September, a cool moonlit night, the moonlight veiled by the neon glow of the city streets.
「Capital Town Police Bureau—」
Nia Mitchell took a deep breath and looked down at her clothes: a simple T-shirt, faded jeans, and plain white sneakers.
So, they decided I was a car thief just because of how I'm dressed?
"How many times do I have to tell you? That car belongs to my fiancé, Hendry Hampton!" She was so frustrated she felt like rolling her eyes a full 180 degrees.
"If you don't believe me, please stop asking the same question. No matter how many times you ask, my answer will be the same."
The police officer looked up at Nia Mitchell, his face expressionless, though inwardly he had been scoffing at her for quite some time.
"Miss Mitchell," the officer said, his tone flat, "let us explain this one last time. The Land Rover you were driving does indeed belong to Young Master Hampton. However, Young Master Hampton's assistant reported it missing three days ago."
What a joke! How brazen can thieves be nowadays? She actually claims to be the fiancée of Hendry Hampton, heir to the Hampton Corporation—one of Capital Town's top ten enterprises? Has poverty driven her mad?
"Impossible!" Nia Mitchell yelled furiously.
That's absurd! I've always been the one driving this Land Rover; it's never been missing before.
"Hendry Hampton's phone is off! Our engagement ceremony is tonight at the Royal Dynasty Hotel. You can find him there!"
The police officer sighed. This Miss Mitchell looks so innocent and pure; how could she be a thief? Truly, one can't judge a book by its cover.
Young Master Hampton's engagement party is indeed tonight. Looking at the time, it should have started half an hour ago.
So, would Young Master Hampton turn off his phone when his fiancée hasn't even shown up? Only an idiot would believe that. A lie like that can be exposed in minutes!
"Miss Mitchell, I hope you'll cooperate," the officer continued. "Just tell us honestly: how and where did you steal the car? Do you have any accomplices?"
Shit!
Nia Mitchell cursed under her breath. This is like casting pearls before swine! Why is Hendry Hampton's phone off? Why hasn't he come looking for me yet?
She shot the police officer a glare, then turned her face away, just in time to see an unfamiliar man walking out of an office.
The man was tall and slender, clad in an expensive black suit. His facial features, so exquisitely sculpted they seemed more like divine artistry than nature's work, were breathtaking.
With a slight frown, his deep gaze fixed on the Bureau Chief, who was following deferentially behind him.
"The next time she comes here, I hope you know what to do," the man said, halting his steps.
The stillness of the scene, as if imbued with an indescribable luminescence, seemed to ensnare everyone's hearts.
Maxwell Peary frowned. He usually didn't care if people stared at him, but this time… it felt different.
So, ignoring the sycophantic Bureau Chief behind him, he turned his head to follow the line of sight that had so intently focused on him.
Nia Mitchell drew in a sharp breath. What kind of eyes were these? Like captivating arbiters of souls, one glance could dissect a person completely. It felt as if not even the slightest ulterior motive could escape his scrutiny.
Just one look from him and Nia Mitchell felt her blood run cold; she froze on the spot, utterly unable to move.
When the Bureau Chief saw that the 'VIP' before him had stopped, he instantly felt like he was walking on eggshells.
I'm doomed, I'm doomed! This 'great personage' was finally about to leave. Young Master Peary, why on earth are you still here? Why did you stop?
He followed Maxwell Peary's gaze and, looking apprehensive, mumbled a few words.
So, it really was her! Maxwell Peary paused, a faint, inscrutable smile playing on his thin lips. He looked at her with amusement and said simply, "Car thief?"
Nia Mitchell stared blankly at the curve of the man's lips, nodding absently. How could someone make even a slight smile look so attractive?
Seeing her reaction, Maxwell Peary seemed to drift into a memory.
The curve of his smile widened as he raised an eyebrow. "Such poor taste? You'd even steal a Land Rover?"
Nia Mitchell: …!!!
Her already reddened eyes widened further, her lips forming a pout. Should I nod or shake my head? Or should I admit I have no taste? I'm actually being teased inside a police station…
It took her several seconds to snap out of it. Wait a minute, I should be refuting him! Who the hell is he calling a car thief? I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!
She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head violently. I need to tell the police officers! This man is trying to charm me!