Chapter 483 The Lie Beneath the Floorboards
Finished
“But we already pulled Nina and Emilia’s transcripts,” Eliza said. “Emilia clearly had the better grades.
She had arranged for the transcripts to be retrieved earlier. On paper, Emilia was the stronger candidate. That research slot should have gone to her not Nina.
Jean’s expression changed the moment she saw the printouts Eliza handed her. Her face went pale as she scanned the results. “No wonder… No wonder she looked so off those last few days.”
“You remembered something?”
“She looked completely out of it–like she’d seen something that shook her to the core.”
Jean suddenly grabbed Eliza’s hand. “Ms. Eliza, she definitely knew something. She didn’t kill anyone. I swear!”
Eliza believed it too. Emilia wouldn’t have murdered anyone. Ethan’s suicide alone proved that much.
“I understand how you feel,” Eliza said gently. “But what we need is actual evidence. Without proof, there’s no way to overturn the case.”
“Her family’s in a terrible situation. Emilia was their pillar. People like us–from small towns–we’re our families‘ only hope. There’s no way she would kill someone. And no way she’d take her own life.”
Looking at Jean’s earnest face, Eliza didn’t know what to say to comfort her.
The case was already at the center of a media storm. The golden 72–hour window for solving a case was closing. If they couldn’t uncover why Ethan had taken his own life, or produce stronger evidence proving Emilia’s innocence, her name would be sealed as the murderer. Her family would be driven out of their town in disgrace.
After a long silence, Eliza finally said, “I’ll find a way to get the evidence. But I’m going to need your help with everything involving Emilia, Ethan, and Nina.”
“I’ll do anything,” Jean said firmly. “If it means clearing their names, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I need your student ID.”
Jean blinked, startled. “My ID?”
“Yes. I know it can get you into the lab building. We need to investigate inside.”
“I’ll give it to you.”
Jean handed her card to Eliza without hesitation. “But just the card won’t be enough. The lab uses facial recognition too. I’ll have to be there to scan in.”
“When can we go?”
“Tonight.”
Jean agreed without hesitation. She was one of the only people with insight into what had really been going on–and Eliza and Nolan weren’t going to wait.
By the time evening fell, the three of them were standing at the entrance of the lab building.
Chapter 483 The Lie Beneath the floorboards
The building had been avoided at night ever since the murder. No one dared approach after dark.
Jean checked the surroundings to make sure they were alone. Then she scanned her face and swiped her card, unlocking the door.
The interior was cold and empty. The silence felt heavier than usual–like the building itself was holding its breath.
Jean led the way. “I heard they cleaned everything the night before you came. The principal had the place swept and a lot of the expensive equipment was moved out. I’m not sure if it’s all been moved back yet.”
“What kind of equipment?”
“Just some pricey machines. Nothing too unusual, but you know how it is. Gotta make it look impressive when the higher–ups come inspect.”
She continued, “And because you came today, a bunch of projects were paused. Most of the older students didn’t even show up. Those guys are on track to work at the central hospital after graduation.”
“You’re saying none of them came today?” Eliza asked.
“Right. I didn’t see them at all.”
“Maybe they went home,” she added, trying to sound casual–but clearly unsure.
Eliza exchanged a glance with Nolan. Something wasn’t right.
“Can you tell me where the police found blood traces?” Eliza asked.
Jean nodded. “The girls‘ restroom.”
“What? Are you saying she was killed there?”
“I don’t think so.”
Jean shook her head. “They found blood traces in the restroom because that’s where Nina’s dismembered remains were flushed down the pipes. But there wasn’t any blood found anywhere else in the lab. Even in the restroom, it wasn’t much. It had obviously been cleaned up.”
Eliza’s brows knitted together.
So–little blood, well cleaned, and only in the restroom. That didn’t align with a brutal murder happening in that space. Something was being hidden. Something deliberate. And the truth was buried deeper than. anyone had dared to look.
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