“Oh? I wonder what Ms. Eliza wants to ask. If it’s something I can answer, I’ll hold nothing back,” Cramer said. “Did you know about the human bones dug up at the Claire University medical school?” Her question wiped some of the smile from his face. The discovery of so many bones at the medical school had always been suspicious. Eliza didn’t believe it was a coincidence. The only people who knew the filthy things Wendy had done were them and the Foster family. Based on their earlier analysis, the only other person capable of something like this was Cramer. With a faint smile, Cramer replied, “If I say it had nothing to do with me, Ms. Eliza surely wouldn’t believe it. Even I would have trouble believing it myself. But the truth is, I wasn’t heavily involved. I can’t say who was responsible, and I hope you can understand.” Eliza wanted to, but it was clear he was holding something back. Trusting him completely was impossible. “We’re supposed to be cooperating in good faith,” she said. “If our investigation leads to something involving someone else, won’t that cut into your share? Even if you take Wendy down, you could still be dragged into it. So I think it’s best you don’t hide things from us.” She wanted to hear his view on the disappearance of so many graduate students from the medical school. But Cramer answered smoothly, “It has nothing to do with me. I’m twenty-eight, Ms. Eliza — that tragedy began over twenty years ago. That was all Wendy’s doing. Even if I’ve done anything, it’s only been to make her crimes public. Is that wrong?” He clearly didn’t think so. And Eliza couldn’t refute it. He was right — he’d been too young to commit those crimes himself. If he had done anything, it was simply exposing Wendy’s sins. “Looks like I overstepped. I hope you won’t take offense, Mr. Cramer.” “I like your personality, Ms. Eliza — straightforward and honest. Not many women are like that. Mr. Hayes is a lucky man.” It was a polite line, nothing more. Eliza didn’t believe for a moment that a man raised in this environment would truly respect women. He was saying it for Nolan’s benefit. Breakfast felt strained after that. Once Cramer left, Eliza and Nolan returned to their room. The best way to learn about Wendy’s activities here was through Vivian. But Eliza wasn’t sure yet whether the girl was friend or foe. If Vivian was on Wendy’s side, they risked exposing themselves. Still, if they wanted to find out exactly how much influence Wendy held abroad — and why she wanted Vivian to marry Cramer — Eliza would have to talk to her. Vivian’s room was near the kitchen on the second floor. Despite being the future Madam Cullinan, her accommodations were simple. Eliza found her tidying the place herself. She wore a lace dress, pure and delicate as an angel fallen to earth. Eliza had met many beautiful women, but never anyone quite like her. It was hard to imagine a man who wouldn’t be drawn to that face. “Ms. Eliza? What brings you here?” Vivian looked surprised to see her in the doorway. Eliza didn’t answer immediately — she had spotted the piece of lingerie in Vivian’s hand, a red, rose-patterned piece that made her pause. Vivian realized too late what she was holding. Flustered, she stuffed it into her suitcase. “This… this is…” “Wendy gave it to you?” Eliza asked. Vivian nodded. “Mother says it’s for my own good. She told me men like women like that. But I’ve never been in a relationship, so I don’t really know what men like.” Her cheeks flushed crimson. Seeing her reaction, Eliza said, “So you really do like Cramer.” Vivian nodded again. “I like him very much… he’s the best man I’ve ever met.” “You’ve met a lot of men, then?”