Chapter 190

After visiting his son in the hospital, the elder Mr. Blackwood invited two senior police officials and the detective leading Andrew’s poisoning investigation to the family home that same evening.

In the Blackwood family’s reception room, the three visitors greeted Mr. Blackwood with simultaneous, respectful

“Sir.”

Though holding considerable influence, the elder Mr. Blackwood had never been one to stand on ceremony. He nodded slightly and gestured for them to sit. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

The reception room was spacious, with a rectangular rosewood table at its center, adorned with blue–and–white porcelain tea sets.

Mr. Blackwood sat in the middle, facing the three men, with Asher seated to his right.

The visitors didn’t immediately sit down, instead turning to acknowledge Asher with a respectful “Mr. Blackwood.”

After Asher’s courteous response, the three men finally seated themselves opposite Mr. Blackwood. They briefly introduced themselves before reporting on the case’s progress.

Since returning to London, the elder Mr. Blackwood had been thoroughly briefed on his son’s situation.

The police had already gathered considerable evidence.

The lead investigator, Detective Ronald Golfin, a serious man in his forties, began his report: “According to Mrs. Blackwood, Grace Bennett is our primary suspect. We learned that when Miss Bennett was still the Blackwoods‘ adoptive daughter, she regularly prepared health tonics for Mr. Andrew Blackwood. Also, Mr. Blackwood habitually drank black coffee every morning without fail. We focused our investigation along these two lines and have uncovered significant evidence.”

Detective Golfin handed two reports to the elder Mr. Blackwood.

“These are the analysis results from Mr. Blackwood’s coffee cup and the enamel cooking pot regularly used in the

household.”

The elder Mr. Blackwood’s brow furrowed as he examined the reports.

Concerned that the technical terminology might be difficult to understand, Detective Golfin explained in simpler terms: “The toxin detected in the enamel pot matches the poison found in Mr. Blackwood’s system, which strongly suggests his regular meals were being poisoned.”

“The enamel cookware has unique properties–during high–temperature cooking, especially when preparing soups, toxins can permeate the material. Even thorough washing won’t remove all traces. However, Mr. Blackwood’s morning coffee was cold–brewed, and glass doesn’t absorb toxins as readily. After washing, virtually no residue remains, which explains why the coffee cup tests showed normal results.”

15:26 C

is Actually A True

learned from the household staff that Miss Bennett personally prepared

deepened. “What does Grace have to

is currently serving a prison sentence,” Detective Golfin replied.

detained suspect Tom Malfoy may have direct connections to this poisoning case. We’ve questioned Malfoy as well, but he’s also refused to

you examined the household security footage? Mr. Blackwood asked.

conclusive appears on the recordings. The kitchen footage shows Miss Bennett cooking but her back is to the camera, obscuring any potential tampering with the food. Nothing unusual was detected near the coffee machine. If Miss Bennett did poison the

Golfin hesitated, looking toward the elder Mr. Blackwood.

man raised his eyes.

asked Mrs. Blackwood about Malfoy and Miss Bennett’s motive for murder,” Detective Golfin said cautiously, “she indicated that only

Blackwood’s gaze grew heavy.

moment of silence, he began speaking slowly, revealing the essential details of the troubled history between Andrew and

heard their share of high–society scandals, but hearing such intimate family secrets directly from the elder Mr. Blackwood himself was still somewhat

listening intently and occasionally taking notes.

gravely: “I share Catherine’s assessment

officers nodded in

the utmost diligence,”

elder Mr. Blackwood’s eyes filled with sorrow, his voice betraying his grief and helplessness. “Thank you for your efforts. Please determine the truth

Andrew deserved to know who

97 6*

Chapter 190

solemnly, responding in unison:

spoke, his voice cold and resolute: “I’ll have my

days

day, the doctors announced that visitors

to 3:00 PM daily, allowing for a thirty–minute

visit, Asher wanted to see Thalia, but Randolph adamantly refused to allow it.

didn’t push the issue.

his own daughter had repeatedly been placed in mortal danger–this latest incident nearly proving fatal–he too would keep that man

Asher understood, the

days had

death’s door when his father’s poisoning

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255