella looked at Betty gently. “I believe Angie was a kind person and treated you as her own family, didn’t she? I think you’d want to help her by finding the murderer, yes? I believe she would be thankful if you did so.”
“Madam was indeed a very kind person. She never treated the servants harshly. When my family was in urgent need of money, she gave me 20, 000 dollars without hesitation. Who on earth would kill our Madam?” Betty was very emotional, her eyes begun to tear up.
“Was Angie acting a bit strange before she died? For example, did she stay in her room for a long time?” Stella asked.
“Madam has been in a bad mood since she was discharged from the hospital after she was injured last time.” Betty replied.
“Before she was injured, was she in a good mood? Did she buy a lot of cosmetic products and try to lose weight. Did she buy beautiful clothes, go for facial treatment, or learn dancing?” Stella asked.
Betty was very surprised. “How do you know?”
Stella had already figured it out. She smiled and asked, “How many times does Mr. Shine come home every week?”
Betty’s face turned pale and she looked at Terry.
“What do you mean? My father comes home every day. He comes home no matter how late he finishes his work,” Terry frowned.
“Mr. Shine came home twice every week last month. This month, he came home everyday and was always in a bad mood, am I right?” Stella continued asking.
Betty was even more surprised. “How did you know?”
Terry locked his gaze on Stella. “What are you talking about? What are you trying to imply?”
Stella smiled and looked at Terry calmly. “Nothing, I am simply asking some questions. I’m sorry to trouble you today. It’s time for us to leave.”
Stella got up.
Terry immediately followed her. “Tell me everything.”
Stella walked toward the door. “Your parents love you very, very much. You only need to know that.”
“Sit down and tell me everything you know in detail,” Jasper said in a harsh voice.
Stella did not look back.
“You know, if I make a phone call, perhaps the director will bring you to my military area for a talk. I would rather not make things troublesome.”
She looked at Jasper.
Stella felt that he could sometimes be very demanding. No one could refuse him.
“Chief, are you interested in me?” Stella asked directly.