Chapter 12
However, Adelaide had no intention of talking or moving, just standing in that spot staring at the floor with bloodshot eyes and a sheet-like white face.
Bertha:" but..... your highness, Adelaide wasn't at the mansion that day.... she can't possibly...."
Lennox cut her off with a nonchalant attitude:" I never said she is the one who killed McMillan".
Lennox sighed and returned to his seat, his back straight like a wall, one leg supported the other. With crossed arms, he explained:" the second daughter of the Alphonsus family, she is known by plenty of names. So how about we talk about one of the most known names of her. Jenny then?"
Adelaide never uttered a word nor did she make a single move. However, her face was getting paler and paler every second pass. She is being exposed in front of her precious family.
Is it precious?
Lennox continued:" hmmm, if not, do you prefer Ashley? she has got a nice story. Want to hear?"
He did not wait for their answer and continued:" there a woman called Ashley, she is quite popular at the brothels. Not just for being a high-class prostitute, but for bringing beauties with her whether kidnapped or bought ".
Adelaide has long since been lured into the underworld affairs, first, it was out of curiosity. But now that she had tasted heaven how could she not ask for more? Gradually drowning in the pleasure, she became addicted to that lifestyle. In the end, Adelaide believed that this is the way that she should live, being the kind and obedient little sister in front of her family, then outside the mansion, she would reveal her self as a cheap woman no better than an animal. After months passed Adelaide grew an interest to have a partner, working together to 'serve' her customers which normally were foreign nobles. However, Adelaide is a member of the highest society she won't put herself on the same ground and be satisfied with just anyone. She needed someone that is in the same level of beauty like her, thus she searched and kidnapped the young fine women from outside the Alphonsus territory. Typically the Alphonsus family's influence was beyond what the Sitia Knighthood are capable of handling, and naturally turned a blind eye on the matter, ignoring the miserable and furious families of the victims.
Lennox:" even though I have no interest in the business of a filthy slut, I can't just turn my back to the kidnapped girls".
No one spoke, not a single soul dared to. If the one in question stayed wordless, how could they open their mouths? Even if they wanted to, there was nothing to say.
Lennox sighed helplessly after seeing their pale faces:" well, the most important part was what came after that. Contraband trade, according to our resources three ships From Mariana kingdom carrying 800 kg of new drugs products, not to mention strong and effective ones".
Since Adelaide's customers included merchants of different kinds and destinations, she certainly would meet someone who will be aware of her status and use her for his benefits. Indeed, a merchant from Mariana kingdom managed to do so. He first pleased her with gentle treatment and gifts, then introduced the drug to her. Once she had consumed a certain amount, she wouldn't be able to stop and naturally would seek more. The merchant coaxed Adelaide to lend him a hand to bring her some more, saying that he did not have any. In the process Adelaide stole The Alphonsus Earls' seal and made a perfect replica for it, allowing them to transport huge loads of Contrabands into Sitia.
Roosevelt demanded:" does your highness have any proofs?" His voice was hoarse and filled with unsatisfaction.
However, Lennox smirked, and didn't show any signs of displeasing:" proofs?! Huh, you do know that I can bring them whenever I wanted to."
' well, most of them are probably destroyed by that Arnold dude...'
He kept his indifferent expression and continued:" But why not make things easier? since Bertha doesn't seem like she is willing to talk, how about you Eleanor?".
Eleanor stayed silent, not opening his mouth. His words were stuck at the end of his tongue, not knowing whether to let them go or not. Lennox decided to give it a push.
He said provocatively:" why not saying anything? Wasn't this the same topic you wanted to talk to your father about? For your information, your actions could be seen as you covering up and playing with the investigation details. You don't want the whole family to be involved in this mess, do you?".
Hearing those obvious threats, Eleanors' face grew darker and darker. His fists clinched by both his sides, the words forcefully broke through his lips.
Eleanor: "what your grace said is right ".