Chapter 747

Vivian Laurent pulled on gloves and bent over Sophia Evans' lifeless body.

"Initial assessment indicates poisoning." She glanced up at Ethan Roscente. "We'll need lab tests to identify the exact toxin."

"Poison?" Ethan's brow furrowed. "Where would she get poison?"

"Our facilities here are limited." Vivian removed her gloves. "We should call the police. Let the forensic team handle this."

Sirens soon pierced the night air.

The forensic unit worked efficiently, conducting a thorough examination of the corpse.

"No visible external injuries," the forensic examiner reported to Ethan. "We'll need toxicology analysis at the lab."

Officers collected blood samples and stomach contents.

Two hours later, the results came in.

"Detected lethal toxins in the bloodstream." The examiner pointed at the report. "Undigested pill fragments in the stomach."

Ethan's fist slammed against the wall.

"Impossible!" His voice turned hoarse. "She had nothing on her during the search. If she wanted to harm Theo, she would've acted sooner."

Vivian studied the report intently.

"During the power outage..." she murmured. "Someone came in."

Both recalled Sophia's dying words simultaneously.

The surveillance footage played on loop, showing only static images.

"My fault." Ethan's knuckles whitened. "Should've interrogated her yesterday."

Vivian shook her head. "Whoever silenced her wouldn't leave evidence."

Her hand suddenly gripped Ethan's arm.

"Zoe Chamberlain!" Vivian's eyes brightened. "She might be connected to the same person."

Ethan's pupils contracted.

"I'll find Zoe." His tone brooked no argument. "Controlled people crave freedom most."

But Vivian looked troubled. "She's completely under their influence now."

Their gazes fell on the autopsy table in shared silence.

Sophia's pale fingers curled slightly, as if pointing toward an unseen truth.