Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1298

Ethan, unable to contain his curiosity, leaned in and asked, "What about the other stains?"

Dr. Celine pointed to a different section of the fabric. "These saturation and passive drip patterns are clustered together. This indicates that after the initial injury, venous blood continued to drip steadily onto the fabric.

And these flow patterns here... they suggest venous bleeding pooling and running down from an elevated position to soak into these specific areas."

As she spoke, she mapped out the horrifying geometry of the blood on the ruined clothes.

Taking in the clinical analysis, Lillian asked, "What specific part of the body would bleed like this?"

Dr. Celine pondered for a moment. "The specific body part? Judging by the volume, it's not a fatal wound.

But it's a significant amount of blood. These cylindrical flow marks... it looks almost exactly like...

Like the erratic bleeding you'd see from a cleanly severed digit or limb."

Lillian's mind instantly snapped to the vicious rumors of loan sharks hacking off fingers to settle debts.

Could it really be...?

Honestly, it wouldn't surprise her.

If it truly was *her*, Lillian fully expected something this catastrophic to happen.

Ethan nodded slowly in grim appreciation. "Impressive analysis."

Lillian turned back to Dr. Celine. "Take the samples. I'm going to pull some genetic profiles from the archives. I need you to run a DNA match ASAP."

Dr. Celine nodded efficiently, secured the blood swabs into sterile vials, and hurried back to the lab.

Lillian looked at Marcus, genuine gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Marcus. I have a feeling this evidence is going to blow everything wide open.

You've saved me once again."

Marcus rubbed the back of his neck, flashing a boyish grin. "Come on, Lillian, don't mention it.

You're making me look bad. With the history between our families, I've got your back. Plus, you paid me a fortune last time.

Honestly, I still feel guilty cashing a check that big.

But seriously, things have been so crazy lately I haven't even had a chance to say congratulations.

The moment he left, Leonard Prescott padded into the study, tying the belt of his silk robe.

He rubbed his sleep-heavy eyes and walked up behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Lillian, what's going on? Why is everyone running around at this hour?"

Lillian quickly summarized the chaotic discovery. Leonard glanced at the charred duffel bag with mild disgust.

He immediately ordered the night staff to secure the evidence in the vault.

Just then, Lillian’s phone buzzed. It was a screenshot from Marcus.

It was the trace on the Limited-Edition Autumn Suit.

Lillian zoomed in on the image, her brow furrowing in amusement. "It's a knockoff?"

Ethan had just returned with the footage from The Grand Hotel CCTV.

Right there on the screen was Bella, strutting into the lobby wearing that exact suit.

Lillian let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Well, look at that. She really is broke. The authentic runway piece costs nearly a hundred grand."