Chapter 551
Chapter 551:
“Brielle?” Shepard muttered in disbelief, unable to accept that she wielded such influence.
Noticing Shepard’s confusion, Amelia briefly recounted the events involving Leandro. When she finished, she asked Shepard, “Since Brielle was raised in the Chadwick household, do you know if she ever had any ties to Leandro p>
Shepard shook his head. “From what I know, Brielle and Leandro have no connection, and our family has never had dealings with the Rodriguez family either p>
His answer made Amelia knit her brows; the uncertainty in her chest grew heavier. Had she been wrong all along? She had suspected that Leandro’s behavior toward Brielle hinted at some hidden tie between them, yet Shepard’s reply left her questioning that assumption.
“Mr. Stewart, Hiram has returned,” Davin called from the doorway, interrupting their conversation.
Moments later, Hiram stepped into Wyatt’s office. “Mr. Stewart, I’ve spoken with Yosef. He’s willing to cooperate with us, but he insists on meeting you in person. In fact, he’s already arrived in Kretol p>
“Let him know I’ll meet him at The Noir at ten tonight,” Wyatt said. “Understood p>
Hiram was about to leave, but at the door he turned back with a grave expression. “Mr. Stewart, I’ve also uncovered something in the investigation regarding Leandro p>
𝗗𝘰n’𝘁 𝗆𝘪ѕs ո𝗲𝗐 𝗿e𝗅𝘦𝖺𝗌е𝗌 o𝗇
At once every pair of eyes in the office turned toward him. “From what Yosef’s people revealed, Leandro indeed came to Kretol searching for someone—the person who saved his life when he was only ten years old p>
When Hiram finished, Shepard spoke up. “I once heard Leandro was kidnapped and nearly killed at ten. I thought it was only a rumor, but this proves it’s true… Wait, is Brielle the person who saved him p>
Hiram gave a steady nod. “The findings confirm it’s her p>
Shepard quickly dismissed the idea with a shake of his head. “That makes no sense. Leandro was abducted overseas at ten, but Brielle never left the country that year. Besides, fifteen years ago Brielle was still a child. How could she have rescued Leandro p>
Though Amelia had reunited with the Chadwick family, she knew little of their past. Hearing Shepard’s denial, she turned to Hiram with curiosity.
“Brielle possesses a bracelet—the same one Leandro saw on the person who saved him,” Hiram said.
Shepard pressed further. “What kind of bracelet? Do we have any pictures of it p>
Before Brielle returned to the Figueroa household, every piece of jewelry she owned had been purchased by the Chadwicks. That was why Shepard wanted to know what the bracelet looked like. But Hiram did not have a photo.
Shepard’s expression dimmed with disappointment. Amelia suddenly spoke up. “I believe I know what the bracelet looks like p>
Her instincts told her that the bracelet Hiram mentioned was the same one Leandro had shown her. Because Leandro’s reaction had been so unusual, she had studied the bracelet carefully and felt certain she could sketch it from memory.
” I need paper and a pen,” she said.
“I’ll grab those for you right now,” Wyatt replied.
Wyatt rose from his seat and fetched a sheet of paper and a pen from his desk. Amelia accepted them and carefully tried to recall the bracelet’s style. Within a few minutes a clear sketch of a vintage bracelet took shape on the page.
After confirming the drawing looked accurate, Amelia handed the paper to Shepard. “Amelia, are you certain this is the bracelet Leandro has been searching for?” Shepard asked, his eyes fixed intently on the sketch.
Amelia met his gaze. “Have you seen this bracelet before p>
At Amelia’s question, Shepard gave a slow nod.
Weston had staggered home reeking of alcohol. Despite his drunkenness, he had clutched a silver bracelet in his hand as though it were the only thing keeping him alive.
Back then, Shepard had assumed the bracelet had been a present for his mother. Yet as the years passed, he never once saw Danielle wear it. If not for the sketch Amelia had drawn, he might have let the memory slip away entirely.
“So, are you saying the bracelet Leandro is looking for was something Dad bought?” Amelia asked, confused.
“No, the piece isn’t new. Dad didn’t buy it p>
Because the Chadwick family ran a jewelry business, Shepard had some knowledge of such things. The bracelet bore clear marks of use, hinting that it had belonged to someone else before Weston ever obtained it.
“Amelia, if my guess is right, that bracelet may have been your mother’s.” Shepard’s words drew startled looks from everyone, and Amelia’s eyes flew wide with shock.
Breaking the silence, Wyatt said, “It’s way past lunch hour. Let’s eat first. We’ll figure this out afterward p>
They left together for a meal. By the time they reached the restaurant, it was nearly one o’clock, and only a few diners remained inside. Right away, they spotted Brielle and Leandro seated by the window.
“What rotten luck,” Kelsey muttered, rolling her eyes.