Chapter 586
Chapter 586:
Lamont’s brief moment of panic did not escape Ashton’s keen eye.
At that moment, Zane, with a hint of anger, spoke up. “You claim to know who the murderer is, so stop beating around the bush and show us your evidence.”
Ashton’s gaze shifted back to Zane, and with a faint smile, he replied, “Since this case seems so difficult for you to solve, let me be straightforward. The three victims didn’t freeze to death — they died from heatstroke!”
Ashton’s statement didn’t shock the crowd, but it left them confused.
Alisha couldn’t help but interject, “But isn’t that too strange? On such a hot day, they were found bundled up in down jackets and died from heatstroke. Who in their right mind would do that?”
Ashton shrugged, replying resignedly, “As you said, a normal person wouldn’t. This suggests they weren’t in a normal state. They had ingested a mind-altering substance that distorted their perception. The warmer the room became, the colder they felt, so they instinctively put on warm clothing. This spiraled out of control; as their body temperature rose, they only felt colder, which ultimately led to heatstroke and, tragically, death from lack of intervention.”
Hearing Ashton’s explanation, everyone was left speechless, struggling to believe it.
Ashton continued, “This kind of mind-altering substance is extremely dangerous and not something ordinary people can access. So, if anyone involved in this case is linked to the drug industry, we can essentially identify them as the culprit.”
The crowd immediately recognized that there was, in fact, someone among them who fit that description. All eyes turned toward the corner, where Lamont, the private doctor, stood, his face ashen. Feeling the weight of their stares, Lamont managed a strained, bitter smile.
Before he could speak, Zane challenged Ashton. “You have the nerve to accuse me? Do you even hear yourself? At least I conducted a proper investigation and gathered real evidence. You have nothing to support your wild guess! Mind-altering substances causing their deaths? You’re just making up stories to impress Alisha. Shame on you!”
Ashton lifted an eyebrow, a mocking smile forming. “You’re welcome to doubt my deduction. But why not bring in the police’s forensic expert for an autopsy? If they confirm the presence of mind-altering substances and heatstroke as the cause of death, my theory will be proven correct. And then, not only will you have wrongly accused someone, but your refusal to admit fault will ruin your career.”
G3t th3 l3g1t v3rs10n 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m
Ashton’s words made Zane’s expression harden.
He felt Ashton was trying to back him into a corner, forcing him to look foolish in front of Alisha.
Gritting his teeth, Zane sneered, “You think you can intimidate me? Fine! Let’s make a bet. I’ll bring in the forensic expert for an autopsy. If the results match what you’re claiming, I’ll resign as the captain of the criminal investigation team. But if you’re wrong, you must stay away from Alisha forever. Do you have the nerve to accept?”
Ashton was about to nod when Lamont, after a deep breath, suddenly broke into laughter.
“That’s enough, Captain Paige. There’s no need to risk your career over a criminal like me.” Lamont’s voice softened, but his confession was firm. “The young man is right. I was the one who killed those three people.”
.
.
.