Maxine reached out with a smile and shook her hand. “It’s been a while.”

    After exchanging pleasantries, they turned to business. The manager smoothed out the documents and slid them across the table. “These mainly concern some financial disputes with local suppliers. Since we’re not well–versed in foreign legal systems, we’d really appreciate your assistance with this matter,” she said.

    Maxine nced over the documents. “This doesn’t seem too difficult, but…”

    Maxine couldn’t help but nce at Sebastian sitting across from her. To her surprise, he was already watching her. Embarrassed, she quickly averted her

    gaze.

    He had remained silent ever since they entered, leaving her to wonder, ‘What could he possibly be thinking?‘

    Noticing Maxine’s silence, the manager assumed she was reluctant to take on the case. Having been quite close with Maxine beforeb, /bshe was somewhat aware of Maxine’s past with Sebastian.

    But she knew all too well that if this wasn’t resolved, she’d likely lose her bonus.

    She paused with a practiced smile and said, “Ms. Hudson, there’s no need to rush into a decision. Please take your time bto /bconsider it carefully. Personal matters aside, we’repletely sincere in our offer.”

    Seeing the graceful exit she was offered, Maxine nodded and said, “Sure, I’ll consult with my team first and notify you in advance.”

    After leaving the iNoxen /iGroup, Maxine received a call from Lucas. Lucas said, “Hey, about that thing you asked me to look into, I’ve got some leads.” Maxine’s spirits lifted. “This isn’t something we should discuss over the phone, Are you free now, Lucas? I cane over.”

    Realizing the gravity of the situation, and unwilling to risk any slip–ups, Lucas sent her an address.

    Maxine immediately hailed a cab and rushed over.

    Just as she reached the entrance of the residentialplex, she saw Lucas pedaling back on his bike. Spotting her, bhe /bgave an embarrassed smile and said, “The hospital was too public, so I took the day off and came here instead.”

    Walking into the residentialplex, Lucas said, “It’s close to the hospital, which makesmuting easy. That’s why I bought a ce hereb.” /b

    The residentialplex here was tranquil and quiet, just right for someone like Lucas, who needed a peaceful environment to unwind.

    Once inside, Lucas pulled out his phone. “I’ll send these documents to you directly in a moment. These are all the files he provided, though there are still some parts without solid evidence, He just gave me a brief verbal ount of those.”

    They both sat down on the couch, Lucas tapped the sofa armrest and got straight to the point. “What happened to your father was most likely bthe /bJenson family’s doing. Back then, they seemed to be running what appeared to be legitimate businesses, but in realityb, /bmost were just fronts for tel fraud.”

    Back when the inte wasn’t widespread, theymitted tel fraud andundered the money through their legitimate–lookingpanies.

    Lucas stroked his chin thoughtfully and said gravely, “The police had likely uncovered something after ba /bprolonged surveince operation. bThe /bJenson family desperately needed a scapegoat at that time, and that’s when your father just happened to cross their path.”

    At that timeb, /bMicah was dealing with the Jenson family on work matters. After several interactions, they saw how honest and unprotected bhe /bbwas/bb, /bband /bdecided to set him up.

    Lucas hesitated for a moment and then added, “I can’t prove it, but there’s ba /bgood chance the Jenson family had ba /bhand in your bfather’s /bbsuicide /b

    Maxine clenched her fists, her voice tight bwith /bemotion. b“/bbAre /byou saying bmy /bfather didn’t actually kill himself?”

    09:16 Tue, 24 Jun

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    Lucas shook his head. “What I mean is, before your father took his own life, he had contact with the Jensons. After the incident, they hired ba /bwyer, bone /bwho even visited your father in detention.”

    AD