Everything Stolen, I Left to Become CEO

Chapter 385 The Suspect

Many were seeing Jett for the first time. They couldn't help but remark inwardly how handsome the child was, his features bearing a striking resemblance to the Blackwoods. Arthur, leaning on his cane with one hand and holding Jett's small hand with the other, smiled as he greeted the guests. He cleared his throat. "Good day, everyone. Those of you here today all share a connection with the Blackwood family. You are likely aware of the purpose for which I have invited you. First, I thank you all for honoring us with your presence..." In the rear hall, Annie pressed her ear tightly against the wall. The distance between the front and rear halls was mere steps. Arthur's voice, robust and clear, came through the wall distinctly. Annie's heart pounded wildly. Her fingers trembled slightly with excitement. She had waited so long for this moment.Finally, Jett could rightfully enter the Blackwood family. She believed it wouldn't be long before she returned here as well. This place was where she had grown up, after all. A maid entered, bringing her dessert. "Ms. Roby, the pastries you requested." Annie reached up to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye. "Thank you." The maid quietly withdrew. Annie pressed her ear to the wall again, hoping to hear more, but found she couldn't hear anything now. She frowned. Was that it? So brief, so perfunctory? Meanwhile, in the main hall, the butler wiped cold sweat from his forehead and urged again, "Mr. Arthur Blackwood, we need your call." Arthur looked utterly bewildered, asking once more, "What did you say?"The butler leaned closer, whispering, "Security at the gate reports several police officers wish to enter to arrest a suspect." Arthur said, "How could there possibly be a suspect here?" The butler replied, "I said the same to the officers. But they insist the person is inside the estate." Arthur's confused gaze swept over the seated guests. But— Those present were all people of wealth and status. How could any of them be a suspect? Arthur hesitated. He was about to ask Jasper to handle it—surely the police could wait at least until the banquet concluded. But the next second, commotion erupted at the hall entrance. "You cannot enter! No one may enter without an invitation!" "This is my badge and the arrest warrant. Please do not obstruct police business, or you will be charged with obstruction of justice." A murmur of astonishment rippled through the assembled guests. Arrest warrant? Who are the police here to arrest? How could the Blackwoods be involved with a criminal? As they spoke, several police officers strode into the hall. The one leading them was familiar to Arthur—Officer Rhett Foster. Rhett gave Arthur a slight nod and presented the arrest warrant. Arthur was shocked but quickly composed himself, stepping forward to negotiate. "Officer Foster, today is my family's recognition banquet. Can this wait until it's over?" Rhett said apologetically, "Mr. Blackwood, we are acting under orders from above, specifically instructed to come here. We must ask for your cooperation." He then turned to address the guests, explaining their purpose and asking for their understanding and cooperation. "You men, search the other areas. I'll handle things here," Rhett instructed his subordinates. The guests exchanged uneasy glances, unable to resist speculating about who the suspect might be. Cedric, who had been on edge since overhearing the butler's whispers to Arthur, couldn't sit still. He frowned. "How could there be a suspect among the Blackwoods? The police are being ridiculous. Everyone here is a person of standing. Not one of them could be remotely connected to criminal suspects." Jeremy adjusted his tie. "The Blackwoods' status is significant. The police aren't fools. They wouldn't barge in here without solid evidence." Meanwhile, Zephyr had moved from initial stunned disbelief to increasing calm.This must be part of Jethro's plan. Countless questions swirled in his mind, but he wasn't anxious. He just had to wait, and all those questions would be answered. He slowly exhaled. Soon, the fog would clear, and the truth would be revealed. Doris, on the other hand, was delighted. She clapped her hands softly. "Excellent! Arresting a suspect! This recognition banquet is completely ruined now!" She hadn't wanted to attend in the first place, only coming due to Cedric's insistence. Seeing this turn of events pleased her immensely. Not just pleased—she took out her phone, snapped a picture, and sent it to Clara. Cedric glared at her from beside her. "Short-sighted!" Doris pouted. "Better than being blind to the obvious." Cedric retorted, "You've become increasingly willful. You never used to talk back to me. Now it seems you can't go a day without contradicting me." Doris gave a cold laugh. "Then you should congratulate me. I've finally come to my senses." It was then that a hurried voice came from the rear hall. "Officer Foster! The suspect has been apprehended!" Instantly, everyone froze, all eyes turning towards the rear hall. But a wall separated the two halls; no one could see anything. When Arthur realized who it likely was, he nearly stumbled. Supported by the butler, he staggered towards Rhett. "Officer Foster, could we dismiss the guests in the main hall first?"

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