Chapter 737: Don't Want Her to Worry

"Ever think this could be part of their plan?" Isadora's words stopped me in my tracks.

I hadn't considered that angle before. If the chaos was exactly what they wanted, then they were definitely hitting their mark.

"Don't give me that look. I'm just throwing out a possibility from an outsider's perspective."

Isadora pursed her lips and went on, "Or maybe they've scattered so many false leads that it's impossible to figure out which clue matters most."

"You've got a point." I bit my lip, feeling a growing sense of unease.

If Isadora was right, dealing with them would be even tougher.

Coming up with such a plan meant they were playing us like fools.

I suddenly remembered something Renee had said earlier, and it felt like pieces were starting to come together.

"So, you should team up with me," Isadora said, looking confident.

I rubbed my temples, trying to calm down before giving Isadora a complicated look.

"Do you realize what you're getting into if you keep investigating with us?"

Honestly, I felt a bit guilty. Isadora could have a normal life if she just let go of finding out the truth about her sister's death.

"You think I haven't thought about that? But I can't just walk away." Isadora took a sip from her cup.

Her words left me speechless. Truthfully, I couldn't give up on the investigation either.

I could understand Isadora's determination.

"Alright, I'll fill you in on what we've found recently. Maybe you can give us a fresh perspective."

I finally gave in. I'm not sure if Isadora convinced me, or if I saw a bit of myself in her.

After I finished explaining, Isadora's brow furrowed.

"Got any thoughts after hearing all this?" I asked, unable to hide a hint of hope.

Isadora was incredibly smart, and with some distance from the case, she could analyze things more objectively.

"I think you're being led around by the nose. Do you remember what you were originally investigating?"

Her words made me pause. The restaurant and the seafood shop were the two leads we had been following.

"But the restaurant's been rebuilt." I sighed. "That means we've lost that lead."

"But even rebuilt, it's still a restaurant, right? It's still there." Isadora's perspective differed from mine.

I didn't quite get what she meant and looked at her, puzzled.

Isadora continued, "Ever heard the saying, 'The safest place is often the most dangerous'? They might be using it as a cover."

"But we checked out the new restaurant and found nothing unusual." I handed Isadora the report.

She skimmed through it, then paused to think.

"Don't you notice the new restaurant's floor plan is smaller than the old one?"

Smaller? How did I miss that? I took another look but still didn't see anything off.

"Compare the new restaurant's dimensions with the old one's."

I did as she suggested, and finally, it hit me.

The old restaurant's floor plan didn't match the new one's.

When I calculated the real-world dimensions, it was clear that one was larger than the other.

I stared in shock and double-checked my calculations. It was true.

"You've got a sharp eye."

Isadora smiled at the compliment. "It's easy to overlook these small details."

"What do you think they're doing with the missing space?" I had a vague idea.

Isadora shook her head. "I don't know, but I doubt the restaurant has much to do with my sister's death."

I understood what Isadora meant. "You want us to help you?"

"It won't take much of your time. Just let me know if you find anything related to my sister during your investigation."

Isadora looked at me seriously.

I nodded. "Don't worry, we'll keep an eye out."

Just then, there was a knock at the office door. Isadora stood up.

"Since we've agreed, I won't take up more of your time. I'll leave now."

Isadora opened the door and left.

Royce walked in.

I looked at him in surprise. "What brings you here today?"

"Zola brought us lunch. I thought we could eat together." Royce raised the bag in his hand.

I realized it was already noon. I should have invited Isadora to stay for lunch.

Royce set the food on the table and opened the containers.

"Why was she here? Did she need something?"

I nodded, deciding there was no need to hide anything from Royce, and told him everything.

Royce pursed his lips. "Isadora is quite smart. Her theory is a good reminder for us."

I agreed and walked over. "But this means her husband might be upset with us again."

"We can't please everyone. We just need to do our job."

Royce ruffled my hair as he spoke.

I felt he was right and let go of my worries.

Right now, filling our stomachs was the priority.

Zola's cooking was as delicious as ever, and we quickly finished everything.

"If Kelly didn't mind, I'd love to have Zola cook for us all the time." I leaned back on the sofa.

Royce chuckled. "Or we could just move back home."

"No, I don't want Kelly to find out we're still investigating."

I looked down. If Kelly knew, she'd worry about us.

Royce nodded and put his arm around my shoulders.