Cristelle went to the company the next day after sending the babies to school. She promised to go on a date with Linford when he finished his work.
However, the first person she saw was Fritzi. Fritzi looked defeated. Cristelle thought she probably needed some comfort. So she went forward and hugged her, “Are you okay? You look tired.”
Fritzi rested her head on Cristelle’s shoulder, her voice hoarse, “Didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“Oh, no!” Cristelle put a hand on Fritzi’s forehead, “What happened? Do you want to talk about it?”
“I’m fine,” Fritzi hummed, “I’ll get better if your husband gives me a raise.”
Cristelle chuckled, “I’ll make sure to mention this to him.”
Cristelle knew Fritzi was joking, and she had guessed the reason.
Taking a pause, Cristelle let out a sigh, “It’s because of Drew, is it?”
“No!!!” Fritzi sat straight instantly, “Of course, it’s not because of him.”
Cristelle shook her head, thinking about that day when she saw Drew go out with Cindy.
She hesitated for a pause but still said, “You know… Paul’s actually a great man. His family is not as powerful as Drew’s, but I know you never care about money. Linford values Paul’s talents. He always tells me that Paul is a great asset to the company.”
Fritzi forced out a smile, “Paul is indeed a great man. Everyone can tell that, Cristelle.”
“And Drew?” Cristelle blew a breath out of her cheeks, “We’ve been friends for such a long time, but there are still things you don’t know about him.”
He was actually going out with Cindy, for example.
Cristelle tried to explain this to Fritzi in a mild way, so she wouldn’t get hurt. Fritzi could tell what Cristelle was trying to do. She smiled defeatedly, “I know what you’re trying to say, Cristelle. You don’t need to explain anything.”
Cristelle looked relieved, “I’m glad you know, really.”
Cristelle held her opinions against Drew. Fritzi was clearly having a crush on that guy, but Drew constantly refused to make a move.
Fritzi’s career was soaring. However, she needed a steady boyfriend or husband to have her back when she needed support. Drew was clearly not her right choice.
If he really loved Fritzi, he would have stood out when Pop tried to send her out to go on a date with Paul.
“I know. You don’t need to worry about me, Cristelle. It’s really sweet of you, but I will take care of it,” Fritzi smiled. She had tried her best to hide the bitterness in her tone. She only hoped that Cristelle wouldn’t find out.
As much as she wanted that man, she still had her pride.
*****
The new houses built by the real estate department of the Daicom Corporation started to sell. The neighborhood was near a great primary school and is located at the heart of the city’s transportation. Most houses were sold on the first day of sale. Linford was quite excited to know the good results and profits.
****
Mr. Weston came to visit during the weekend as usual. The babies were delighted to meet Mr. Weston because he brought them snacks often.
The family enjoyed their lunch in the garden. However, Drew suddenly ran over, looking extremely panicked. His eyes lingered on the babies and the old men before he shut his mouth.
The doctor stood there for a second to calm himself before starting to speak, “Linford, I have something important to tell you.”
Linford could tell from his face that something must have gone seriously. But he didn’t want to worry his family, so he stood up from his chair calmly and grabbed the napkin to wipe his mouth, “You guys continue. I’ll be back soon.”
And then, he went upstairs with his best friend.
Linford only asked after closing the door behind him, “What’s wrong, Drew?”
Drew was pale, “Alfred didn’t tell you? People got murdered in that new neighborhood your company just built up. A murderer killed five people. Two of them were old people, and three of them were just little babies.”
Linford’s brow raised. He turned around and fetched his coat, going downstairs immediately.
“Where are you going?” Drew followed him.
“The neighborhood,” Linford said curtly.
“Charles is probably there already. I’m coming with you.”
Cristelle went a bit pale as she noticed the look on Linford’s face, “What’s wrong? Is everything okay? Linford! Where are you going?”
“Nothing’s happening, honey,” Linford tried to calm her, “Just some business in the company. You stay home with Pop and the babies, okay?”
Things had definitely gone wrong, but Cristelle knew Pop and the babies were still here. Linford probably didn’t want them to know. So she nodded, “Of course. I’ll take care of them. You just go, do whatever you need to do.”
Linford leaned forward and left a kiss on her forehead before leaving the mansion.
The gate of the neighborhood was crowded with journalists. All those reporters swarmed when they saw Linford’s car, “Mr. Bradley! Mr. Bradley! Would you accept a short interview?”
“Mr. Bradley, when you sold these houses, you promised the purchasers that daily patrolling security guards would staff the neighborhood. How did the murder still happen with the Daicom security force? Would you like to explain a little?”
Linford strode into the gate as he said, “The murder is shockingly horrendous. Our company will work with the police and find out the murderer. However, the truth shall not be covered.”
“Mr. Bradley, some of the house owners want a refund. Would you consider that? Given that you’ve promised security in your ads?”
“They can have their refund if they feel the need to. Our company would never make our house owners live in fear. I believe every house owner in our neighborhood is as devastated as I do. But desperation won’t console the souls of the deceased. We must stand up together as a community and find out the murderer who committed this appalling crime!”
Drew watched as Linford accepted the interview on the lane of one of the houses where the murder happened.
“He’s good, isn’t he?” Alfred stood by Drew’s side, “He didn’t run away from the responsibility like most CEOs would. And he made it very clear that the murder happened not because of the Daicom Corporation but the murderer himself. Everyone would feel his sincerity.”