The deeply affectionate look on Carl''s face was extremely touching. Yet, it failed to reach Amber''s anguished heart. "Your past doesn''t matter to me. Whether you betrayed Mr. Schmidt... It doesn''t matter because it''s you I care about."


    "It doesn''t matter?" Amber scoffed. "You''re loyal to Jameson, yet you say it doesn''t matter?"


    This sounded like a cruel joke to Amber. Sheughed bitterly until her eyes welled up.


    "As I''ve said, it doesn''t matter because it''s you! Besides, even if Mr. Schmidt wanted you dead, I have ways to keep you safe!"


    In his haste, Carl blurted out, "You''ll be perfectly safe if you marry me. I swear, Mr. Schmidt wouldn''t dare do anything to you!"


    Amber''s pupils constricted. Her sharp mind caught the implication of his words.


    He hadn''t just assured her that Jameson wouldn''t take action; he had boldly stated that Jameson wouldn''t have the audacity to do so.


    Carl''s loyalty to Jameson was evident, but self-preservation was a primal instinct shared by both animals and humans. With Jameson''s erratic and ruthless behavior, the former likely navigated cautiously around thetter.


    Carl probably had hidden vital evidence against Jameson to protect himself.


    Amber forced herself to calm down and regain herposure. She bit her lower lip until it bled, the metallic taste filling her mouth. Then, she rxed in Carl''s arm, leaning her sweaty forehead on his shoulder as if resigned to her fate.


    Carl''s heart pounded with emotion as he held her tightly. "Amber," he said lovingly, "let''s go back to Kontina. It''s beautiful, with mountains and scenery. We can get married there.


    "I love you deeply, and I promise to always keep you safe. I''m the one who can bring you true happiness. Axel could never give you that."


    A sharp, crushing ache tore through Amber''s heart, leaving it in shattered pieces.


    A weekter, the police formed a task force to investigate Nichs'' case.


    Cyrus led a team to search his


    house. They found not only arge amount of illegal drugs but also various guns and weapons. They even discovered photos and detailed information on several victims. Clearly, the gang member from The Ivory wasn''t Nichs'' first.


    Cyrus submitted the evidence. The entire police force prioritized solving Nichs'' case. They needed to uncover the truth and bring closure to the victims'' families.


    However, no matter how much Cyrus and his team interrogated Nichs, they couldn''t get him to talk. They had exhausted all methods.


    Despite the evidence against him, Nichs refused to speak about his motives or a possible mastermind. He remained determined to take all the me.


    The case was at a standstill.


    One day, Alyssa and Jasper arrived at the station.


    "This man is unshakeable. We have no way of getting him to talk!" Cyrus mmed his fist against the wall in frustration. "I''ve interrogated


    brainwashed cult members had ne


    but he''s even tougher. This is maddening!"


    "Calm down, Cyrus," Alyssa said, her arm linked with Jasper''s. Her gaze was steady as she asked, "Would it be possible to speak to your supervisor and request permission for me to talk to Chief Novak?"


    Jasper looked at her deeply. "Lyse, you think you can get through to him?"Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Alyssa chuckled nervously, "Just trying anything at this point. Desperate times call for desperate measures."