?


    Be furrowed her delicate brows as she took the packet of pills and examined it closely.


    Ralph exined, "This stuff is extremely potent. It can be highly addictive with a single use and has minimal side effects. It can keep a person hyperactive for days without a hint of fatigue."


    He red angrily at the suspects in the police car, seething with rage. "Damn it! We barely eradicated thest drug, and now this Crystal Ice shows up! It''s like a never-ending battle!" "Ralph, is this Crystal Ice only circting in Savrow? Has it spread to other cities?"


    "So far, no reports from elsewhere. Even here, it only appeared in the past month. We''re doing our best to track its source, but all we''ve managed to catch so far are small-time dealers. There aren''t any major breakthroughs yet."


    Be fell silent, contemting. She then lowered her voice. "Ralph, could you give me one of the pills? I have a use for it."


    Ralph looked startled, but she quickly added, "Don''t worry I won''t harm anyone, nor myself. I just want to analyze the drug''sposition."


    "Theb already tested it. It''s definitely a drug."


    "I have a different purpose. Please, Ralph, just this once?"


    Ralph pressed his lips together, then, taking advantage of a moment when his colleagues weren''t looking, slipped a single blue pill into Steven''s hand.


    After Ralph left, Matt, having been thrown off by his encounter with Be, quietly departed as well.


    Through a grimy window, they could see Mrs. Cooper kneeling on the bed, holding a kitchen knife, and yelling incoherently at the wall. Her disheveled appearance and mad ravings were a painful sight, both tragic and absurd.


    "Ms. Be, should we still go in?" Steven asked worriedly.


    Be shook her head. Her gaze darkened. "Let''s not disturb her for now."


    "But didn''t you need her testimony?"


    "Her mental state is unstable. Anything she says would be inadmissible in court. We''ll need to find another way and take a longer-term approach." Be turned away. "Steve, make sure someone''s watching over Mrs. Cooper. Find a discreet way to provide her with some financial support as well."


    "Yes, Ms. Be," Steven replied. With concern, he asked, "Do you think she''ll press charges against Grant? Or reveal the Salvador family''s secrets?"


    "No matter what she decides, we have to protect her." Be''s nose stung, her voice softening. "This isn''t about conspiracies or profit. It''s just a small act of kindness on my part."


    Just then, her phone rm went off. Be pulled it out, and her longshes dipped as a sharp pang of sorrow spread through her chest.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    The reminder on the screen read that Justin''s birthday was a week away.


    Of course, she would never forget such an important day in the life of someone she loved.


    Careful by nature, she would always set the reminder early, afraid of missing the chance to prepare his gift.


    But now, the reminder did not mean anything. Even if she wanted to celebrate his birthday, he might not wee it.


    Before she knew it, the day before Justin''s birthday had arrived. This year, he would turn 33.


    Originally, Nigel had wanted to throw a grand party for his grandson.


    After all, the Salvador Corporation was in a tricky situation. Grant''s sudden return had caused some unrest.


    Though Grant had not meddled inpany matters yet, his health was getting better, and he was good at winning over Gregory. At this rate, he might even worm his way into the corporation.


    Naturally, Nigel wanted to use the time he had left to help Justin secure his position as heir. He had nned a fancy celebration to showcase Justin to the public and build up his reputation


    But Justin was not the type to be "propped up" like that.


    No matter how much Nigel urged him, he showed no interest in a birthday party. It took a while before he finally agreed to host a banquet under the Salvador family''s name the evening before his birthday at the Salvador Hotel.


    That night, the grand ballroom was abuzz with excitement, filled with elite guests from every corner.


    Many wealthy heiresses had heard Justin would be there, and despite knowing he was taken, they arrived dolled up, desperate to catch a glimpse of him.


    Sure, they could not have him, but who would pass up the chance to ogle him?


    Little did they know, the golden couple everyone admired, Justin and Be, had already gone their separate ways.


    "Justin, there are many aplished young women here tonight, and every one of them came to see you. They''re all quite smitten with you."


    From the second-floor balcony, Gregory and his son looked down at the glittering ballroom. Gregory patted Justin''s shoulder with a smile.


    "If any of them catch your eye, tell me. No matter whose daughter she is, I can arrange a match for you."