Chapter 72: Between Evidence and Ecstasy
(Trigger Warning: This Chapter contains explicit content and is intended for mature readers.)
Third POV
Matilda leaned in closer, examining the mark in the photograph that Liam was pointing to. Her brows furrowed as she studied it intently.
“I’m not entirely sure,” she admitted, her voice hesitant. “But wait... I might have something that could help us understand.”
Matilda hurried to her filing cabinet and began rummaging through folders until she pulled out a thick manila envelope. She returned to the desk and carefully extracted several photographs.
“These are from medical conferences I attended years ago. Dr. Perez was often a keynote speaker before she disappeared from public life.”
Liam watched as Matilda spread the photos across her desk. They showed Esther Perez in various laboratories and clinics, always surrounded by admiring colleagues. The woman had a commanding presence, her dark hair streaked with gray, her eyes bright with intelligence.
“There,” Matilda pointed to one photo where Esther was leaning her head to the side, exposing her neck to the camera. “You can see the mark more clearly here.”
Liam leaned in, his heart suddenly pounding faster. The mark was unmistakable.
“Oh shit,” Liam cursed under his breath.
“Yeah,” Matilda said, letting out a low whistle. “I knew I’d seen that mark before.”