Chapter 163

Chapter 163

Ethan couldn't hold it in any longer. He stood up, took a deep breath, and in a firm tone said, "That 'good person' you all keep talking about? Well, turns out he died in a car crash while fooling around with a mistress. I'm a cop, and I've got the proof to back up every word I say. So, what about you? What makes you think you can accuse her?"

His gaze cut through the chatty relatives of Ben like a knife as he sneered, "It's not about who can shout the loudest anymore. Defamation can land you in hot water legally. Think twice before you speak, or be ready to face the music."

Ethan's bombshell silenced the living room instantly. The rowdiest relatives who were making all the noise earlier now looked sheepish, avoiding eye contact. Ada stood behind him, head down, hands clenched on her clothes, her face a mix of emotions.

Seeing this, Robert motioned to Ada and said softly, "Let's chat somewhere private."

Ada nodded and followed Robert to a quieter spot. Leaning against the wall, she seemed to let her guard down, but the exhaustion in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Officer, I appreciate your help, but I have my reasons," she said softly, her voice tinged with weariness and helplessness. "My daughter has a crucial exam coming up, and I don't want all this drama to affect her. I was planning to break the news about her father after her exam."

She looked up, her eyes holding back anger and sorrow, "But these people won't let it go. They're saying my husband had a secret child and are eyeing our entire estate. I'm willing to give Ben's parents their share, but it has to wait until after my daughter's exam. If they don't agree, I might have to cremate Ben's body first and then spill the beans, or I'll lose everything."

Robert observed her silently. The tear stains on her face were still fresh, her eyes betraying exhaustion, yet there was a stubborn resilience in her gaze that couldn't be ignored.

After a moment, he suggested, "Ms. Barnes, it's a lot to handle alone. Why not consider getting legal help or advice? It could ease some of the burden."

Listening, Ada pondered for a moment before nodding, "Thanks for the suggestion. I'll think about it."

Robert took out a photo from his bag and handed it to her, "Do you recognize this person?"

Ada took the photo, studied it, and furrowed her brows, her eyes showing a mix of emotions, "Is she Ben's mistress?"

"No," Robert shook his head, "Take a closer look. Did you see her around when you had the bookstore ten years ago?"

"Ten years ago?" Ada paused, scrutinized the photo, then shook her head after a moment, "She must've been a high schooler back then, right? Honestly, those kids were always in school uniforms, coming and going. I couldn't keep track of who was who."

Robert nodded and inquired, "So, why did you end up closing the bookstore later on? It was right by the school, so business must've been booming."

Ada managed a bitter smile, her eyes clouded, "Back then, my husband needed cash for his business. The store's location was secured through my parents' connections. Selling it off meant a transfer fee and some extra cash, so..."

She paused, trying to steady her emotions, "I handed over all the money. He had the talent, did well in business, and our life flourished. But after a few years of that, he..."

Her voice trailed off as she covered her face, trembling slightly, muffled sobs escaping. Robert stayed quiet, giving her space to collect herself.

A few minutes later, Ada lowered her hands, wiped her tears hastily, her tone more composed, "Officer, are these questions because of new findings? Can you share anything with me?"

Robert shook his head, "The investigation is ongoing, and I can't disclose details at this time."

Handing her another photo, a high-quality screenshot from Sophia's video showing the man claiming to be Layla's husband, Ben's mistress, he asked, "Do you recognize this person?"

Frowning, Ada studied the photo, then shook her head, "I don't recall him. I don't think I've seen him before."

Showing a search warrant, Robert explained, "To look into Ben's past and whereabouts, we need to check his personal items, like his computer."

Ada nodded immediately, "There's a laptop at home and one at his workplace. Feel free to search, I have no objections. I never really understood him anyway."

Pausing, her expression turning complex, she added, "One doctor suggested it's better this way. Maybe she's right, but she doesn't know love."

Her voice quivered, "I don't wish him dead. I'd rather he be alive, even if paralyzed. At least then I could ask him."

Robert furrowed his brow, "Ask him what?"

"Ask him why he treated me this way," Ada's voice dropped, filled with pain, "Ask him how he could play the devoted husband while cheating behind my back."

Robert was momentarily speechless, knowing these questions might remain unanswered even if Ben were alive.

As he gloved up and bagged Ben's computer for evidence, a heated argument erupted in the living room.

Soon after, Ada's furious cry cut through the tension, "Dad, how dare you? Are you trying to destroy my daughter's life?"