Chapter 200

Chapter 200

Theodosia replied, "I really don't know. We just started the semester, so we're not really close yet. Even the people in my dorm aren't that tight, let alone the rest of the class. I haven't really paid much attention to Cecilia."

Alexander had heard enough and decided to wrap up the questioning early. "Alright, Theodosia, thanks for your help. You can go now."

Theodosia stood up, hesitating a bit. "So... how did Cecilia die?"

Alexander gave her a polite look. "The medical examiner is still looking into it. We'll have to wait for their report."

"Okay..." Theodosia seemed even more nervous than when she was giving her statement. She stammered, "Sir, could you add me on Facebook? If I think of anything useful, I can let you know right away. Is that okay?"

Alexander, being a seasoned detective, knew exactly what Theodosia was trying to do. He chuckled softly and gave a polite smile. "Sure, but our department has a policy. Female witnesses should add female officers on Facebook." He turned to Zoey. "Could you add her on Facebook for the sake of the investigation?"

This little trick might fool a kid, but it wouldn't get past Zoey. She propped her chin on one hand, idly twirling a pen. "If you don't want to add her, just say no. I don't remember any such policy."

"Then you must have forgotten," Alexander replied with a flawless smile. "Or maybe you just never noticed. It's posted in our department."

Zoey was unimpressed. She could tell Theodosia wasn't there for the investigation. But to avoid making things awkward, she added Theodosia on Facebook.

Once Theodosia left, Zoey looked at Alexander. "You used me as a shield just now."

"Yes. So to make it up to you, I'll agree to one thing. Whenever you're craving something, just let me know. You pick the restaurant."

Zoey said, "That's more like it."

Seeing Alexander's 'good behavior' and knowing it wouldn't harm her, she decided to let it slide. But she quickly noticed something. "You can't tell Theodosia likes you? She was pretty obvious."

Alexander gave a knowing smile. "I noticed. But if she added me on Facebook, it would just create more trouble and slow down the investigation. Adding you means she won't bother you about the case, and I avoid a hassle. Win-win."

Zoey wasn't letting him off that easily. "That's because you benefit from it!"

Alexander added, "Didn't I say I'd treat you to a meal?"

Zoey's competitive spirit waned. Alexander had offered a deal from the start, so she decided to let it go.

Soon, they began interviewing the next person: Violette. Unlike Theodosia, who was timid and hesitant, Violette seemed more relaxed, though she looked a bit pale.

The interrogation continued.

"Name."

"Violette."

"You share a dorm with Theodosia, Cecilia, and Nicolette, right?" Alexander asked.

Violette nodded. "Yeah, ask me anything you need to know."

Alexander asked, "In your opinion, who had the worst relationship with Cecilia in the dorm?"

"Nicolette," Violette answered without hesitation. "They started arguing as soon as they were assigned to the same room. Theodosia probably told you about the smoking issue. If it weren't for Cecilia's habit of smoking candy-flavored cigarettes, I wouldn't have known such a thing existed."

Alexander added, "Besides Cecilia, how's your relationship with Nicolette and Theodosia?"

Violette's reaction mirrored Theodosia's. Zoey made a mental note. Violette swallowed and said, "We got along well with Cecilia, so naturally, we didn't get along with Nicolette."

Alexander noted this down. Before he could ask the next question, Zoey jumped in. "Theodosia said you and Cecilia ganged up on Nicolette. Do you agree?"

Alexander was used to Zoey's way of twisting statements. Violette was surprised for a moment but quickly regained her composure. "She said that? Seems like she was in denial. Yes, we did exclude Nicolette, though Theodosia never saw it that way before."

Alexander frowned slightly. He'd always heard that relationships among women could be complicated. Seeing it firsthand, he realized just how complex it could be. Four people, each with their own heavy thoughts.

He suddenly remembered a recent online story about a company with seven employees and eight group chats. Alexander, with his strong sense of justice, had little patience for hypocritical behavior. "Why did you exclude Nicolette?"

"I don't know," Violette's gaze dropped. "It just happened."

"Explain in detail."

"Well, it started with the issue between Nicolette and Cecilia. But Cecilia was easier to get along with, and more approachable. She'd chat with us, and since we were all new, we naturally warmed up to her. Eventually, we just started picking on Nicolette. It's simple girl stuff."

Zoey listened to their petty drama, piecing together their relationships. "Explain in detail, so we can understand, not just summarize."

"Um... It's like..." Violette sighed deeply. "I can explain, but I don't want you to think I'm a bully. I'm really not. Nicolette's personality just made it hard to like her. If she'd been more agreeable, we wouldn't have picked on her so much."

Zoey, growing impatient, said, "Tell us exactly what you did to Nicolette."

"Well... we'd make snide comments, put things in her bed to cause allergic reactions, use her stuff without asking, make loud noises while she slept, spread rumors about her..."

Zoey and Alexander continued to listen, piecing together the dynamics of the dorm and the events leading up to Cecilia's death.