Staring at Nicole’s reaction, Ronald was somewhat at a loss for words.
It wasn’t that he was angry Nicole had invited him to her home and then set up such an elaborate display.
It was that he truly hadn’t expected it.
From just one chance meeting at night, Nicole had discerned his slip-up from such information, and he had failed to notice it himself.
Honestly, Nicole’s usually casual demeanor masked her abilities so well that her meticulous nature, fitting for an elite investigator, was often overlooked.
Of course, Ronald was still not panicking.
Today, at Nicole’s place, there were no other investigators ambushing him to apprehend him; the "Botanical Garden," definitely her home turf, hadn’t launched an attack on him, which already showed that there was no malice from her side.
Now he had to think about how he could conceal his matters in front of the keenly observant Nicole.
He gently brushed the hair on his forehead with his hand.
Ronald started pondering how to answer her upcoming questions.
However, upon seeing Ronald’s gesture, Nicole’s expression suddenly changed.
The girl, who had been somewhat evasive with her gaze, suddenly had a severe look in her eyes, and her slightly open lips tightened.
A deep expression tinged with sadness quickly turned into seriousness and gravitas under the deliberate control of the investigator.
"Eleven volumes, two hundred sixty pages, item six."
She recited the spellbinding words of the lie detector unabashedly and immediately added with a swift tone:
"Ronald, if you don’t want to answer my question, that’s fine; we can still be friends and just enjoy a pleasant lunch here today. I’ve prepared quite a few nice things at home these last few days."
"But if you are willing, I would like you to tell me now. If you agree, no matter what happens in the future, as long as you don’t do anything outrageous, I will absolutely stand by your side unconditionally!"
Facing the serious Nicole across from him,
Ronald met her gaze unflinchingly.
But beneath his apparent calm, he was genuinely struggling with a decision.
Thinking back on the times he had worked with Nicole, this investigator girl always looked after his safety as long as he was still capable of moving.
He didn’t want to lead her astray with some messy rhetoric at this moment.
As for outright deceiving...
The lie detector was right there waiting.
Ronald was not like Arlida, who had undergone professional training and could execute perfect deceit under such surveillance.
So the final choice, to confess honestly?
This action was undoubtedly irresponsible concerning Swift’s safety.
Just one mistake, and it wouldn’t matter for him since he was already opposed to those people, but it would be a huge problem for Mr. Detective rooted in Berlingwich.
It was simply very tricky.
Putting aside Nicole’s casual personality, her strong observational skills could potentially lead her to the Warden himself.
Then facing the Warden’s formidable capabilities,
Nicole might not even escape unscathed...
What exactly should he say?
While Ronald was contemplating strategies in his mind, Nicole took the initiative.
Their gaze held for almost a minute.
The investigator girl didn’t intend to delay any longer, so she said directly:
"If you continue to be silent, then I will just ask."
"Ronald, have you recently received some kind of coded message that hurt you in a way you didn’t expect?"
Ronald was still trying hard to control his expression.
However, when Nicole posed that question, it left him dumbfounded on the spot.
Another unexpected question.
He had been considering how to brush off the matter, yet what Nicole had inquired about was the coded letter?
Could it be that the young investigator in front of him had connections with this mysterious organization?
Even understanding them!
—The actual situation had completely changed.
The organization not only anticipated the warden’s question but also knew about his possession of the original text.
Regarding the events in Berenwich.
If they had to prioritize, this was definitely top priority.
Up until now, they hadn’t proceeded merely because Ronald had been at a loss.
This moment wasn’t about playing some decryption game, it was a crucial decision concerning the future of everything!
Regarding this situation, Ronald didn’t think too long before he honestly nodded,
"Yes, I did receive that coded letter."
"But what’s the issue with that, and Nicole, how do you know about it?"
Nicole remained silent.
Seeing Ronald’s response, the investigator’s face showed an expression that seemed to say ’as expected.’
She wrestled with her thoughts for more than ten seconds before finally sighing deeply and saying,
"I knew someone talented like you would catch their attention. Not to hide it from you, but when I first arrived in Berenwich, I too received a coded letter."
Nicole had also received a coded letter?
Ronald’s eyes narrowed.
The investigator’s words hinted that all young talents were likely to receive a coded letter from this mysterious organization.
Considering this, the intentions of the organization were indeed intriguing.
Thus, Ronald immediately asked,
"Nicole, how much do you know about this organization?"
This time Nicole didn’t answer directly; instead, she shook her head first.
"Ronald, by your tone, you must have already deciphered the contents of that note, right? Otherwise, you wouldn’t be asking me for their details but rather what the content of the note was."
This guy was really particularly sensitive about special things.
Watching Nicole, who was intently staring at him, Ronald couldn’t help but reflect internally,
"Honestly, sometimes I wish you weren’t this astute in such matters."
"I can’t help it." In response to Ronald’s reflection, Nicole shrugged her shoulders helplessly," As an elite investigator, I still possess the necessary caution and logical thinking, given that my job constantly involves dealing with all those excessively scheming individuals."
After casually explaining a bit, Nicole suddenly shifted her gaze to the locked window on one side.
In that moment, the girl’s vision seemed to have penetrated the coverage of plants.
It even crossed the outside streets, and even the vast land of Berenwich.
With her eyes distantly fixating on something, her lips gradually curved into a bleak and sad smile:
"When I received this note, it took quite an effort to successfully decrypt its contents."
"However, what it told me..."
"I... my mentor had already died."
"So Ronald, I hope you can tell me the information from your side."
"This is very important to me."