Chapter 173

“Honey, you’re the best,” Liam said, a silent “Sorry for doing that this time, but I’d do it again” echoing in his thoughts. They exchanged smiles, the car’s atmosphere thick with a cloying sweetness. However, they both knew the serious truth awaited them soon. The Krot Competition was held on a private estate in the suburbs.

They had already notified the relevant parties. The journey was uneventful. Soon, they would reach the venue.

Emma’s heart quickened. Everything she’d endured led to this moment. Dummy, I’ll avenge you soon… Wait for me… she thought.

Screeching brakes brought them to a halt.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hall, this is where the Krot Competition was held five years ago,” the driver announced.

“Thanks,” Emma replied, handing him a generous tip.

He gratefully accepted it and departed. Emma and Liam exchanged a deep breath, then walked hand-in-hand into the arena.

Years of neglect had left many areas dilapidated and dusty. Emma frowned, uncertain of her chances of uncovering what happened five years ago in this state of disrepair. Failure here meant an insurmountable obstacle to discovering the truth about Justine's death.

The sky was overcast, threatening rain. They approached the low-pile netting.

“It’s here,” Emma murmured, her gaze cold. This was where something went wrong with Justine. If not illness or medication, the venue itself must hold the answer.

She knelt, running a hand across the sand. The fine, white grains were dry and unremarkable. Lifting the netting, she saw thin wires protruding. She recognized this; some low-pile netting incorporated wire for structural integrity. Years of neglect had evidently allowed some wires to become exposed.

Raindrops began to fall. Liam, in his black suit, swiftly opened a large black umbrella, shielding Emma. “Emma, it’s raining. Don’t catch a cold.”

Emma smiled, rising. “You need to stay dry too.”

A clap of thunder echoed. Emma frowned.

Liam looked up at the darkening sky. “Thunder as soon as we land. Yenovia’s weather is certainly unpredictable…”

“Wait.” A sudden thought struck Emma.

She bent, pressing her fingers into the sand, tracing a symbol—the one left on the cliff—in the white grains. Her eyes widened. Lightning, she realized. He drew a lightning symbol.

The exposed wires… contact with the body… Justine had been maliciously ambushed, electrocuted by high-voltage electricity. Instantaneous electrocution could mimic the symptoms of a sudden cardiac arrest, easily mistaken for a drug-related death.

This explained why so many believed Justine died of a sudden heart attack caused by medication.

Watching the rain wash away the lightning symbol, Emma laughed. “I see. I finally understand.” Years of wrongful accusation… someone had framed her. Everyone believed Justine’s death stemmed from a conflict with Emma, resulting in suicide by drug overdose. They never suspected murder.

Liam was surprised by Emma's swift deduction. “Emma, say the word, and no matter who it is, I’ll deal with them together with you.”

Emma clenched her fists in the rain. “I want to avenge her and reveal the truth.” Justine hadn’t taken drugs; she hadn’t suffered a heart attack. She’d been murdered with an electrified net.

The journey's fatigue and exposure to the rain brought on a low fever upon their return to the hotel. Liam nursed her devotedly, his heart aching. He summoned Yenovia's best doctor; medicine and an injection lowered her temperature, though he remained vigilant.

Emma's illness intensified his distress. She tugged at his finger. “It’s just a slight cold.”

“Don’t overthink it,” Liam murmured, stroking her hair. “I’ve instructed my men to investigate your theory. Results tomorrow morning.”

He kissed her neck. “Sleep well.”

Emma nodded, finding warmth in his embrace. She curled up against him, his warmth chasing away the chill.

The next day, Liam received the results.

“Mr. Hall, Mrs. Hall was correct. We reviewed the competition footage. Justine’s reaction matches electrocution symptoms. But something else is suspicious.”

“What?”

“The clothes Justine wore that day were taken by someone from Nuverland. The logistics department and the hospital can confirm this.” The clothes would bear evidence of electrocution. The perpetrators likely removed them to conceal their crime.

“Who has them?” Liam asked quietly.

“Dana Coast.”

Three days later, recovered, Emma and Liam returned to Troln City. Serene, discharged from the hospital, was immensely grateful to Emma for saving her. Though still recovering, she sent gifts to Icovine Estate through her parents. Emma declined their excessive thanks.

After advising Serene on future precautions, Serene sought out Dana at the hospital. Emma had discovered only Dana’s managers and coaches guarded the ward. With little effort, she dismissed them.

Cold-faced, Emma entered the room, her black boots echoing softly. The door closed behind her.

Dana, wearing an oxygen mask, trembled violently at her sight. “What are you doing here?”

Their training made them acutely aware of another's killing intent. And Emma felt it keenly. Observing Dana’s terror, a slow, chilling smile played on her lips.

Emma produced the information Liam had provided. “Tell me, why did you take Bunny’s clothes?”