Page 101 of Symphony for Lies

Bella shot him a look. “Of course, she shouldn’t put herself in danger!”

Zane remained silent, but I could feel his tension.

“There was a rumor once,”Bella started.“Back in my case, people whispered that the killers were in contact with someone connected to powerful families. But the details were never confirmed.The person in question has to be tied to thearts.Someone who studied visual arts or music.”

“Amelia, does your case have any ties to wealthy, powerful people?”Nathan questioned.

My blood ran cold. Slowly, my gaze lifted to Zane.

He noticed; his expression darkened further.

“I don’t know,” I murmured finally.

Bella sighed.“You said you’re from Rosewood?”

I confirmed, and she scribbled something down.“I know a journalist with good connections. She might be able to dig into past interviews with the victims’ friends. She could find something useful. But it takes time.”

My eyes lit up with hope.

“And if it’s okay, would you allow me to write an article about your case?”

I nodded.

“Thank you!”Bella smiled. “I’ll check in with you again soon.”

Nathan, however, remained serious.“Be careful. This isn’t a game.”His gaze flicked to Zane.“And if you’re going to protect Amelia, do it right.”

Zane scoffed with irritation, “Like I need your advice. Of course, I’ll protect her.”

Bella chuckled softly, and Nathan shook his head, amused but unconvinced.

I bid them goodbye and ended the call.

My thoughts kept spinning until Zane pulled me into a hug.

His lips brushed against my ear.“What was that look?”

“What look?”

“When they mentioned wealthy people.”

Oh.

I averted my gaze, pressing my lips together. “Well, because it’s about wealthy people, isn’t it?”

Zane’s eyes narrowed.“Are you suspecting me?”

“What? No!” I scowled, shifting away from him. “Why would I?”

Before I could protest further, he pulled me onto his lap.

“Zane!” I gasped, gripping his shoulders.

His gaze captured mine, firm and unreadable.“Then what were you thinking?”

I hesitated. “I was just… connecting the dots. Tristan comes from a wealthy family. The last piece he dedicated to me had tones that sounded eerily similar to the wind chimes I heard near the crime scene…”

A shadow passed over my heart. “If this is like Bella’s case, then maybe I just want to believe he’s innocent. Maybe I’m forcing myself to.”