Husband plans to kill me Chapter 399

"It's been a few days..." I asked with concern, "Kathy, how've you been?"

I hadn't told her about the recent events. I didn't want to worry my good friend. Plus, I knew Kathy had been really busy since coming back from Oceancrest City. She was squeezing in time to investigate Aurelia.

Kathy smiled, "I'm okay, just the investigation is a bit tricky. She hasn't made any moves lately, but I have a feeling she's planning something."

This matched what Simon had told me about Alfonso.

I said, "Alfonso is the same way..."

Kathy was silent for a moment before saying, "I suggest we focus on Alfonso for now. He hasn't made any moves recently, but I think he might be a threat to you. As for Aurelia, even if she has her own schemes, she's just assisting Alfonso."

She added, "But the most important thing is for you to be careful. I've heard you've had a lot going on lately. Since you don't want to tell me, I won't ask... but you know these things are all happening around you, so please be careful."

I pressed my lips together, "Okay, I'll be careful. You take care too."

This meeting was shorter than I expected. We were both busy, so Kathy just handed me a report on Aurelia's recent activities and went back to her studio.

That evening, Royce and I sat in my study, discussing our next steps.

After hearing what Simon had found out, Royce said, "He's right. These clues are too vague, making the investigation difficult. But as long as he can help, it's a good thing. We'll just cooperate with him."

As we talked, I suddenly had another thought. Ever since Leo's startup failed, I'd been pondering a question.

Was Leo's failure really just a coincidence? Or was it all part of a carefully orchestrated plan?

I suspected that Leo's startup and its failure might have been to cover up some evidence, or maybe he was a scapegoat for someone.

So, I shared my suspicions with Royce.

Royce frowned, a hint of doubt in his voice, "Caroline, I've been meaning to ask you. Don't you think Leo's failure was too sudden? He was well-prepared, so how did his funding suddenly fall through?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie, "I think so too! Leo isn't the type to give up easily, and he's always been cautious."

This failure was indeed suspicious.

Royce thought for a moment before speaking slowly, "Maybe we should talk to Leo again. He might know something we don't. But whether he'll tell us, I don't know."

I sighed, "I guess he probably won't. He's been holding back from us."

"Caroline, we have to try... If Leo was used, we have a responsibility to help him."

This startup issue was something we had to see through to the end.

"Okay, let's find a time to visit him with Brett."

I felt that ever since I saw Lowell at the resort, my investigation had sped up. My life had become more hectic.

It was hard to believe that not long ago, I spent all my days off with Royce and Brett. Now, we were constantly investigating and planning...

I couldn't help but stretch, "Once this is over, I need to find time to get a good night's sleep."

"Don't think too much tonight. Just get some rest," Royce said with a reassuring smile, squeezing my shoulder. "I'll give you a massage. You'll sleep like a baby tonight."

Two days later, we arranged to meet Leo and Briar at a restaurant.

Royce, Brett, and I arrived first, waiting about half an hour before we saw Leo walk in with Briar.

Leo looked more worn out than before, a hint of exhaustion in his eyes. Briar quietly followed him, her big, expressive eyes filled with unease.

As she sat down, she sneaked a glance at Royce and me. I noticed her small gesture and sighed softly.

After sitting down, I smiled and greeted them, "Leo, Briar, long time no see. How've you been?"

Leo forced a smile, his tone full of helplessness, "It's fine, just been busy with a lot of things."

But he wasn't working anymore, so what was keeping him busy?

I didn't press the issue, just nodded and said, "Leo, I know it's been tough for you lately. This is a little something to help."

I took out a check from my bag and handed it to Leo.

Leo hesitated, a hint of embarrassment on his face, "Caroline, this... I can't accept this."

I smiled warmly, "Don't worry about it. It's for Briar. She's been through a lot too."

Such a young child having to go through so much was indeed heartbreaking.

Leo hesitated for a moment before taking the check, saying softly, "Thank you."

Royce got straight to the point, "Leo, we're here not just to see you, but to talk. We think something's not right."

Leo's expression changed slightly, a hint of wariness in his voice, "What do you mean?"

Royce looked him in the eye, his tone firm, "Leo, we suspect your startup failure was a setup. Were you used?"

I didn't expect Royce to be so direct today. I thought he would bring it up during the meal.

Leo was silent for a moment, his expression complicated, "Why would you think that?"

Since Royce had already asked, I had to follow up.

I said softly, "Leo, we're not here to accuse you. We just want to find out the truth. If you know something, please tell us."

Leo looked at us for a long time before lowering his head.

"Caroline, Royce, there are some things... I can't say. You'd better stay out of it."

At that moment, Briar suddenly looked up, tears in her eyes, "Dad, are you hiding something from us?"

Leo froze, looking at us instinctively, his voice flustered, "Briar, don't overthink. There are just some things I can't talk about."

But his stammering response said it all.

Royce and I exchanged a glance, both realizing the situation had become more complicated.

We hadn't expected Briar to react like that!