Chapter 39

Chapter 39

"I guess you already know why I'm here," Eris said, staring straight into Travis's eyes. "I want to propose a partnership."

"A partnership? How exactly?" Travis asked, sounding skeptical.

Eris smiled. "I can help you become the chief, but you'll need to do something for me in return."

"And what would that be?"

Eris lowered her voice. "Let's not rush into that. Once I handle the situation in Hillcrest, you'll know what I need."

"You're that confident?"

"Just wait and see."

Their eyes locked in a tense standoff.

Travis stood up and left the office. 

Outside, Jerry was waiting with a thick stack of files. 

He saw Travis exit and walked in with a grim expression, dumping the case files on Eris's desk. He was in and out in less than two minutes.

"What did Eris say to you?" 

Carter and Joshua asked curiously.

Travis recalled Eris's words. "Nothing much, just wanted to get a sense of the case."

They exchanged skeptical looks.

"Believe it or not," Travis said, leaving them behind as he returned to the detective unit. 

He sat at his desk, deep in thought, Eris's words echoing in his mind. 

He didn't trust her at all. Despite her young appearance, she seemed to know secrets far beyond her years.

"This woman is something else," he muttered.

"Captain Smith, who are you talking about?" Charles asked, standing at the door with a USB drive in hand.

"What's up?"

"Captain Smith, I've compiled all the recent case files here," Charles said, handing over the USB. "I've also archived the paper versions."

Travis nodded, taking the USB. "Got it."

Charles lingered, not making any move to leave.

"Anything else?" Travis asked, curious.

Charles grinned. "Captain Smith, I'm just curious. Who were you talking about earlier?"

"None of your business," Travis snapped. "If you're not busy, go investigate Tony's case. It's been too long without any results."

Charles left the office, looking dejected.

Unbeknownst to them, Elaine had already arrived at Carter's... no, now it was Eris's office. 

The two women sat in silence, the atmosphere thick with tension.

Eris finally broke the silence. "Is this our second meeting?"

"Yeah," Elaine replied, her voice low.

"I'm the chief now, and you're still just an external consultant," Eris said with a smile. "Fate has a funny way of working, doesn't it?"

"I talked to Travis," Eris suddenly said.

Elaine's expression shifted slightly. "So what? What does that have to do with me?"

"Really?" Eris said, her tone playful. "If it has nothing to do with you, why are you here at the detective unit? And why Hillcrest?"

Eris's tone turned serious. "Elaine, do you think I don't know why you're here? Even if you come to Hillcrest, it won't change anything."

"You won't know until you try," Elaine said, locking eyes with Eris.

Eris sighed. "Why can't you let this go?"

"Some things can't be forgotten."

"I have to go," Elaine said, standing up and leaving.

Eris leaned back in her chair, watching Elaine's retreating figure with a cold smirk. 

So many people were involved in that incident years ago. What could a powerless woman like Elaine possibly achieve?

Her private phone rang. Eris checked the caller ID, glanced outside, and locked the office door before answering.

"Hello?"

A strong voice came through the phone. "How's it going?"

"I've reviewed the files. The case involves some difficult people, including a senator and the deputy speaker of the council," Eris said, looking outside. "If we want to close the case, they can't be avoided."

"You're in charge of this case now. Don't ask me," the voice said. "I trust you. We've been fighting against drugs for years. In the face of drugs, there are no high-ranking officials; everyone is just a person."

The voice paused. "Campbell Corporation in Hillcrest has always been a major taxpayer for us."

"I understand."

"Your father has arranged everything for you. Handle this well, and when you return from Hillcrest, we'll have everything set up for you."

"Thank you, mentor."

Eris hung up and sat in silence for a long time. 

She wasn't naive. She had suspected this mission was about protecting Tate and Ewan. 

But now it was clear: the real target was Campbell Corporation's Henry.

She picked up the office phone and instructed, "Get me a detailed report on Campbell Corporation."

About ten minutes later, Kian brought in the report, placing it on her desk without a word.

Eris didn't care about the lack of conversation. She focused on the detailed report of Campbell Corporation. 

The company had suddenly risen to prominence about ten years ago, becoming a business giant in Hillcrest almost overnight.

"Could my mentor be involved?" Eris wondered. 

If not, why would he specifically want to protect Campbell Corporation?

...

Meanwhile, in Tate's office, he stood by the window with his phone. 

"The Ethan Café case has been taken over by someone else. We should be able to get our people out during this time."

"Let's wait and see. This time is different," Ewan's calm voice came through the phone. 

"The detective unit has charged them with drug trafficking and use. I heard Eris from the Thompson family is involved. Making a move now would be provoking her."

"Who brought in the Thompson family?" Tate asked, puzzled.

"Wasn't it you?"

"Who else in Hillcrest has that kind of pull?"

Tate's eyes lit up. "Hayes!"

"Do you remember Campbell Corporation's rise to power? All their assets were registered almost overnight, and they quickly became the leading enterprise in Hillcrest."

Tate quickly pieced it together.

Ewan's voice turned cold. "Looks like we need to reassess Hayes."

...

At the top floor of Campbell Corporation, Hayes held the phone with a respectful, ingratiating smile on his face.