Chapter 41: The anticipated meeting
Theodore came back to his villa. As he pushed the heavy oak door open and stepped in, he saw Tristan standing near the fireplace.
"Sir..." Tristan greeted him with a nod and handed him a folder along with a lady’s handbag. "These are the things the guards collected from that deserted house."
Theodore’s hand tightened around the strap of the bag. It was Bella’s. He set it aside, his attention moving to the folder. A growing unease gnawing at his gut, as he opened it with a flick.
Papers, contracts, all seemingly mundane at first glance. Yet, as his eyes devoured the contents, a knot of tension formed in his stomach.
As he read, he understood that Bella had gone to that house to settle debts with those goons and to retrieve the documents for her house, which had been mortgaged to a gang leader.
A frown, sharp and deep, etched itself onto Theodore’s face. Why did Bella need so much money? What was going on in her life?
Her life, it seemed, was a labyrinth of secrets, each turn revealing another layer of mystery. If only Skyler hadn’t been injured, he might have been able to provide some valuable information.
A flicker of irritation danced across Theodore’s face. With a decisive thud, he slammed the folder shut. "Any update on Skyler?"
Tristan shook his head. "The bullet has been removed, sir. However, he remains in critical condition. The doctors are keeping a close eye on him."
Theodore released a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as if to ward off an oncoming headache. He could remember how tricky that surgery was. He was hopeful that Skyler would be recovered soon.
"Did Hugo offer any specifics?" he inquired, his voice barely a murmur.
"Not much, sir. With the entire gang in custody, the authorities are likely to close the case."