Chapter 452: Claiming the Body

“It was rumored she was beaten to death, but the circumstances were complex. The prison authorities couldn't determine the exact cause of death, so it was described as sudden death,” Cyrus reported.

In reality, after a prisoner died, a doctor performed a physical examination. After examining Janessa, the doctor was shocked. Although told she’d been beaten by a prison officer, her injuries were superficial—not fatal. The doctor concluded it was a sudden heart attack.

“Could that really happen?” Madelyn found it impossible. Janessa was barely in her twenties. This was extraordinary.

For a moment, Madelyn couldn't accept it. She was convinced there was more to the matter, that something was amiss. She promptly rose, put on her coat, and went to Lockhart Group.

Half an hour later, Madelyn arrived and hurried upstairs to find Sebastian. Upon reaching his floor, Malcolm reminded her, “Mrs. Lockhart, Mr. Lockhart is in a meeting.”

Ignoring him, Madelyn started toward the conference room. Malcolm followed, pleading, “Mrs. Lockhart, please wait. His meeting is extremely important.” He tried desperately to stop her.

Madelyn, however, was unstoppable. Malcolm positioned himself before her. “Mrs. Lockhart, please wait. Mr. Lockhart is truly occupied.”

“But I’m in a hurry!” Madelyn exclaimed, pushing him aside. She was a bundle of nerves. She refused to believe Janessa had simply died. She needed to ensure a thorough examination before the prison released the body. Getting into a prison to perform an autopsy, however, wasn't easy. She had to see Sebastian.

The atmosphere in the conference room was serious. Then, a commotion erupted at the door. Despite the excellent soundproofing, Madelyn's loud voice pierced through. “Let me in! I need to see Sebastian!”

“Mrs. Lockhart, I’m begging you,” Malcolm pleaded, his expression troubled. “Mr. Lockhart is in a meeting. Please don't put me in a difficult position.”

The meeting halted. Everyone looked at Sebastian, realizing the woman outside must be his wife; she was the only one who dared speak so openly.

Sebastian heard her too. She was usually sensible and patient. This must be an emergency. He stood, nodded slightly, apologized, and left the room.

He didn't blame Madelyn, instead looking at her with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“Sebastian, let’s talk elsewhere.” Madelyn ushered him into his office.

“What happened?” Sebastian asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Sebastian, Janessa has passed away,” Madelyn said.

Sebastian was surprised. Prison was not a nice place, but this was still shocking. He asked nonchalantly, “How did she die?”

“Sudden death,” Madelyn replied.

Sebastian was stunned. Madelyn knew he’d be baffled, just as she had been. She explained, “Sebastian, something is fishy. The prison conducted an examination, but besides superficial injuries, they found no signs of sudden death. Janessa had a sudden cardiac arrest. Do you think that could really happen?”

Madelyn looked at him expectantly. A perfectly healthy individual, after only two days in prison, had suddenly and inexplicably died. Anyone would find that baffling.

Sebastian said coldly, “Malcolm.”

Malcolm entered. “What are your instructions, Mr. Lockhart?”

“Conduct a thorough investigation at the prison. Find out what happened to Janessa, then report back to me.”

“Understood,” Malcolm replied, leaving.

Sebastian reassured Madelyn, still uneasy, “Don’t worry, Malcolm will investigate thoroughly.” Madelyn nodded.

Half an hour later, Malcolm arrived at the women’s prison. He visited the warden, exchanged pleasantries, and revealed his identity. The warden, recognizing Malcolm's connection to Sebastian, became excessively attentive and led him to the morgue.

A doctor was about to cover Janessa's body. “Wait!” the warden called out. The doctor paused, lowering the cloth. “Good day, Ma’am.” The warden nodded, then said to Malcolm, “Doctor, this person is a relative of the female prisoner.”