Julian took the file from her hands and searched through it meticulously until he finally found a torn piece of paper on one page.
“No need to look further. It seems someone deliberately tore off the evidence.” Julian unfolded the fragments.
Aurora, seeing the torn piece, felt somewhat helpless. “This further proves that the incident back then was not simple and is somehow connected to this maid. Could it have been Genevieve?”
“Considering the motive and timing, Genevieve is the prime suspect. Back then, she was living with two illegitimate children, never content with remaining a secret mistress her whole life.”
“She tried every means to break up Dad and Mom. Although my dad had feelings for her, he couldn’t let go of my mom, and with my grandfather, he would never agree to their divorce.”
“So, Genevieve had to start from my mom, knowing her heart was weak. She deliberately agitated her, even bribing the maid.”
“When everyone was out of the house, she made her move, and after it was done, she gave the maid a large sum of money to make her leave and then destroyed her files, leaving no trace behind.”
“She achieved her goal and entered the Montgomery family, and if it weren’t for Hayden accidentally finding this photo, I might have never known about this!”
Julian, having listened to her reasoning, shook his head. “Although your speculations are logical, I think there’s more to it than that, and there are too many loopholes. If it was really as you say, then when your mother had a heart attack back then, Genevieve could have easily taken advantage of the situation to truly harm your mother.”
“Then why was your mother photographed two years ago? Judging by the clothes she wore, the woman seemed to be living well.”
“Moreover, her demeanor and aura far surpass Genevieve’s. If she were to return now, any man would choose her over Genevieve. If Genevieve really did all this, how could she overlook such a grave risk?”
“If your mother were to return and reclaim everything, wouldn’t all of Genevieve’s years of scheming be in vain?”
“You make sense. What exactly happened back then? I can’t believe my mom would abandon me!” Aurora frowned.
“Don’t worry. Everything in this world exists for a reason. We’ll get things cleared up when the right opportunity comes. Since we can’t find the maid’s records, why not look for traces she may have left behind?” Julian comforted patiently, and under his reassurance, Aurora began to calm down.
“Traces she left?”
“As long as one lives in this world, they will inevitably leave traces, even if it’s just a maid. And your mother is the same. Her traces can’t be completely erased by time.” Julian flipped the file to the previous page.
“Since your grandfather said that the maid had worked at your house for many years, then others must have interacted with her. Her records might be gone, but these people’s records are still here,” Julian reminded.
Aurora’s eyes lit up, and she hugged Julian and gave him a quick kiss before saying, “Julian, you’re brilliant.”
“Of course. Who do you think I am?” Julian took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her slender waist and kissed her deeply.
Aurora tiptoed and wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. Had it not been for last night, Julian might have been tempted to pin her against the shelves in the archives. After the kiss, she let go of him, breathless. “Now, I’m off to find those servants.”
“There’s no need for such trouble. Seeking them out one by one would be too time-consuming. Just give me a photo of your mother and the maid. I have a friend who might be able to find out where they are, unless they have immigrated. Meanwhile, I’ll have a private investigator look into these people, to see who was in closest contact with her. With both approaches, we’re bound to find some clues.”
Julian’s mind was exceptionally clear, swiftly solving Aurora’s problem, which relieved her greatly. “If I had to search on my own, it would indeed be a waste of time, like finding a needle in a haystack.” Aurora felt increasingly that being with Julian was a wise decision.
“Leave this matter to me. Now, let’s go enjoy a good show,” Julian said, taking the files from her.
Aurora felt disoriented by the whole affair, staring blankly at him. “What show?”
“Silly girl, I collected the payment last night. What do you think it could be?” he reminded her.
Aurora then remembered their conversation about Zachary after their night of pleasure, when he mentioned being well-acquainted with the owner of the Whispers. “You mean Zachary?”
“You really are overwhelmed by all this. Come on, let’s see what’s happened,” Julian led her away.
The Whispers was a prominent nightclub in Clothville, a place the once demure Aurora had heard of but never visited. Today was her first visit, and because it was afternoon, the famous bar street was desolate and quiet. At night, it transformed into a bustling scene of vibrant lights and lively crowds.
Julian guided her through the streets until they reached the Whispers. “You seem quite familiar with this place. Do you come here often?”
She raised an eyebrow at him. Men who frequented nightclubs usually fit Zachary’s profile, and Aurora was implying just that.
Seeing the displeasure in her eyes, Julian quickly took her hand. “I swear, I’ve only been to the bar street here. The other nightclubs I visited were for business, and here, only because I know the owner well…”
“Hmph, that better be true. If you dare lie to me…” Aurora threatened coldly.
“I am a man of integrity. You know me, don’t you?” Julian quickly reassured her.
Holding hands, they entered the bar, and the mess inside left Aurora speechless. Broken glass littered the floor, and a strange mix of various alcohols filled the air with an odd smell.
“Watch your step,” Julian cautioned, equally surprised by the scene.
“Has robbing banks gone out of fashion, and robbing bars become the new trend?” Aurora wondered aloud, observing the scene that clearly looked like a robbery.
“That’s a question for Jules…” A laughing female voice sounded, and Aurora turned towards its source.
A woman in a black miniskirt, stepping accurately over the colored glass in nine-centimeter stilettos, approached. Her face was heavily made up, and her neck was adorned with a black lace choker. Seductive, she was a woman seemingly made for the night.