Bruce looked up at him, frowning. "The investigation into the Riverbend case has stalled completely. We've looked into the Walker family and Eden, and on the surface, there are no major issues. Without concrete evidence, mere suspicion only allows us to bring them in for questioning, and then we have to politely send them on their way."

"For a crime this flawless, it had to be an inside job. Since we're not getting anywhere, why not change our approach? Keep a close watch on the Riverbend land," Bennett said, taking a drag from his cigarette.

"What do you mean?" Bruce asked.

"The whole commotion with the Riverbend case was just to clear the area for smuggling operations, wasn't it? If you stake out the land and crack down on smuggling, the culprit will eventually reveal themselves."

Bennett spoke in a calm, unhurried tone.

"I'm only in charge of this homicide case for now. I'll need the customs enforcement unit to cooperate on any smuggling investigation," Bruce stated.

Bennett finished his cigarette, stubbing it out in the ashtray. "Mr. Jones, you've been interrogating me for a while now. Can I go downstairs?"

"What for? It's not like Monica needs your company," Bruce said, puzzled.

"Monica might not, but Yvonne does," Bennett replied with a faint smile.

"Yvonne's here?" Bruce craned his neck to look out the window and saw the extra car in the yard. He waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, Yvonne's here. Go on, then, go on."

Bennett nodded and strode out of the study.

He descended the staircase and, as he reached the ground floor, he could hear the sound of Yvonne and Monica's laughter coming from the kitchen.

Bennett didn't disturb them. He sat down alone in the living room, picked up the remote, and turned on the TV, idly watching the news.

The news had recently stopped covering the Riverbend case, shifting its focus to the Thompson family's projects.

Because of the case, the Riverbend project had been put on hold. The funds of the transport company Eden managed were all tied up in that land. With the property unable to be liquidated, operations were likely struggling.

The company

Bennett wasn't interested. He changed the channel.

Yvonne was helping Monica bake a cake in the kitchen.

In the past, Monica had always baked her a birthday cake by hand.

The cake was simple: a baked sponge topped with white frosting, with "Happy Birthday, Yvonne" written in chocolate sauce.

Once the cake was ready, Yvonne carried it to the dining table. Turning around, she saw Bennett sitting in

the wing room his back straight, his gaze deep and serene.

"Finished your chat with Mr. Jones?" Yvonne asked with a smile as she approached him.

"Yeah," Bennett nodded, standing up and moving to her side. "It's been a while since I've had Mrs. Jones' cake."

"Then you're in for a treat today, thanks to me," Yvonne said playfully, dabbing a bit

of frosting from the cake onto Bennett's cheek.

"Don't mess around," Bennett said, his gaze a mixture of helplessness and affection. He wiped the frosting off his cheek.

Monica came out of the kitchen

after finishing the cooking and saw

them standing by the table "What

are you two doing, just staring at

each other? Come and help me with the dishes."

"Coming!" Yvonne called back, then nudged Bennett. "Go help Mrs. Jones with the food."

"You're good at bossing people around, aren't you?" Bennett chuckled, following Monica into the kitchen.

Yvonne went upstairs to call Bruce for dinner.