The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 100

But everyone underestimated Chloe's obsession with getting an education.

“She absolutely refused to let go of the money.”

That bag of cash was all it took for the greed simmering inside them to boil over.

“Emma was the first one to make a move.”

“She picked up a rock from the ground and smashed it against Chloe.”

“Seeing that, the others became vicious too.”

Eric's voice choked with sobs. “I didn't want to kill her. She said we could take the money, she was just begging us to let her go to school.”

“Emma was furious. She lunged forward and hit her several more times, and then Chloe stopped moving.”

“Everyone was terrified. Someone grabbed the money and tried to run, but the others obviously wouldn't allow it. They almost started fighting again, but in the end, Emma was the one who divided the money among everyone.”

After the case review, everyone in the conference room had complicated expressions on their faces.

“So Emma killed Chloe just because she was jealous of Chloe's bright future?”

Nora shook her head. “I don't think that's the only reason.”

“I don't know if you noticed, but in the other statements, every time Eric went to find Chloe, it was always Emma who greeted him.”

“Emma most likely has feelings for Eric.”

“A toxic mix of old resentment and newfound spite was what finally pushed Emma over the edge.”

This made everyone even more somber.

“But Emma said Chloe had shown her kindness, even leaving her things for her when she left.”

“Chloe wasn't well-off either. She could have taken those things to school to use. She only left them behind because she felt sorry for Emma.”

“Is it possible that, in Emma's eyes, Chloe's act was a sign that Chloe was moving on to a better life? That she'd have money to buy new, better things, so she was just giving Emma her old ‘trash’?”

“Emma is sensitive and has low self-esteem. She might have seen it as Chloe looking down on her.”

Everyone drew a sharp breath, looking at Nora with admiration.

“Dr. Hayes, your analysis is so precise. It's like you can actually read minds.”

“The footprint at the scene.”

“Cross-referencing it with Chloe's relationships, that footprint could only belong to her stepbrother, Eric.”

“Besides, in cases like this, the killer is usually someone close to the victim. So Eric was the first suspect I zeroed in on.”

Nora shot him an exasperated look. "Then why didn't you say so sooner?"

Nathan looked innocent. “You never asked.”

Nora let out an exasperated laugh.

So now it was her fault?

“I—”

“But you did very well today.”

Nathan gave Nora a slight smile.

“If you want to think of it as a test, then congratulations. You passed with flying colors.”