Chapter 2321
After lunch, Bella and Steven immediately set out for Maya's home.
This was Savrow's infamous slum-a place of poverty, decay, and filth. Under the blanket of snow, it appeared even more bleak and desolate.
Maya's house was a rundown building with dirty bricks and a broken roof. It looked like a strong gust of wind could make the entire building collapse.
"This is heartbreaking! Simply unfair!" Steven shook his head angrily and said, "The victim's family is living so miserably, barely getting by, while Grant flaunts his wealth and status like a king. Where's the justice in that?"
"How can regular folks stand up to big-shot tycoons? This is just the tip of the iceberg. Who knows how many other horrible things are going on behind the scenes?" Bella's beautiful eyes dimmed as she sighed softly.
As they chatted, they arrived at the door.
"Who are you looking for?" An old woman approached them, leaning on a cane. Seeing their well-dressed appearance, she could not help her curiosity.
"Ma'am, we're here to see Maya's mother, Mrs. Cooper. Do you know her?" Bella's gentle smile made her seem more approachable.
The old woman grew cautious right away and asked, "Why are you looking for her?"
Steven stepped forward with a warm smile. "Ma'am, we'd like to speak with Mrs. Cooper about her daughter, to ask her some questions and understand what happened. Please don't worry. We're here to help."
"Well, I advise you to just give up." The old woman shook her head helplessly. "Mentioning that girl might get you chased off. Besides, her mother has already gone mad. Even if you asked, she may not be able to answer you properly."
Bella and Steven were shocked and exclaimed, "Mad?"
At the cemetery the other day, Mrs. Cooper's accusations against Grant had been emotional but lucid!
"Mrs. Cooper has periods of lucidity." The old woman explained, "When she's thinking straight, she says nothing. But during her episodes, she becomes unhinged. She would grab a kitchen knife and curse at the walls."
Bella pressed, "What does she say then?"
"Something about the Salvador family... It's hard to understand her clearly."Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.
Bella and Steven exchanged glances. Bella's voice carried a tinge of frustration. "Has no one checked on them over the years? Has no one tried to help improve their situation, even a
little?"
"I remember someone tried once, but Mrs. Cooper chased them off. After a while, people just stopped coming. It's sad. The girl had to work as a servant for a wealthy family, only to pass away suddenly. They never even got to say goodbye... It's just heartbreaking."
The old woman shook her head and hobbled away.
"Ms. Bella, look!"
Bella followed Steven's gaze and paused.
It was Matt approaching, with a bodyguard close behind him.
Seeing Bella, Matt froze in surprise. "M-Ms. Thompson?!"
Inside the car, an uncomfortable silence filled the air.
"Uncle Matt, are you here to help Mrs. Cooper, or are you here to make sure she stays quiet?" Bella's gaze was cold, making it difficult to meet her eyes.
She knew Matt's unwavering loyalty to Nigel. It ran so deep that he might take extreme measures in its defense.
"Ms. Thompson, there are things you shouldn't interfere with." Matt's jaw tightened, his voice low. "Some matters, once touched, will unravel everything."
"I get that this is a Salvador family matter, and I don't want to meddle too much." Bella narrowed her eyes, her gaze unwavering. She continued, "But the thing is, Grant's got some serious issues. His mental state is all over the place. He's very good at hiding his true self. Now that he has returned to the Salvador family, he is trying to play the hero to Justin, but if you ask me, he could end up threatening Justin's position as the heir if nobody stops him."
Matt quickly spoke up in Grant's defense. "He was just a kid back then. He made a mistake! I've watched him grow up to become a fine man over the years."
"Is he?" Bella's lips curved into a chilling smile. "Do you really think his murder was just a moment of poor judgment?"
A teenager capable of killing is now a wealthy and powerful adult in this city. Is there anything he wouldn't dare to do?
"My terms are simple. If he is well-behaved, I'll spare him out of respect for Grandpa Nigel. But if he dares lay a hand on Justin... Well, don't blame me, but I won't hold back. I won't
show mercy to anyone."
Matt's eyes widened in shock, a cold shiver spreading through his body.