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Chapter 14

In the office, Michael was tapping his index finger on the desk, a steady rhythm. He seemed to be waiting for something.

After about five minutes, David walked in, "Sir, there were a few hiccups, but we got the information."

Michael slowly lifted his gaze, eyes narrowing. "What happened?"

David cleared his throat, adjusting the file in his hands. "The footage from Elm Street was overwritten ages ago. But I tracked down a computer repair guy who had saved a copy. The car accident six years ago was a big deal, so he thought he might need it someday. When I told him what we were after, he handed it over."

Michael tilted his head slightly, curious. "And what does the video show?"

David hesitated, aware of the sensitivity. "It confirms that Miss Brown's car was hit by another blue car. Do you want to see it?" Rachel was driving a blue Audi back then.

"No need," Michael replied smoothly, his face unreadable. He shifted his attention back to the pen on his desk. "Give me the footage. Make sure that guy won't talk to anyone about this."

"Understood," David nodded. He knew Michael well enough to recognize the end of that conversation. He wasn't going to expose Rachel or let her face any consequences for this.

Alone again, Michael's thoughts wandered. After a few silent minutes, he grabbed his coat and headed back to the Smith Manor.

He entered to find the hall alive with laughter. Emily and Mandy were deep in conversation, and the usually mischievous James was uncharacteristically quiet, focused on his phone.

As Michael stepped through the doorway, Emily's sharp eyes caught sight of him, and she quickly stood. "Michael's back!" she announced, her face lighting up.

Mandy stood as well, exuding a gentle grace. Michael nodded, passing his coat to a waiting servant. "What's got everyone so cheerful?"

Mandy glanced at Emily, her eyes sparkling. "Mrs. Smith was telling me stories about your childhood. They're quite entertaining."

Emily, feigning irritation, waved a hand dismissively. "Mandy, enough with 'Mrs. Smith.' You'll be my daughter-in-law soon. Call me Mom."

Mandy's cheeks flushed, and she shyly looked at Michael. "It's still early."

"We're all family, no need to be shy. What do you think, Michael?" Emily teased the two of them on purpose.

Mandy's face turned even redder. Michael sighed. "Mom, stop teasing Mandy. She's shy."

Emily laughed. "Alright, I won't disturb you two anymore. I'll go outside and chat with some old friends."

James, being clever, also winked playfully. "Michael, I won't disturb you either."

With them gone, Michael and Mandy were left in the quiet of the room. Mandy, still slightly flushed, walked over and took his hand. She asked, "Michael, my dad has been asking about the car accident recently. Did you mention anything to him?"

Michael shook his head, his face calm. "No. I haven't said a word."

Mandy's brow furrowed. "It's odd. He seems to know it involves Rachel, but I've never told him. I've forgiven her and don't want to drag this out."

Michael asked, "You don't hold any grudges?"

"Honestly, no. She must have been really in love with you to act so irrationally. I can't hate her for that." Mandy's understanding demeanor was disarming.

Michael gently stroked her hair, lost in his thoughts. "You were always so kind-hearted, Mandy. Like when you wrote about rescuing that little mouse as a kid, keeping it on your bed. Your dad nearly had a heart attack."

He chuckled, the memory lightening the tension. Mandy's smile faltered briefly before she regained her composure. "That was ages ago. We should focus on the present," she suggested, her tone soft. "James mentioned Mrs. Catherine Smith hasn't been well. I'd like to visit her."

Thinking of Catherine's coldness toward him, Michael pondered for a moment. "I'll take you tomorrow."

Mandy nodded. "Okay."

It wasn't until Michael went upstairs that Mandy took out her phone and dialed a number. "How's it going?"

A male voice came through the phone, "Miss Brown, it's done. What's the next step?"

Mandy said, "The day before the banquet, I want to see it trending."

The man on the other end of the phone answered. "Understood."

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