As Chalmers documented the account, he retrieved a bag and presented it to Cassie. Inside was Roy's phone, visibly damaged beyond repair.
Overwhelmed by grief once again, Cassie burst into tears.
"Please rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate this case, as it is of significant importance, regardless of whether you confirm the identity of the body," Chalmers assured Cassie, offering reassurance in light of the severity of the situation.
Cassie leaned against Shirley, finding solace in her presence as both of them were consumed by sorrow and tears.
Irish and Joseph emerged from the record-making process, having cooperated with the police. Joseph, wearing a serious expression, pulled Irish aside, sensing her growing apprehension.
Irish met Joseph's gaze, sensing a foreboding feeling settling within her.
"Irish," Joseph began, extending his hand to gently rest on her shoulder, his touch tender and affectionate. "We must face the reality."
A chilling sensation coursed through Irish's body.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Joseph let out a sigh, his expression weighed down by vulnerability. "Roy's car collided with a large steel frame, resulting in an explosion," he explained. "Cassie mentioned that he went to a party last night. Considering the late hour, it is highly likely that he was the one driving his car. Furthermore, the items found in the car and the ring that was on his finger, which burned with his body, all point to an unfortunate fate."
"It wasn't just an accident!" Irish exclaimed, her voice filled with conviction and a hint of fear.
"I never said it was an accident," Joseph reassured Irish, attempting to console her. "In fact, the police have discovered that there were issues with the brakes. It appears that they were deliberately tampered with, indicating that this is a murder case. The challenge now lies in identifying the body within the car. If we cannot do so, the only hope we have is for Roy to appear before us. Irish, do you think that's possible?"
Joseph's words were logical yet harsh in their implications.
Irish comprehended the gravity of the situation. Though she resisted accepting it and wished to deceive herself, the evidence left little room for doubt. Joseph's assessment held true. If Roy were still alive, if he had merely failed to return home, or if he had been kidnapped, there would have been some sort of news by now after such a significant passage of time.
"Now our focus must be on comforting Cassie," Joseph declared firmly, holding Irish's hands tightly. He wore a serious expression. "She is pregnant, and if Roy has indeed passed away, their baby becomes the only remaining connection to him. Cassie needs to be in a stable state."
Irish felt a sense of dazed confusion, her throat constricting.
"I know," she managed to utter, her voice choked with emotion.
Joseph pulled her into an embrace, offering comfort.
Irish wept, her tears flowing freely. "Joseph, who could have done something so cruel? Who?" she cried out, overcome with anguish.
Joseph, unable to provide an answer, held her tightly, providing comfort in the face of the unknown.
****
The share price resembled leaves in the rain and storm, fluctuating unpredictably. Despite the overall instability, the Key Group's share price soared, establishing itself as the frontrunner in the field.
Within the Key Group, the usual bustling atmosphere prevailed.
Leo appeared lost in thought.
Following the meeting, Fredrick accompanied Leo to the office. As soon as he entered, Fredrick promptly remarked, "Today is the opening day, but something peculiar is happening with the Runestone Group's share price. I tried calling Roy, but he's unavailable."
"Roy's focus is rarely on the Runestone Group. It's not surprising for him to be absent from the company. Unlike Joseph, who's a typical workaholic," Leo chuckled, poking fun at Roy.
Fredrick sneered, "So what are you waiting for?"
Leo took a glance at him.
Fredrick spoke slowly, "Roy is not good at business management. Without Joseph, he is just like a man without two feet. How far will the Runestone Group go since it is under the control of a man without two feet? Do not think of purchasing it until it is invaluable."
Leo smiled lightly, "Fredrick, I think you are too anxious."
"I'm just reminding you not to forget your original intention."
"You are reminding me not to forget your original intention?"
Fredrick winked slightly, "We are on the same battlefront. Do you think Irish will forgive you if you abandon your plan?"
Leo was to refute, and then the door of the office opened suddenly.
And then he heard the crying voice of his secretary.
"Mr. Dover, Mr...."
Joseph's tall figure was at the door. His face was so serious. He winked lightly, and there was a cold light in his eyes, distancing himself from others.
For his sudden coming, Leo felt quite strange. He was in a daze for four or five seconds, and then he motioned his secretary to go out first.
His secretary saw it, frightened, and then she ran immediately.
Joseph stood there, motionlessly. He looked at Leo coldly, and then he took a glance at Fredrick, still cold, "Fredrick, please let me and Leo have a separate talk."
Every word was spoken quite clearly.
Fredrick was unhappy to hear that. He was to stand up to say something, but Leo just said, "Fredrick, please go out first."
Fredrick looked at Joseph angrily and then left the office immediately.
The door was closed.
Sitting on the chair, Leo stared at Joseph, seeming to smile or not, "It's so strange. Previously, I invited you here, but you didn't come. Now you just come here suddenly. Are you planning to chat with me?"
Joseph's look was serious. He went forward with large steps and then pulled Leo up from the chair.
"Joseph, you..."
As he said that, Joseph's fist came immediately.
Leo just felt that everything came so quickly. Without having a response, his right face was hit by Joseph, and immediately it ached.
Despite his efforts to avoid it, Leo's left side of the face was also struck. This time, the blow was even harsher. A sudden realization dawned on him that Joseph, who rarely resorted to violence, must be the cruelest when he did. It mirrored his usual demeanor of rarely being angry or annoyed, yet when provoked, he left those who irritated him feeling utterly helpless, even wishing for their own demise.
Upon enduring the third strike, Leo finally reacted.
His mouth was already injured, and his cheek throbbed as if scalded by boiling water. Summoning his strength, he firmly gripped Joseph's fists and glared angrily into his eyes. Annoyed, he shouted, "Joseph, have you lost your mind?"
In the blink of an eye, Joseph forcefully pinned him down, causing Leo's neck to ache and his back to throb.
Amidst Joseph's enraged outburst, he heard the words, "Leo, I warned you not to harm Roy. How dare you? Are you even a man?"
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