Chapter 23 Investigate Every Residence
Chapter 23 Investigate Every Residence
Theodoric’s growing suspicion prompted him to set aside the bottle of perfume and reach out to
Marianne.
At that moment, Marianne, who was busy packing her bags with Janice, felt a surge of delight upon receiving Theodoric’s call.
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She put him on speakerphone and greeted him cheerfully, “Theodore, what brings about this pleasant surprise? Do you miss me already?”
Theodoric didn’t waste any time with pleasantries and went straight to the point. “Marianne, who have you been living with all these years? Where did you stay?”
Oblivious to Theodoric’s underlying intentions, she responded promptly, “I’ve been staying with my parents at the casino.”
Theodoric’s eyes widened as a sudden realization struck him.
Janice snapped back to her senses and tugged Marianne’s arm. She pulled her phone out and hastily typed: You idiot! You’re standing in for Ruthanne at the moment. Tell him her place of residence!
Upon realizing her mistake, Marianne felt a sense of unease that made her shiver. She swiftly changed the subject, hoping to divert Theodoric’s attention away from her slip–up. “But I lived with my grandma a few years back at a rental house in Clear River District.”
“Where is the exact locati
of the rental house?”
No matter how stupid Marianne was, she knew that Theodoric was onto her.
She grew increasingly co “ed that Theodoric would uncover the exact location of the rental house and
trace it back to Ruthanne.
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The thought of losing the luxurious lifestyle she had acquired through her deception to Ruthanne unsettled Marianne deeply, and she was determined not to let that happen.
She decided to feign ignorance until the very end.
She put on a show of deep contemplation, pretending to struggle to recall the exact location of the rental house. “I’m sorry, Theodore. I’ve forgotten. I fell really sick when I was young, so my memories are a little distorted. But I do remember living with my grandma. It wasn’t until the last few years that my parents brought me back to the casino.
Theodoric, growing increasingly anxious, lit up a cigar to calm his nerves. “I didn’t see your grandma the last time I went to the casino.”
“T–That’s because grandma went missing. I don’t know where she went. My parents brought me back after finding out what happened.”
Theodoric smoked one puff after another, his mind processing the implications of Marianne’s words and searching for the truth beneath her facade.
His prolonged silence heightened the anxiety of both Marianne and Janice.
Marianne, desperate to ease the tension, took a moment to gather her thoughts and continued, “Theodore… I’m having a terrible headache right now. This is all I can remember. But I assure you, I’ve
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Mon,
Chapter 23 Investigate Every Residence
told you everything I know, and it’s the truth. I have no reason to lie to you.”
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Her voice quivered with sincerity, conveying the weight of her words as she pleaded her case.
Theodoric decided to let the matter slide for the time being. After ending the call, he wasted no time and ordered Ballard, “Search every single rental house in Clear River District.”
Ballard looked troubled as he responded, “Mr. Lasker, according to my sources, Clear River District is known for accommodating refugees. It’s a large village with at least ten neighborhoods. How am I supposed to search?”
Filled with determination, Theodoric replied, “We’ll begin with the first neighborhood and thoroughly investigate every/residence.”
“Yes, Mr. Lasker…”
Meanwhile, Marianne started to panic, her movements resembling that of a frightened monkey. “Mom! I shouldn’t have disclosed where Ruthanne once lived! What am I going to do if he actually manages to track her down?”
Janice flashed a sinister smile. “I’m afraid Theodoric won’t be able to find her in this lifetime. Remember, that woman is wearing a mask. You and Ruthanne look exactly alike. How will he ever figure out who’s who?”
Marianne’s anxiety eased when she heard that. She smiled, feeling relieved, and grasped Janice’s arms. “You’re so clever, Mom. You took care of everything by forcing Ruthanne to wear a mask back then.”
“Of course. We can’t let Theodoric catch on, considering his
with you, Marianne, which works in our favor. Otherwise, Calth and influence. He’s clearly infatuated luxurious home and even arranged for a personal driver. You play a significant role i
capitalize on this opportunity.”
he wouldn’t have invited us to stay at his
his life. You must
Marianne felt a mix of shyness and excitement as she contemplated moving in with Theodoric the next day.
Her arrogance gave her an air of already being the wife of a wealthy man.
The life she had longed for was finally materializing, while Ruthanne was left to navigate her path without
support.
