Chapter 51
1363 Words
CHAPTER 51
Tatiana began her investigation with Baron Miller after recalling a detail from the novel. She wasn't sure at first because her recollection wasn't the best, but when Tatiana heard about the scandal between Count Acker and Count Nevill from Mia, she grew suspicious and started to investigate further.
In the novel, Baron Miller was one of the pawns of the true villain. He was greedy and the antagonist took advantage of it. However, like any other pawn, Baron Miller was abandoned and took all the blame in the end.
This detail not only gave them a lead in the investigation about the bombing incident but also helped Tatiana in looking for the true villain. Although right now she isn’t sure if Baron Miller and the main villain had already met, it’s at least better than nothing.
“Are you sure about that?” Noah questioned.
If Tatiana's claim regarding Gresley having contact with one of the assassins is true, it will dramatically alter the course of the investigation. Not only will they have a lead, but they might be able to catch the culprit sooner.
“Yes, but, as I already stated, do not conclude that simply. There are still some things we have to consider, and I truly doubt Baron Miller is the one behind the bombing. If anything, he could just be a victim of the true culprit’s perfectly orchestrated plan. ” Tatiana replied.
“What do you mean? Isn’t this evidence clear enough?” Noah asked again.
In his perspective, the pieces of evidence were already enough to conclude that Baron Miller was the one behind the bombing. Despite being in prison, he made contact with a merchant who had connections with the assassin. Aside from that, Baron Miller's motive was also obvious.
“That’s exactly what the true culprit wants us to think,” Tatiana stated.
Noah was at a loss for words after that.
If I think about it, he’s right. This might be part of the culprit’s scheme.
“So... what do you suggest we have to do?” Noah asked after a while.
Tatiana thought about it for a moment.
It is clear that Baron Miller and the merchant, Gresley, have a part in this matter somehow. However, there’s something that just doesn’t add up.
During her investigation on Baron Miller, she found out about his involvement with a merchant named Gresley. Gresley doesn’t really have a good reputation in the business industry since he was involved in a fraud scandal. The victims of this fraud were mostly nobles, and Baron Miller was one of them.
Because of this, Tatiana couldn’t help but wonder, why would Baron Miller contact one of the scammers who tricked him? What’s his motive? Was he the one who asked Gresley to speak to the assassin? And more importantly, did Gresley really order the assassins?
“For now, I don’t have a plan yet,” Tatiana answered simply. “As you can see, this is a very complicated matter for me to handle. I am only an Investor, so... I’ll leave the rest to you, your highness.”
Noah leaned back against his chair and stared at the man in front of him. He’s genuinely amazed at the capability of this man.
It would be great if he’ll become one of my people...
“For an investor, I think you’re quite capable,” he said and smirked.
Tatiana also grinned under her mask.
“Of course... I wouldn’t—as my Lord had said—’take the business world by storm’ if I wasn’t.” she replied, arrogantly.
There was a moment of silence when Noah suddenly broke into a laugh. Aaron looked at him in surprise.
Did His Highness just—?! He gasped. I couldn’t believe this! The Crown Prince who’s known for being notorious and cold is laughing!
After Noah’s laugh died down, he leaned forward and smirked at Tatiana.
“I like you, Investor J,” he said, causing Tatiana to look at him in surprise. “What do you think of cooperating with me?”
Tatiana was stunned at his question and wasn’t able to answer it immediately. Even Aaron and Mia were shocked at His Highness’ proposal.
A moment of silence passed before Tatiana chuckled. “Your highness... I didn’t expect you’ll be this... straightforward.” she can’t help but comment.
Noah only smiled and waited for her reply.
“...However, I have to decline your offer. I apologize, your highness,” she added and slightly bowed her head.
Aaron looked at her in disbelief and amazement. This man just rejected His Highness—the Crown Prince of the empire—right in his face! That is something no ordinary man could do!
At that moment, Aaron was so sure Investor J was his newly-found idol.
Noah’s expression didn’t change as he nodded his head.
“Hmm... that’s a shame. Then, is this going to be our last time seeing each other?” He asked again.
“I’m sorry to say this, your highness, but yes, this will be our last time seeing each other,” she replied.
Noah raised an eyebrow, “What makes you so sure?”
It took Tatiana a while before she answered,
“This is everything I could help you with, your highness. How you use the information that I gave you and what to do next will be all up to you.”
Noah bobbed his head in understanding. However, he doesn't want to give up just like that.
I'll make him one of my own...No, I'll earn his trust, so he'll cooperate with me on his own accord. But for now, I have to make sure we'll still meet in the future.
“What if I’ll need help for a different matter?” Noah continued to insist.
Tatiana's eyebrows furrowed at his persistence. Then she let out a sigh.
Is he really going to act this immaturely?
“Then... I can’t help you with it,” she answered and rolled her eyes under her hood.
When she thought their conversation had ended, Noah asked again,
“What if it’s for the empire? Are you really going to look the other way?”
Tatiana was starting to feel annoyed when Noah just won’t give up. At this point, he’s just being childish.
Why is he pushing this so passionately? Tatiana can’t help but wonder.
Even Aaron was confused why Noah was acting this way. He had never known Noah to be so adamant about meeting Investor J again.
“Alright, your highness. Let’s just say it will depend on the future.” Tatiana uttered in defeat.
Noah smirked in victory.
“Then, I’ll look forward to it.” He said and stood up.
Everyone followed Noah's lead and stood up as well. Noah extended his hand to Tatiana for a handshake. However, instead of accepting it, Tatiana glanced at Mia. The latter understood it right away and shook Noah’s hand.
Noah frowned at this.
Did he just ask his assistant to shake hands with me? He thought in disbelief.
Tatiana noticed his reaction and immediately tried to reason. It's not that she didn't want to shake hands with Noah, it's just that, she's careful not to give him any hints about her identity. Touching her hand may confirm that she's a lady.
“I apologize, your highness. I have a skin disease that’s why even if it’s rude, my assistant will have to accept your handshake for now,” she said.
Noah raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything more.
.
After that, they all went their separate ways.
On their way home, Noah can’t help but think about the man they’ve just met.
Investor J had already made a name for himself in the business world. But, after this meeting, he demonstrated that he's more than a businessman, and Noah can't dispute that he is truly astounding. When Tatiana first suggested this, Noah was doubtful. However, he didn't expect this meeting would be more than helpful.
He looked at the envelopes in his hands.
Investor J... I wonder what kind of person he really is.
reyankleyr
- Writer
