While Deanna and Lance were drifting into sleep, Mia's case back home had new developments.
"Miss Mia, we found no evidence at your home that could incriminate Deanna. Apart from the broken glass, there were no fingerprints or footprints," the police officer reported matter-of-factly.
Mia and Emily were stunned. "How could this be?" they exclaimed, exchanging incredulous looks.
Emily quickly asked, "What about the surveillance cameras? And the security personnel in the villa area? Why didn't they show up when it happened?"
"The surveillance cameras were down due to a power outage, and the villa's security staff didn't notice anything because the main control room was also affected by the outage. Additionally, there weren't many personnel on duty at the time. We questioned your neighbors, and they all said they were sleeping soundly and only heard your mother's screams the next morning," the police explained.
They then looked at Mia on the hospital bed and asked, "We also examined the writing on the wall but found no traces. This is not the work of ghosts; it's clearly human. The perpetrator is experienced. If you want to find the culprit quickly, think about who you might have offended recently."
Mia's face darkened. "The only people I've offended recently are my ex-husband and his daughter Deanna. They must be retaliating against me for leaving during the Jones family's toughest times. Deanna even suspects I killed her mother. We even went to the police over this before, but it was dismissed due to lack of evidence."
Despite everything, Mia was still determined to accuse Deanna.
The police frowned and said, "In that case, we will contact them for questioning."
Emily's eyes lit up. "Will you take them to the police station for questioning?"
"No, without evidence, we can only conduct routine inquiries," the officer replied before leaving.
Emily was disappointed. She had hoped the police would take Deanna in for interrogation, but it was just a routine investigation, which didn't align with her plans.
Mia noticed Emily's displeasure and consoled her, "It's okay. If not this time, then next time. Deanna will definitely try to retaliate again. We can place some solar-powered wireless cameras in the room."
"You're right; we still have a chance," Emily agreed, her eyes glinting coldly. She was determined to see Deanna interrogated.
The next day, Deanna woke up to find it already bright outside. She sat up in bed, feeling a bit weak, and saw Lance sitting on a sofa not far away, working on his laptop with a serious expression.
Lance heard her stirring and looked up. His stern features softened into a gentle smile. "You're awake."
"What time is it? Why didn't you wake me?" Deanna asked as she tightened her robe and got out of bed to change and freshen up.
Lance explained, "I was woken up by a phone call this morning. You were sleeping soundly, so I didn't want to disturb you. Go freshen up; I'll have breakfast brought up."
"Okay," Deanna replied and went into the bathroom.
About ten minutes later, she came out to find breakfast ready.
During breakfast, Lance mentioned the morning call. "The call was from the police back home. Despite having no evidence, Mia and her mother are still trying to accuse you."
"What did the police say? Do we need to go back for questioning?" Deanna asked with a frown.
Lance nodded. "It's just a routine investigation, not an interrogation. I've arranged for a flight this afternoon. We need to cooperate with the police."
"I understand," Deanna agreed.
Having spent a day relaxing, she was also concerned about home and the research institute.
That afternoon, Deanna and Lance took a private jet back home.
They arrived the next day. After resting on the plane, they felt refreshed and went straight to the police station upon landing.
The officer in charge of the case received them and began asking questions related to the case.
"Miss Jones, Mia claims that you and your father have a grudge against her, especially you. She says you believe she killed your mother and want revenge."
"That's correct; I do suspect she killed my mother. But I have no evidence. Even so, I never considered handling this privately or so blatantly," Deanna responded calmly, not denying her animosity towards Mia.