When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 380

The tension inside the interrogation room had become almost unbearable. No one underestimated Alessandro Virelli anymore.

Even the investigators who had questioned countless suspects throughout their careers understood that the man sitting across from them was different.

He wasn't nervous, or angry, or even trying to escape. He simply looked... prepared.

Justice Elena rested both hands on the file before her and looked directly at Alessandro. "Mr. Virelli, I hope you understand the seriousness of the allegations against you."

"I do."

"And yet you remain remarkably calm."

Alessandro smiled politely. "I've learned that panic has never solved a problem."

Joseph remained silent.

Steve watched every expression that crossed Alessandro's face.

The lead investigator switched on the recorder. "We'll continue."

Justice Elena nodded. "Mr. Virelli, did you ever transfer money to Donatus Richardson for the purpose of financing criminal activities?"

"No."

Her eyes never left him. "You answered that too quickly."

"Because the answer is simple." He folded his hands together.

"I never transferred a single cent to Donatus Richardson."

The investigator made a note.

"So you're denying every financial connection?"

"I'm denying something that never happened."

Joseph quietly listened. That answer bothered him. Not because he believed Alessandro. But because he knew it could very well be true.

Justice Elena continued. "Did you hire the men who attempted to kidnap Mrs. Cassienne Tremont?"

"No."

"Did you hire the men who attacked Tina Ackley?"

"No."

"Did you ever communicate with those men?"

"No."

Every answer came without hesitation.

Justice Elena calmly turned another page.

"Did you personally instruct anyone to murder Tina Ackley?"

Alessandro looked almost surprised. “You're asking if I ordered her death?

"Yes."

"No." Again, he gave another short answer.

The lead investigator leaned forward. The lead investigator leaned forward. “According to Donatus Richardson’s confession. You ordered Tina to be taken out.

Alessandro slowly looked toward him. "I believe you're changing words."

The investigator frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I never used the word 'murder.'" His voice remained calm. "I never instructed anyone to kill Miss Ackley."

Justice Elena asked quietly, "Then what exactly did you say?"

Alessandro answered without thinking. "I said she had become a liability." He paused. "I also said she had outlived whatever usefulness she once had.

He paused again. "I suggested she should be discarded." And again. "But discarded and murdered are two very different things."

The investigators exchanged quick glances.

Legally...

He was right.

Justice Elena wrote another note before looking up again. "So you admit discussing Tina Ackley."

"I've never denied speaking about her."

"You considered her a liability."

"Yes. But I never instructed anyone to commit murder."

Joseph slowly folded his arms.

This was exactly the problem. Every answer was carefully constructed. Every sentence left room for interpretation.

Justice Elena changed direction. "Let's talk about Cassienne Tremont."

Alessandro nodded once. "Very well."

"You followed her work."

"I did."

"You knew she had become an important member of Auralink."

"That information was public."

"You admired her abilities."

"I admired her intelligence. There is nothing illegal about that."

Justice Elena remained calm. "Did you ever ask Donatus Richardson to abduct her?"

"No."

"Did you ever ask him to bring her to you?"

"No."

"Did you ever tell him to keep her alive?"

"No."

Again...

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