Chapter 32: The Diary

A cursory glance revealed nothing but mundane work-related notes within the diary, seemingly innocuous at first sight. Yet, a subtle unease lingered, hinting at a potential connection to the untimely demise of my parents.

Returning to the villa, I retreated to my study, intent on scrutinizing the diary's contents more closely. My father's meticulous nature was evident in the detailed documentation of pharmaceutical company transactions spanning several years.

As I delved deeper into its pages, initially finding nothing amiss, a nagging suspicion continued to tug at my thoughts. Gradually, patterns emerged as I cross-referenced the company's financial records with pivotal decisions, revealing a troubling discrepancy.

In the years leading up to my father's death, the pharmacy's profitability took a sharp downturn, prompting drastic measures to outsource certain positions within the company. However, instead of alleviating financial strain, these decisions seemed to exacerbate it, raising doubts about the true motives behind such actions.

A sudden realization struck me like lightning: Could my parents' deaths have been orchestrated to conceal financial misconduct?

In the midst of my turmoil, Devon entered the room, his concerned gaze meeting mine as he noticed my distress. Without a word, he enveloped me in a comforting embrace, offering solace amidst the storm of my thoughts.

Unable to contain my suspicions any longer, I confided in Devon, recounting the unsettling discoveries from my father's diary. Despite the gravity of my allegations, Devon's unwavering support bolstered my resolve to seek the truth.

With determination coursing through my veins, I resolved to confront the shadows of the past and unearth the secrets concealed within the pages of the diary. Little did I know, this pursuit would lead me down a path fraught with danger and deception, as I embarked on a quest for justice for my beloved parents.

It wasn't until he had been eating for a while that his expression softened as he turned to me and declared, "You can discuss the case with him, but I'm accompanying you every step of the way."

I nodded, offering a reassuring smile as I resumed my meal.

The following day, I reached out to Vernon, catching him off guard with my unexpected call. After exchanging pleasantries, I elucidated the precarious situation I had unearthed, expressing my desire to seek counsel on the past case. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, he agreed to meet me at a cafe the next day.

As Devon and I arrived at the designated meeting place, Vernon's demeanor soured upon seeing us together. Devon, undeterred by the hostility, initiated the conversation with a cordial greeting, addressing Vernon's recent retirement from the City Council and inquiring about his father's well-being. In response, Vernon, displaying a hint of condescension, assured Devon of his father's good health before redirecting his attention to me with a disparaging remark about my association with Devon.

Sensing the potential for an escalating confrontation, Devon interjected firmly, "Wang Jichen, can you refrain from targeting our relationship once again?"

Anticipating further conflict, I hastened to defuse the tension, urging, "Let's take a seat and focus on the matter at hand."

It wasn't until he had been eating for a while that his expression softened as he turned to me and declared, "You can discuss the case with him, but I'm accompanying you every step of the way."

I nodded, offering a reassuring smile as I resumed my meal.

The following day, I reached out to Vernon, catching him off guard with my unexpected call. After exchanging pleasantries, I elucidated the precarious situation I had unearthed, expressing my desire to seek counsel on the past case. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, he agreed to meet me at a cafe the next day.

As Devon and I arrived at the designated meeting place, Vernon's demeanor soured upon seeing us together. Devon, undeterred by the hostility, initiated the conversation with a cordial greeting, addressing Vernon's recent retirement from the City Council and inquiring about his father's well-being. In response, Vernon, displaying a hint of condescension, assured Devon of his father's good health before redirecting his attention to me with a disparaging remark about my association with Devon.

Sensing the potential for an escalating confrontation, Devon interjected firmly, "Wang Jichen, can you refrain from targeting our relationship once again?"

Anticipating further conflict, I hastened to defuse the tension, urging, "Let's take a seat and focus on the matter at hand."