Chapter 551
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Caitlin and the conductor rushed forward to meet the doctor.
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“The patient’s bloodwork shows cyanide poisoning. Luckily, he was brought in time. We’ve performed gastric lavage and emergency treatment. His life is no longer in danger.”
“Thank you… thank you, doctor.”
After the doctor left, the group remained in place, waiting anxiously.
The Queen’s assistant discreetly sought out the doctor who had just given the update. From him, he confirmed that Federico had indeed suffered from cyanide poisoning. The medical records backed it up–this wasn’t a ruse.
He returned to the palace and reported everything to Heather.
When the Queen saw the hospital report, her fury finally subsided a little. “So I was wrong. He really was poisoned. But why? Who would poison him?”
She sat in thought for several long moments, but no answer came to her.
“Prepare a royal delegation to visit the hospital tomorrow morning. Also, notify the Sanctis police- within three days, I want a full investigation into how cyanide ended up in Mr. Colli’s hotel room. If this
gets out, it’ll cause a media storm. Until we know more, no one is to speak of this to the press.”
“Understood.”
At the hospital, Federico was moved to a private room after his stomach had been pumped. He was
still unconscious.
Just then, Caitlin received a call from James. She turned to the conductor.
“I have something to take care of. If Federico wakes up, please let me know.”
“Of course. Don’t worry. We’ll keep an eye on him.”
Ashfall chimed in, “I’ll stay too. You go do what you need to do.”
With King by her side, Caitlin left the hospital. Behind them, the rest of the orchestra began to speculate.
“This isn’t a small matter. We need to get to the bottom of it.”
“Exactly. Could someone have tried to hurt Federico? Poisoning sounds like attempted murder!”
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“Word is the police are already investigating at the hotel.”
“Let’s hope they find the truth fast.”
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From James’s earlier call, Caitlin learned that Mikkel had gone to a high–end restaurant for dinner and was now inside a popular nightspot–Aurora Club.
About thirty minutes later, Caitlin and King arrived at the club and met up with James and Tyler.
“He’s in VIP Room 8–‘Spade.‘ He’s playing cards with a few friends.”
“Good. In ten minutes, we go in.”
Ten minutes later, Caitlin reappeared at the club’s entrance–still in her Esme identity, but with a dramatic shift in style. Gone was the gentle violinist; now, she radiated confidence and allure.
She wore a sleek black outfit that hugged her curves perfectly, paired with a golden wig and a delicate black veil hat. With James, Tyler, and King flanking her, they walked through the glitzy, hedonistic interior of the Aurora Club.
No one paid them much attention–they looked like they belonged.
They reached VIP Room 8. Two hosts stood by the door and blocked their path.
“Who are you here for?”
“I’m a friend of Mikkel’s,” Caitlin replied, slipping a thick wad of cash into one of their chest pockets.
The host’s demeanor changed instantly. With a respectful smile, he opened the door for them.
Inside, a long card table was lit under soft lighting. Chips were stacked high, cards being played. Laughter and cigar smoke filled the room. At the center sat a balding, overweight man–Mikkel, the
CEO of ScandBuild.
The men were too focused on their game to notice the new arrivals–until one of their bodyguards moved to intercept them.
“Who are you? This is a private room.”
“I’m here to see Mikkel. Business,” Caitlin said calmly.
Her voice turned heads immediately. Mikkel and his companions paused their game and looked toward the doorway.
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She was stunning–striking figure, elegant attire, veiled allure.
“Business?” one man laughed. “With her? Damn, Mikkel, you’ve got some luck tonight.”
“Who is she?” another chimed in. “Introduce us!”
“What kind of business are you in, sweetheart? I’d love to invest.‘
“I only want to speak with Mikkel,” Caitlin replied coolly, ignoring their lascivious stares.
Mikkel leaned back, intrigued, smirking lazily. “You want to do business with me? What kind of
business?”
“One that’s better discussed privately,” she replied.
His friends, smirking and elbowing him, began clearing the room. “Say no more. We’ll leave you two
alone.”
“Yeah, looks like you’re in for a special negotiation, Mikkel.”
They clapped him on the shoulder and left with their bodyguards.
Mikkel got up from the table and moved to the plush sofa, gesturing for Caitlin to join him.
“So, what’s your name, sweetheart? And what exactly do you want from me?”
Caitlin sat down across from him, her expression cooling. “I want some answers.”
“Wait, I thought we were here for business.”
“This is business,” she said, voice turning sharp.
Mikkel frowned, sensing something off. Up close, her beauty was less surreal, but the air of mystery still clung to her.
“What answers?”
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“I want to know why the land ScandBuild acquired earlier this year was blown up and why the project has since stalled.”
The question made Mikkel visibly tense. A warning bell rang in his mind.
Someone had reported earlier that a few people were asking around about the ‘Outer City‘ project. He’d assumed it was nothing. Now, here was someone confronting him directly.
Regardless of who she was, his answer had to be the same.
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“That project is part of our internal business strategy. It’s confidential and not open for public
discussion. I’m sorry, but I have other matters to attend to-‘
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He began to rise, but James and Tyler stepped forward, placing firm hands on his shoulders, forcing
him back into his seat.
His bodyguards rushed forward–only to find themselves facing drawn weapons.
James and Tyler had guns pointed straight at them. The guards froze.
Mikkel paled, swallowing hard, beads of sweat forming along his hairline.
Caitlin leaned in slightly, her tone deadly calm.
“I’m only asking once. What happened to the Flowerstone Tower that got demolished? What exactly is ScandBuild hiding?”
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