Female Novel
Chapter 1303
Rio heaved a deep sigh, his tone grave. “Things are not good. The guild is currently preparing to thoroughlyinvestigate all businesses under the Cox family. The auction house has already been shut down, and the firearmsthat were found have all been confiscated for source tracing. However, it's uncertain what they will be able touncover.”
This was similar to what Neera had heard so far. Nonetheless, what she cared about more was the truth.
“Mr. Rio, may I be so bold as to ask whether those firearms truly belong to the Cox family? This is a matter ofgreat importance, and I hope you can tell me the truth. Of course, I understand I'm an outsider. If you feel it'sinappropriate to answer, feel free not to.”
Rio's brows furrowed deeply as he spoke in a serious tone. “Ms. Garcia, in this matter, the Cox family is trulyinnocent. I have no reason to deceive you. The possession and use of firearms are strictly prohibited in Phison.The head of my family has also issued a strict order not allowing anyone to violate this law. All the industriesunder the Cox family's name have never had a single mishap, let alone the possibility of hiding firearms amongthem. There must be something fishy about this!”
Seeing his decisive response, which didn't seem like he was lying, Neera had a better understanding of thesituation.
“If the Cox family had not been secretly hoarding firearms, then why would such a large quantity of them appearin your auction house?”
“I'm just as confused about this matter as you are right now.”
Rio's brows were furrowed with worry. He took out a cigar, just about to light it, but after glancing at Neera, hequickly put it back into the metal box.
“I think someone has set the Cox family up.”
Neera asked again, “Do you have any suspects or evidence?”
Rio shook his head. “Not yet. The Cox family almost never makes enemies. Even if we don't get along, we won'tworsen the relationship. So, for the time being, I'm not sure who's scheming against us. However, since Mr. Averyhas risen to the position of the second elder, it has caused dissatisfaction among the other elders. Perhaps theyhold a grudge because of this and want to drag the Cox family down.”
Neera nodded thoughtfully. Recalling Jean's words, she began to phish for information.
“What are your thoughts on the discovery of a large number of firearms at the Cox family's auction house, asidefrom being set up? As far as I know, the Cox family's auction house is quite strictly managed. If those firearmsweren't brought in by the Cox family, then who did, and how? Such a large quantity isn't something that can beeasily smuggled in without attracting attention.”
“I've been pondering over this matter too. It's impossible for an outsider to smuggle in so many firearms under thewatchful eyes of the security staff. Therefore, I suspect there might be a loophole within the auction house itself.I've already sent people to investigate, but there are no results yet.”
Seeing that he had thought of this aspect, Neera chose not to say anything more.
“Mr. Rio, don't panic just yet. The guild hasn't made a final decision, nor has there been any talk of punishing theCox family for this yet. As long as the investigation is ongoing, there's still a chance for things to turn around. Intimes like these, it's crucial to remain calm. Mr. Cox is currently on Adieu Island and unable to attend to thesematters. If you lose your composure, there will be no hope for the Cox family. As for the matter of the firearms, I
will have someone look into it to see if we can find any useful information.”
Rio expressed his gratitude sincerely, “Ms. Garcia, thank you for your efforts.”
When Neera left, Albert just so happened to arrive. novelbin
The moment he saw her, Albert's face turned grim with displeasure, and his attitude was quite nasty.
“What are you here for? Are you here to confront me? You've caused my daughter so much suffering. If it weren'tfor the sake of the head of the family, I would have stormed into the Gordon residence long ago! Why would Iwait until now?!”
Rio's face darkened immediately before he reprimanded, “Albert, watch your attitude!”
Albert was currently fuming with anger, so there was no room for reason. He let out a cold huff.
“What kind of attitude should I have toward a traitor who colludes with someone from Lordsworth Estate? Notreporting her to the guild is already giving face to the Gordon family!”
“Albert! Shut your mouth already!”
At that moment, Neera suddenly laughed. However, the laughter didn't reach her eyes, which shone mockingly.
“This is truly absurd! I never knew that right and wrong can now be arbitrarily reversed. What world is this thatthe perpetrator can cry injustice in front of the victim? Mr. Albert, I respect you as an elder of the Cox family andMr. Cox's third uncle. That's why I call you Mr. Albert. If it weren't for this respect, I would have you kneelingbefore me right now while apologizing for your mistakes.”
By the end of her words, the aura emanating from her was filled with an overwhelming sense of pressure andauthority.
Upon hearing this, Albert exploded, “You want me to kneel and apologize to you? Are you dreaming? Don't thinkyou can act high and mighty in front of me!”
“You know better than anyone whether I'm entitled to act like this or not. With my status, you speaking to me likethis is insubordination. How I choose to deal with you is entirely up to me. Mr. Albert, I initially didn't want toinvolve you because of your daughter's foolishness and malice, but what are you trying to do? Could it be thatyou want me to put this debt on your head? You better think it through and consider just how heavy the priceyou'll have to pay for this is.”
“You!”
“Your daughter made the first move by hiring a killer, and as her father, you've shown not even the slightestremorse. Instead, you've defended her and pointed fingers at me, the victim. This is beyond my expectations. Isthis the kind of upbringing the Cox family provides? If word of this gets out, I fear the reputation of your familywill be utterly ruined. Mr. Albert, failing to educate your daughter properly is not a crime, but if you continue tolet her run wild without teaching her how to be a decent human being, I'm afraid the only thing she'll be learningis how to be a ghost in the future.”
Upon hearing this, Albert's face instantly turned ashen!