"Sometimes, you don't need rigorous workouts. Just a warm hug, a kiss, and a few minutes with your loved one can bring a peace that no workout or meditation can provide."
With a playful expression, HK raised his eyebrows and teased, "Look at you, radiating pink bubbles!"
Sia turned to him, a broad smile on her face. "Are you that free right now?" she asked with a hint of amusement.
"No, no! I'm extremely busy! There's so much on my plate," HK replied hastily.
"Then why are you still here wasting time? Aren't you going to scram?" Sia shot back, still smiling.
"I'll go, I'll go," HK said, chuckling. "But before I leave, let me just say—thank your 'special someone' for me. Thanks to him, I'm dealing with a human today instead of a monster. I hope he stays by your side always and keeps you this... 'human.'"
With a mock-threatening smile that looked almost sinister, Sia replied, "Continue dawdling, and you'll soon see this human turn into a monster."
At that, HK took her hint and swiftly disappeared from sight. Turning her gaze toward the reporters, Sia picked up her phone and dialed Rishi. "Check on Ms. Reena's grandmother. I want to confirm if she was actually admitted to the hospital around the time Ms. Kareena was kidnapped."
"Understood," Rishi replied.
"Also, summon Ms. Kareena and her father for questioning. It's time to interrogate the supposed victims of this hijacking case." Enjoy stories on m_v lem|p-yr
"Got it," Rishi confirmed before hanging up.
Next, Sia called Stephen. "Stephen, head to the main office and file an appeal to interrogate the suspect apprehended in the bribery case. I have reason to believe that this kidnapping and that bribery case are connected. There's a high chance the mastermind behind both is tied to this illegal research organization."
"Understood, I'll head there immediately," Stephen replied.
With a nod, Sia ended the call and made her way to the meeting room. Opening her tablet, she reviewed the documents forwarded by Reena's lawyer, analyzing them meticulously.
Late that afternoon, just as Sia completed her review and gathered her findings, she received a call from Rishi. "Shein, I investigated Ms. Reena's grandmother. It's true that her grandmother fell ill on Ms. Kareena's birthday. According to the doctor's report, she was hospitalized due to a sudden spike in blood pressure. She had to stay for a few days under observation. I checked with the nurses, and they corroborated the story. However, when I reviewed the surveillance footage, the reality didn't match the account."
Sia then leaned forward slightly and asked, "Old Madam, may I inquire as to what ailment brought you here to the hospital?"
The old woman turned her gaze to Sia, a glimmer of interest in her eyes. She seemed to recognize that Sia must have already done her research, but she replied with a faint smile, "Due to high blood pressure, I began feeling unwell and had to be admitted. These old bones of mine can't handle even a little illness anymore."
"Is that so?" Sia replied, her tone calm but skeptical. She then turned her tablet screen toward the old woman, displaying footage from the hospital's CCTV. The video showed the elderly woman walking into the hospital with her servant, looking perfectly fine.
"In this video, you appear to be in good health when you arrived. So, did you only become ill after entering the hospital? Quite a coincidence, don't you think? It almost appears as if...you anticipated that you would fall ill," Sia said, raising an eyebrow.
The old woman glanced at the screen but kept her composure. "Young man, are you suggesting I feigned my illness?"
Sia maintained her steady gaze. "I'm merely pointing out the facts, Old Madam. It seems odd that you, an otherwise healthy woman, would suddenly develop a health issue only after stepping into the hospital."
With a soft chuckle, the elderly woman set her cup down. "Well, if the facts look suspicious, then I can only assume it must be some strange coincidence."
"Indeed," Sia replied, unruffled. "Coincidences are, after all, an interesting phenomenon in cases like these."
The elderly woman's eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement as she observed Sia. "You're a sharp one, aren't you?"
Sia returned her gaze coolly. "I only aim to get to the truth, Old Madam. Ms. Reena is under suspicion, and I believe you may have insights that could clarify some aspects of this case."
The old woman studied Sia for a moment, then sighed. "Perhaps, young man, but in matters such as these, truths are often cloaked by layers of secrecy."
Sia leaned back slightly, considering the cryptic nature of the response. She knew the woman was unlikely to provide direct answers but continued nonetheless. "Ms. Reena may be your granddaughter, but the law does not discriminate. If she is guilty, there will be consequences. However, if you have information that could prove her innocence, now is the time to share it."
For the first time, a subtle shift appeared in the old woman's expression, a fleeting moment of contemplation. She looked at Sia with something akin to respect. "Young officer, you remind me of someone I once knew—someone relentless in their pursuit of justice."
Sia met her gaze steadily, remaining silent.
The old woman took a deep breath and sighed, her eyes distant as if recalling a memory. Then, with a resigned nod, she replied, "Very well. There are some things I can share, though they may not be the answers you seek."