The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 281
âI am Nina Bayern. I heard you said you would inspect Ianâs room first, but before that, isnât there something you should show me?â
Navian took out a sheet of paper from her wide document case.
âThis is the petition filed against the Duke. Please review it.â
She looked at Nina with cold eyes.
Duchess Bayern was famous for her beauty and for a personality that didnât match it.
âIâve heard she has been gradually building a good reputation recently, and that the relationship between the couple has improved, butâŚâ
When a marriage that had reached the point of collapse suddenly reconciled so dramatically, there had to be some reason behind it.
âMost likely they adopted the Dukeâs nephew so they could easily seize the inheritance.â
If Ian were adopted and then died.
Naturally, the inheritance would pass to the parents.
But if he died while under only their guardianship, a legal battle among relatives over the inheritance would begin.
If the couple had come to an agreement over an astronomical amount of money, wouldnât that sufficiently explain their suddenly improved relationship?
There were even couples who staged divorces because of debt.
Pretending to be on good terms would hardly be difficult.
Navian spoke in a flat voice as Nina lightly waved the petition and placed it on the table.
âIf you have finished reading it, please guide me to the bedroom of Duke Bayernâs nephew.â
Navian stood up from her seat and straightened the hem of her skirt. Nina asked calmly.
âAn investigation the moment the petition is delivered⌠I havenât even had the chance to submit a response yet. Can I really expect a fair investigation?â
âYou need not worry about that. After I examine the residence, you can state your position during the interview. The written response can be submitted to the court later.â
âI see. Very well. I will guide you to Ianâs room right away.â
Navian tilted her head slightly as she looked at Ninaâs small figure walking ahead.
Delivering the petition in person and announcing an immediate investigation.
That in itself subtly implied distrust toward House Bayern.
ââŚThen why is she accepting it so easily?â
Navian had already familiarized herself with the personality of the person being investigated before arriving here.
So she had prepared herself for some resistance.
But contrary to her expectations, the calm response only deepened her suspicion.
âWith the information network of a ducal house, it wouldnât be strange if they knew I was coming beforehand.â
However, when things were handled in haste, cracks inevitably appeared.
Navian had no intention of missing such a gap.
The granddaughter of the Chief Justice?
It didnât matter.
Lower level employees who could be replaced at any time usually protected themselves and watched the reactions of their superiors.
But Navian was the opposite. Because of that very reason, she strictly followed the principles of an investigator.
Her life was fleeting anyway.
Bow and scrape all she liked, it would only give those in power pleasure and a sense of superiority.
Her eyes, fixed on Ninaâs back, were filled with disdain.
âThis is Ianâs room.â
Navian walked into the bedroom.
What mattered wasnât how luxurious or expensive the items were.
The soft and cushioned floor.
Furniture with rounded edges, finished so that there were no sharp corners.
A fireplace that still held warmth.
Under the bed, and wallpaper without even the slightest trace of mold.
From the childâs dressing room to the railing of the balcony.
She inspected everything thoroughly, but there wasnât a single sign that the room had been hastily cleaned up.
No matter how she looked at it, it seemed like a room carefully prepared for a child.
âŚContrary to her expectations, there wasnât a single flaw in the childâs living environment.
She also conducted a private interview with Ian Bayern.
âAunt and Uncle are the most trustworthy people. But Great Uncle is the least trustworthy person in the world.â
There was absolutely no sign of abuse.
Rather, the only thing she confirmed was that he held fierce hostility toward Count Azelotâs side.
âBut a child can easily be deceived and brainwashed.â
She couldnât take the childâs words at face value, but even the interview with the Duke and Duchess left no room for criticism.
They answered questions without hesitation, questions that couldnât be answered without genuine concern for their ward.
At the same time, they perfectly demonstrated that the wardâs property was being managed transparently and responsibly.
Anyone who saw them would think they were good guardians.
But were they truly?
ââŚI have heard both of your positions. Please submit your written response to the court within one week.â
Erica
This woman is unbelievable. Even with a perfect inspection, and considering how crappy children were treated back then, sheâs STILL suspicious?! Sounds like she was informed by someone beforehand