Chapter 14


    In the wee hours, Seraphina was sitting in the dark in Leandro’s study, finishing up thest sip of her


    coffee.


    Leandro’s study offered a perfect view of Balch’s house, an excellent spot for some observing.


    Seraphina reckoned the time was about ripe.


    She yawned, ready to get up and leave, when a flicker of light caught her eye.


    Surprised, she moved to the window and clearly saw a room in Balch’s house was lit.


    She nced at the clock, it was 3 a.in.


    Word was, there were no live–in maids or hourly workers in the Balch’s residence.


    So Balch might be the one turning on the light Seraphina stood quietly behind the window, watching the


    orange glow and the ticking clock.


    Ten minutes passed, the light was still on.


    Twenty minutes passed, the light didn’t go out.


    Thirty minutester, Seraphina looked down to check on the time, and when she looked up again, the


    light


    went out.


    At 3 a.m., when most people were tucked in bed, Balch was in a room with the light on for a solid thirty


    minutes.


    Seraphina let out a long sigh.


    Last night, she didn’t tell Leandro the truth.


    Her interest in Balch wasn’t about some inside trading, but to uncover the truth behind the murder of


    Balch’s wife, Jta Lawson.


    Two years ago, Balch’s wife Jta Lawson was murdered at home in Sunburst City. The cops quickly


    nabbed the suspect, Wilbur. Despite his pleas of innocence, Wilbur was soon found guilty due to


    motive, physical evidence, and witnesses. A few monthster, his health deteriorated and he died in


    prison.


    But Seraphina believed Wilbur was innocent, so she chose to return to Sunburst City to investigate.


    She believed the closer she got to Balch, the closer she would be to the truth.


    Maybe this 3 a.m. light was part of the truth?


    Because of this thirty minutes, Seraphina stubbornly stayed in Leandro’s study till dawn, keeping her


    eyes on the house across the street, but she didn’t notice anything unusual.


    Not until 7 a.m., when she saw Balch’s driver arrive, and then Balch came out and got in the car.


    Seraphina stayed hidden behind the window, watching the car leave. She remained still, pondering the


    secrets. of the house across the street.


    Not until she heard a slight noise behind her did she snap back to reality. Turning around, she saw


    Valerio standing neatly at the entrance, quietly watching her.


    That’s when Seraphina realized Leandro hadn’te home all night.


    Stepping out, Seraphina took Valerio to a street–side hot dog stand.


    During the morning rush, the stand was packed. Seraphina bought two drinks and hot dogs. With no


    seats avable, she simply stood at the entrance to eat.


    Valerio was obviously not used to this kind of street food, holding it in his hand unsure of how to eat it.


    What’s up?” Seraphina asked him while munching on her hot dog, “Just chow down.”


    After a moment of silence, Valerio started eating, full mouthfuls. It waspletely different from his


    usual breakfast, but it tasted really good.


    Seraphina smiled contentedly, facing the bustling crowd, savoring her hot dog.


    Her makeup–free face still radiated charm, asionally looking at the delicate and pretty boy next to


    her. The pair, one big, one small, were eye–catchers on the street.


    In the car parked by the street, Valerio’s driver watched the scene, sighing helplessly.


    After dropping Valerio off at school, Seraphina returned to her little home, packed some toiletries and


    daily necessities, and quickly returned to Leandro’s vi.


    She set up a small camera in Leandro’s study facing Balch’s house, so she could monitor any


    movement there.


    After setting it up, Seraphina sat in the living room going through case–rted files. The amount of


    information was overwhelming. She analyzed and recorded each one, and after a few hours, she was


    exhausted and fell asleep on the table.


    The sound of doors opening and closing woke her up. She lifted her head and saw Valerio and the


    driver standing at the entrance.


    Valerio looked at her sitting on the carpet, his expressionplex.


    “What’s wrong?” Seraphina asked.


    The driverughed and answered, “You didn’t pick him up this afternoon, he probably thought you’d


    left, so he’s a bit upset.”


    Seraphina stood up and walked over to help Valerio with his backpack, “I’m sorry, I identally fell


    asleep. I promise I’ll pick you up from school tomorrow!”


    Valerio didn’t respond, and silently walked over to sit on the couch.


    “How about this!” Seraphina patted his head, “Tonight, I’ll treat you to something delicious. What do you


    want to eat? How about pizza? I know a great pizza ce. Do you like pizza?”


    Before Valerio could answer, the driver said, “Ms. Bet, Mr. Reynolds doesn’t really like the smell of


    pizza.”


    “I’m not buying it for him, whether he likes it or not isn’t important!” Seraphina turned to Valerio, “Shall


    we eat this?”


    Valerio was silent for a moment, then nodded.


    Forty minutester, the room was filled with the aroma of pizza.


    Seraphina sat on the carpet next to the low table, eating pizza and going through the files, while Valerio


    sat next to her, eating pizza and doing his homework.


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    This quiet and harmonious scene was silently recorded by the surveince equipment in the room.