"How do you know my dad?" Juliette asked Richard, her voice trembling.
Richard paused for a moment, assessing the emotions in Juliette's eyes.
"The question here is... do you know your dad?" he said, choosing his words carefully.
"My dad is... dead," Juliette said, her voice choked with grief.
Richard's expression softened slightly.
"No, he's not," he replied, his voice gentle yet firm.
A tinge of annoyance flickered in Juliette's eyes.
"Well, if he's alive, then where is he?" she asked, desperation evident in her tone.
Richard hesitated before speaking.
"Did you witness your 'late' father's passing, just as you did with your mom? Did you ever see his lifeless body?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
Juliette was taken aback, her thoughts racing. "So... that man might still be alive?"
Richard's eyes met hers, his demeanor grave.