Evelyn’s heart tightened.

She quickened her pace toward the officer.

She tried to listen to the recording.

But a hand abruptly pressed pause.

A cool female voice spoke. "The case isn’t solved. Evidence cannot be played in front of a suspect. Did you forget police academy discipline?"

The officer coughed awkwardly. "My apologies, Dr. Lorenz."

The female forensic examiner had a sharp gaze and an aura of unwavering integrity. "One more mistake and it’s a formal reprimand."

"Yes, ma'am."

Dr. Lorenz then looked at Evelyn, frowning slightly but saying nothing. She put on gloves, picked up her kit, and approached the body.

Evelyn was momentarily stunned.

She hadn’t expected it to be her.

Grace Lorenz. A middle school classmate. Her first female friend.

Grace came from a family of forensic examiners. Even in middle school, she was determined to uphold justice. What seemed like a childish vow then was her lifelong pursuit.

She attended a police academy for high school. Now she was a renowned forensic examiner.

But…

Evelyn lowered her gaze.

There were some misunderstandings between them. Judging by Grace’s attitude, those unresolved issues remained.

Evelyn sighed silently.

A few minutes later, Grace finished the examination. "The victim died from a penetrating wound. Instant death. There are impact marks on the chest. Time of death was approximately…"

She checked the time. "Thirty-five to forty minutes ago."

The officer immediately said, "We received the call exactly thirty minutes ago. Ms. Ross entered right after the murder!"

He turned to Evelyn. "All evidence points to you. The sound you heard might have been the body falling, masking a cry. And a witness confirms the victim was speaking earlier. You are now a murder suspect. Please cooperate and come to the station for questioning."

Evelyn glanced at Grace but didn’t resist. "Alright."

As the officer moved to escort her out, Grace spoke coldly. "No handcuffs for a suspect? Where is your basic police training?"

The officer hesitated, looking uncomfortable.

This woman was cooperative. Even if it was excessive self-defense, it wasn’t a violent crime. Handcuffs weren’t strictly necessary.

But he didn’t argue. Dr. Lorenz clearly had an issue with this girl.

He coughed and gave Evelyn an apologetic look.

Alexander stepped forward, but Evelyn shook her head slightly. She offered her wrists willingly.

The cold handcuffs clicked shut. She was led downstairs.

Alexander followed closely. "I’ll get a lawyer immediately. Don’t say a word until they arrive."

Evelyn nodded. "Tell Grandma I’m staying with my family for a couple of days."

"Understood."

Evelyn got into the police car. The seat beside her dipped. It wasn’t an officer. It was Grace.

The car started moving. Evelyn spoke calmly. "How have you been these years?"

Grace looked at her coldly. "I’ve been just fine. Sorry to disappoint you."

Evelyn was silent for a moment. "Back then, I—"

"Shut up!" Grace cut her off sharply. "I don’t believe a single word from a liar!"

Evelyn sighed silently.

Grace suddenly asked, "Was that man your boyfriend?"

Evelyn didn’t want to lie. "My legal husband."

Grace stiffened. "You’re married?"

Evelyn felt like a cad. "It’s a special situation. Actually—"

Grace turned away. "Even if you sent an invitation, I wouldn’t come!"

Evelyn suddenly understood.

So that’s what Grace was angry about. She thought Evelyn got married without telling her?

Evelyn was torn between laughter and tears. She was about to explain when Grace spoke again. "Is he the ‘big brother’ you said you’d marry back then?"

Evelyn’s expression grew distant.

After a long pause, she whispered, "...No."

Grace sneered. "Out with the old, in with the new. You could even abandon him. What’s a friend?"

Evelyn tried to explain again. "That year—"

"I said shut up!" Grace’s pretty face was angry. "Don’t try to use our past connection for favors! I see right through you. A complete and utter fraud!"

Evelyn fell silent.

Grace stared at her. "Stop thinking nonsense. Focus on your case! All the evidence is against you. The autopsy findings point to you too. I won’t help you cover anything up… Why aren’t you even worried?"

Evelyn smiled, her tone certain. "Because you’re here. You’ll clear my name. You said you’d uphold justice. Ensure no one is wrongly accused. Ensure no criminal escapes."

Grace was taken aback, the tips of her ears turning pink. Whether from this trust or the memory of their youthful vow.

She muttered, "Sweet talk is useless. If you really are the killer, I will make sure you face justice!"

They soon arrived at the station.

Evelyn was held on suspicion of murder.

Grace personally escorted her to the holding cells, putting her in a solitary one.

She stood outside the bars, staring intently at Evelyn. "You really didn’t kill him?"

"Positive."

Grace frowned. "Then how do you explain the voice?"

Evelyn said, "It could have been a phone recording. Was his phone found? Could you check it for me?"

Grace laughed coldly. "The phone is at the station. It’s not going anywhere. It’s key evidence."

She watched Evelyn. "You mentioned the phone. Do you want to know what message he left?"

Evelyn’s eyes lit up. "Will you tell me?"

"Of course."

Grace’s tone was flat.