CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 40: SEARCHING THE STUDY

Summer Monroe assumed an innocent and happy demeanor, nodding her head as she said, "Thank you, Dad. It’s a relief; I was feeling scared to go alone."

Henry Stanton was extremely pleased. Having such an easy-to-manage daughter was truly his great fortune.

He took back the contract, stood up, and said, "Then let’s set the departure to The Knight Corporation for ten tomorrow morning. I’ll take you to the styling salon two hours ahead. It’s late now, I’m going to bed; you should get some rest soon."

Summer quickly seized the moment and said, "Dad, I’m not sleepy yet. Could I borrow your study to read books?"

Henry hesitated for two seconds, then nodded and said, "You can, but only look at the books on the left shelf; don’t mess with anything else."

"Okay, Dad," Summer replied obediently.

Once Henry left, the obedient demeanor on Summer’s face instantly vanished.

She got up and closed the door to the study, turning around to scrutinize the room.

The cabinets, desk, and chairs in the study were made of precious rosewood, and they certainly looked aged.

Summer meticulously stroked the bookshelf; surely, Mom had touched these places?

Due to a high fever, she’d lost memories from childhood but could only remember Mom.

She remembered the feeling of Mom’s fingers gently brushing across her face, Mom’s gentle smile like a spring breeze, and vaguely remembered Mom saying, "Sadie, escape quickly! When you grow up, avenge Mom..."

Except she couldn’t recall the specific events that led Mom to utter those words.

But later on, she investigated Mom’s records because Mom had annual check-ups, and her cause of death was reported as suicide due to depression, yet the medical reports showed no signs of mental unhealthiness.

She also went on to consult the doctor who conducted Mom’s check-ups. The doctor had a deep impression of Luna Monroe and was very certain she wasn’t suffering from depression.

So Mom was definitely murdered, not suicide!

Summer closed her eyes, feeling like a fog of uncertainty surrounded them, obscuring the truth.

When she reopened her eyes, there was a cold clarity in them.

She was determined to uncover the truth!

Summer thoroughly inspected the bookshelf, inside and out, discovering nothing of Mom’s—no photos, nothing.

Logically, after an ex-wife passed away, there should be at least a few photos left behind, but there was no trace of Mom in the study.

There were two possibilities—

Henry Stanton was afraid of Stella Monroe’s jealousy, hence no photos.

Or Henry had no affection for Mom at all, possibly even loathed her.

The chance of fearing Stella’s jealousy is almost nonexistent, as Henry is extremely machismo and would not be concerned about Stella’s jealousy.

Thus, the latter possibility is more plausible.

Of course, another possibility exists that Henry feared Mom, hence didn’t dare to even look at photos.

Regardless of whether it’s due to the second or third reason, it indicates that Mom’s death is likely deeply connected to Henry Stanton.

Mom’s death was labeled as due to depression, but how could a person planning to commit suicide say "escape quickly" and "avenge Mom" to their daughter?

Regarding Henry Stanton, she also conducted extensive research.

The Stanton Family was merely a small household in Crestfall, originally coal business owners, while at that time the Monroe Group was considered a rising major corporation in Crestfall.

Given Mom’s status and standing, why would she choose to marry the son of a coal owner?

If Henry were an admirable person, it’d be understandable—but he wasn’t.

And records showed they had a whirlwind marriage, getting introduced and married within a week.

The mere fact of their marriage was exceedingly peculiar.

After scouring the bookshelves, Summer moved to search the drawers of the desk.

The desk had four drawers; Summer searched three without finding anything until she went to open the fourth drawer. It was locked, and she couldn’t open it.

Just as Summer was about to use something to unlock it, she keenly heard hurried footsteps in the hallway.

A few seconds later, the study door was swiftly opened.