Chapter 1163 - Ch: 243-248

Chapter 243 Never Aroused Suspicion from the Outside World

These words brought a burst of laughter to the living room, and George also breathed a sigh of relief, smiling and saying, "That's good, that's good."

Lynn sat down and chatted casually with Gwen's friends. He found that Ally was the lead singer of Gwen's band, with a cheerful and lively personality, while Kevin was a member of the school's technology club, introverted but meticulous. The two occasionally mentioned Gwen's performance at school, saying she was very opinionated in the band and always full of creativity.

"Gwen is usually very independent," Ally said. "Whether it's academics or hobbies, she always finds her own direction. We all admire her."

Listening to these words, Lynn couldn't help but feel a surge of relief. He realized that the little girl who used to run after him when he was young had now grown into an opinionated and capable young person.

That evening, after Gwen's friends said goodbye and left, the house returned to quiet. George sat on the sofa, rubbing his shoulders, and said with emotion, "Gwen's friends are really nice; you can tell she's living a fulfilling life at school."

Lynn nodded, looking at Gwen, who was clearing the table: "Yes, she's more independent than I imagined. I'm proud of her."

Gwen heard this, looked up, and smiled: "Brother, why are you praising me so much today? I'm not used to it!"

George chuckled, teasing: "Your brother isn't used to you not needing his care anymore."

The family immediately burst into laughter.

In the evening, Lynn offered to drive Ally and Kevin home. Gwen originally wanted to go along, but Lynn patted her shoulder: "Don't worry, I'll get your friends home safely; you just stay with Dad."

Ally and Kevin followed Lynn out of the house. The streetlights were dim, and there was a chill of early autumn in the air. The three walked and chatted, and Ally smiled and said, "You're really a good brother. Gwenalways says you're very busy, but I didn't expect you'd still make time to drive us."

"Gwen is my sister, so of course, I have to take good care of her friends," Lynn said with a smile. "However, driving you home also counts as finding some fun for myself."

Kevin looked at Lynn somewhat shyly and said, "Mr. Stacy, Gwen often mentions you. She says you're very impressive."

Lynn smiled and was about to answer when several loud laughs suddenly came from an alley ahead. A few hooligans in loose clothes blocked the way. They leaned against the wall in twos and threes, holding beer bottles, with malicious smiles on their faces.

"Yo, look who it is," one of the tall, thin hooligans said lazily. "So late, and you're still with kids? Sir, where are you going?"

Lynn stopped, narrowed his eyes slightly, and motioned for Ally and Kevin to stand behind him. His voice was calm and low: "Just passing by, don't want any trouble."

"Too bad," another bald hooligan stepped forward, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, "we just want some fun. Leave something as a toll."

Lynn smiled indifferently, stepped forward to block Ally and Kevin, his voice becoming even deeper: "I'll say it again, don't cause trouble. You don't want to know the consequences of messing with me."

The tall, thin hooligan raised an eyebrow: "Oh, this gentleman is quite tough."

Before he finished speaking, he raised his hand and swung the bottle at Lynn. Lynn quickly sidestepped, grabbed his wrist, and with a skillful move, took the bottle, while simultaneously sweeping his leg at the hooligan's knee, bringing him to the ground. The other hooligans cursed and surrounded him, but Lynn was clearly prepared.

He dodged the bald hooligan's swinging punch with a flash, then used his arm to lock the other's arm, throwing him hard to the ground. Then, Lynn calmly scanned the remaining people, his voice like ice: "Want to try? I'm ready."

The hooligans clearly didn't expect Lynn's agility. After looking at each other, they cursed and retreated. The tall, thin hooligan got up from the ground, pointed at Lynn, and said fiercely, "You're tough, we'll let you off the hook today!"

With that, they quickly disappeared at the end of the alley.

Lynn breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Ally and Kevin: "Are you two okay?"

Ally stared at Lynn, wide-eyed, her eyes full of admiration: "Mr. Stacy, your moves just now were like a hero from a movie! So cool!"

Kevin also said with a face full of amazement: "Really, I've never seen anyone handle something like this so decisively."

Lynn chuckled and waved his hand: "It's nothing, just a small scene. But you two must remember, in situations like this, the most important thing is to protect yourselves and stay away from danger. Not every time will there be someone to help you."

Ally and Kevin nodded repeatedly, their admiration undiminished.

After safely taking them home, Lynn walked back alone, the wind on the street bringing a chill. He recalled what had just happened, a slight smile playing on his lips. Although it was just a small interlude, being able to fulfill his responsibility to his sister's friends and put their minds at ease brought Lynn a long-lost sense of satisfaction.

When he returned home, Gwen was sitting on the sofa waiting for him. Seeing Lynn enter, she immediately got up and asked: "Brother, did they get home safely?"

"Of course." Lynn smiled and nodded, "And I also gave them a lesson on how to identify danger."

Gwen blinked, asking curiously: "What lesson?"

Lynn smiled without answering, patted Gwen's head, and said softly: "You should care more about what they learned, rather than what I taught."

In the evening, Lynn sat on the sofa, holding a file, preparing to sort out some work trivialities. Gwen walked out of the kitchen, holding a cup of hot cocoa, and sat directly next to Lynn, handing him the cup.

"Brother," Gwen said with a smile, "Dad's birthday is coming soon. Have you thought about what gift to give him?"

Lynn was startled, put down the file, and looked up at Gwen: "His birthday? It's coming so fast?"

Gwen rolled her eyes and teased: "Are you too busy that you forgot Dad's birthday? Luckily I reminded you."

Lynn rubbed the back of his head, showing an embarrassed smile: "I really didn't notice. What about you? Have you prepared it already?"

"Of course!" Gwen said proudly, "I made a photo album of us when we were little, and added some recent family photos. I think Dad will really like it."

Lynn nodded, showing a hint of approval: "Good idea, Dad will definitely be touched. But I'm not as creative as you; I really don't know what to give."

"Then you better hurry," Gwen said, looking at Lynn with a "I'm so helpless" expression. "Dad's birthday doesn't wait for anyone."

Lynn smiled and shook his head: "Alright, I'll figure something out tomorrow."

The next day, Lynn took some free time to call Kate. When the call connected, Kate's voice came from the other end: "Lynn? Are you calling me now because you have another case?"

"It's not a case this time," Lynn said with a wry smile. "It's my dad's birthday soon, and I need some gift suggestions. You must have a lot of good ideas, right?"

Kate chuckled, seemingly amused by Lynn's "family troubles": "Oh, George's birthday? You certainly know how to ask for help. Does he have any special hobbies recently?"

Lynn frowned: "Hobbies? To be honest, since he retired, he's been busy with community affairs. Usually, he just reads the news and takes walks; nothing special."

Kate pondered for a moment and said: "If that's the case, perhaps you could start with his daily habits, like a comfortable massage chair? Or a customized watch engraved with family names, symbolizing the meaning of family."

Lynn nodded, finding Kate's suggestion very practical: "A customized watch sounds good. Dad always cherishes time and likes practical things."

"Then it's settled," Kate said with a smile. "However, don't forget, the most important thing about this gift isn't the price, but your thoughtfulness. If you have time, write a letter or record a blessing video to go with the gift; it will surely move him."

Lynn said gratefully: "Thank you, Kate, you always have a way to make things clear for me."

"You're welcome. I'm looking forward to hearing George's reaction when he receives the gift," Kate teased. "Also, remember to tell me what Gwen prepared; maybe it can give me more inspiration."

After hanging up the phone, Lynn immediately set about ordering the customized watch and began to plan George's birthday blessing video.

Following Kate's suggestion, Lynn found a century-old watch shop. The owner was an old watchmaker with white hair named Howard. Although his shop was small, the counter behind him was filled with various exquisite pocket watches and wristwatches, each exuding the accumulation of time.

Lynn pushed open the door. Howard was bending over, intently repairing an antique pocket watch with a magnifying glass. Hearing the movement, he looked up and said in a hoarse but gentle voice: "Welcome, can I help you?"

Lynn nodded, walked to the counter, and told Howard his idea: "I hope to customize a watch to give to my father. His birthday is coming soon, and I want a customized watch engraved with our family names. I don't know if you can do that here."

Howard put down his tools and carefully sized up Lynn, seemingly pondering something. He suddenly showed a slight smile: "You are Lin En Stacey, aren't you? I've seen you on TV. You're a Detective, aren't you?"

Lynn was slightly stunned, then smiled and nodded: "That's right, I am."

Howard put down the magnifying glass and slowly stood up: "I've heard many of your stories. Since it's your father's birthday, of course, I'm willing to help. However, this time I don't need a craftsmanship fee."

"Why?" Lynn asked curiously, "Your craftsmanship is so good; I'm willing to pay you what you deserve."

Howard waved his hand and sighed: "It's not about the money. I just hope you can do me a favor."

Lynn's brows furrowed slightly: "What favor?"

Howard's expression became heavy, and his voice dropped: "My daughter, Martha… she has been abused by her husband. She tried to leave, but each time he threatened or even violently forced her back. I'm old, and I can't protect her at all. I know you are an upright person. If you are willing, I hope you can help her escape this predicament."

Lynn's eyes instantly became serious: "Is your daughter okay now?"

Howard shook his head, his eyes full of pain: "She called me yesterday, and her voice sounded very weak. I'm worried she might not last much longer this time. But I don't know what else I can do…"

Lynn nodded, his tone firm: "Mr. Howard, I will help you. Please tell me her address, and I will handle this matter as soon as possible."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Howard's eyes. He took out a piece of paper, wrote down Martha's address, and handed it to Lynn with both hands: "Thank you, Detective. I know I'm being presumptuous, but this is my only hope."

Lynn took the note and said reassuringly: "Don't worry, I will do my best to ensure her safety. However, you also need to be prepared; if she is willing to leave, you need to provide a safe place for her."

Howard nodded: "As long as she's safe, I'm willing to let her live in the shop."

After leaving the watch shop, Lynn immediately called Mark and briefly explained the situation. Mark responded immediately on the other end of the phone: "Understood, I'll look into her husband's background. If there's a history of domestic violence, we can take action."

Lynn hung up the phone, feeling a sense of heaviness.

Lynn and Mark began to investigate Martha's situation. They first contacted Martha's neighbors, hoping to find some clues through the descriptions of those around her. However, to their surprise, almost all the neighbors gave Martha's husband a very good evaluation.

"Oh, John? He's a very good man, always helping us move things, and he even sends small gifts on holidays," a middle-aged neighbor said with a smile. "They always seemed like a loving couple."

"Martha? She rarely goes out, but every time I see her, she's very polite," another neighbor added. "I've never heard of them having any conflicts. They're very quiet; I've never heard any arguments."

These descriptions made Lynn and Mark's brows furrow tighter. Clearly, Martha's husband, John, was someone skilled at hiding his true nature. He appeared perfectly respectable in public, while his abusive behavior never aroused suspicion from outsiders.

"This person is very smart," Mark said in a low voice. "He knows how to control the situation and not let the neighbors discover his true nature. We need to find more direct evidence, otherwise, it will be difficult to bring him to justice."

Lynn nodded, his gaze becoming even colder: "No eyewitnesses, and the neighbors didn't hear anything unusual; this is indeed tricky. But the more careful he is, the deeper his crimes. We must find Martha and hear her firsthand account."

The two decided to first visit Martha's residence to check the situation. Upon arriving at the ordinary apartment building, Lynn knocked on the door, but there was no answer. After a while, a thin woman peered out from the crack in the door; it was Martha. Her face had faint bruises, and her eyes darted around, clearly very nervous.

"Ms. Martha, I'm Lin En Stacey, an FBI Detective. This is my colleague, Mark." Lynn showed his badge, speaking in as gentle a tone as possible, "We are here to help you. Your father is very worried about you."

Martha's eyes immediately welled up, but she quickly wiped them with her hand, her voice filled with fear: "You shouldn't have come. If he finds out, he'll be even angrier."

Chapter 244 Obvious Tendency to Violence

"Martha," Lynn whispered, "we know what you've been through, but if you don't come forward, his behavior will only escalate. We need you to tell us the truth."

Martha's lips trembled slightly, and after a moment of hesitation, she finally whispered, "He… he's very smart. He never acts when others can hear, nor does he leave overly obvious wounds. He always makes me feel like I'm not good enough, that I've angered him…"

Hearing this, Lynn's heart tightened. He had seen many such cases, where victims were psychologically manipulated, even beginning to doubt their own worth, while the abuser always managed to escape unscathed.

"Martha, we believe you." Lynn's voice was firm. "But we need evidence. If you're willing, we can help you set up recording equipment to document his words and actions. These will be very strong evidence."

Martha hesitated, then finally nodded slightly: "Okay, but you must be careful, he gets angry very easily."

"We will protect you." Lynn's gaze was resolute. "From now on, you are not alone."

Back in the car, Mark couldn't help but say, "Detective, this case is really tricky. He's a typical psychological manipulator, not only oppressing Martha but also making those around him believe he's a model husband."

Lynn gripped the steering wheel, his gaze sharp: "This only means he's more dangerous than an ordinary abuser. But the more so, the more we cannot let him escape."

That night, Lynn and Mark's monitoring screen suddenly went dark, the previously clear image instantly losing signal. The two exchanged glances, realizing something was wrong.

"John found the equipment." Mark whispered, a hint of tension in his voice. "He's more perceptive than we imagined."

Lynn's expression grew even more serious. He immediately stood up, grabbed his jacket: "Can't wait any longer, let's go to Martha's house."

The two rushed to Martha's apartment. The hallway lights were dim, and a suffocating atmosphere hung in the air. When they knocked on Martha's door, it was quickly opened, but it was John standing there.

"Detective, Mark, good evening." John offered a polite smile, without a trace of displeasure in his voice. "Is there something you need?"

Lynn's gaze quickly swept over John, then past him into the room. Martha was sitting at the dining table, quietly eating dinner. Two steaming dishes were on the table, and the atmosphere in the room seemed unsettlingly calm.

"We'd like to talk to Martha." Lynn said, devoid of emotion.

John showed no panic. He stepped aside from the doorway: "Of course, please come in. Martha is eating, but I'm sure she'd be happy to talk to you."

Lynn and Mark entered the room. Martha looked up at them, a fleeting, almost imperceptible trace of tension on her face, but she quickly regained her composure: "Detective, Mr. Mark, why are you here?"

"Our monitoring equipment had a slight problem just now, so we came to check the situation." Lynn's gaze rested on Martha, trying to glean any information from her expression.

"Oh, that might be a signal issue then." John smiled, his expression relaxed. "The wireless network here has always been a bit unstable, it might have affected your equipment."

Mark's eyes quickly scanned the room, but he found no signs of any equipment being damaged or discarded. He lowered his voice and said, "Detective, the room looks completely normal."

Lynn didn't respond, instead looking at Martha: "Martha, are you alright?"

Martha looked down at John, then nodded: "I'm fine, no problems."

John interjected at the opportune moment: "Detective, I think our marital issues might be causing you undue concern. Actually, Martha and I don't have any major problems, just ordinary domestic friction. You see, she's quite calm now, isn't she?"

Lynn's eyes instantly sharpened. He didn't respond directly, but slowly said, "If you have no problem, then why did you turn off our monitoring equipment?"

John's smile stiffened slightly, but quickly returned to normal: "Turn off the equipment? I don't quite understand what you mean. I came home, just checked the equipment you installed, found it wasn't working, so I didn't touch it. After all, this is your area of expertise, I'm not too clear about it."

Lynn knew he was lying, but at this moment, he lacked direct evidence. He turned to Martha: "If there are any problems, you can contact me anytime, whether now or later."

Martha nodded, but her gaze still revealed an unspeakable sense of oppression.

Lynn and Mark left the apartment. As they walked downstairs, Mark couldn't help but whisper, "Detective, this guy is an actor, he knows we can't catch him red-handed."

Lynn pursed his lips, his gaze cold: "His acting is indeed superb, but the problem is, the more cautious he is, the more it indicates he has something to hide. Now we can't act rashly, otherwise, Martha will be in more danger."

Mark sighed: "So what do we do next? He obviously already knows we're watching."

Lynn took a deep breath: "We need to change our approach and make him expose himself. Find his breaking point; no matter how clever he is, he'll have a flaw."

Lynn and Mark returned to the car, silent for a moment, then began discussing their next strategy. Mark spoke first, a hint of urgency in his voice: "Detective, John is too cunning, we can't just keep waiting. Maybe we can try to provoke him, and catch him when he loses control."

Lynn frowned and shook his head: "Provoking him is a method, but the risk is too great. Martha is currently under his control, and if we anger him, it's very likely to put her in even more danger. We can't take that risk."

Mark sighed softly: "I understand, but if we keep waiting, he might become even more careful, or even find ways to cover everything up. Then, it will be even harder for us to find evidence."

Lynn's gaze was steady and calm. He tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel, as if organizing his thoughts: "John is very guarded now; he's already aware that we're watching him. So, the first step is to lower his guard. We need to give him the illusion that he's escaped our notice, so he might reveal a weakness."

Mark nodded: "You mean, no action for now?"

"Exactly." Lynn turned to Mark, his voice firm, "Wait and see. We need to give him a false impression, make him think he has the upper hand, so he will slowly relax his vigilance. At the same time, we will continue to monitor Martha's situation to ensure her safety."

"But how long will that take?" Mark was clearly a bit uneasy.

"I don't know," Lynn replied frankly, "but time is not an issue for us; Martha's safety is paramount. If we act rashly, we might destroy the only protection she has."

Mark was silent for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement: "Alright, we'll do it your way. However, Detective, if there's any indication that Martha's situation is worsening, I hope we can take immediate action."

Lynn nodded, his gaze as sharp as a blade: "Of course. Our goal is to free Martha from this nightmare, not to let her sink deeper."

After reaching an agreement, the two drove away from Martha's apartment. They decided not to appear frequently around John's life for the time being, but to continue observing his movements through remote monitoring and other covert means. At the same time, Lynn also began contacting organizations that support victims, hoping to provide Martha with emergency shelter and psychological help when needed.

Lynn contacted Martha, carefully suggesting they meet. His tone was gentle, trying to put Martha at ease: "Martha, I hope you can meet a friend of mine. She's a very experienced journalist and a good listener. I think talking to her might help you."

Martha hesitated on the other end of the phone, then quietly asked, "Are you sure… John won't find out?"

"I promise," Lynn's voice was firm, "this meeting is for you. You can rest assured, I won't let you be in any danger."

Ultimately, Martha agreed to Lynn's suggestion. Two days later, Lynn and Kate waited in a quiet coffee shop. Kate was dressed simply, holding a pen and a small notebook, her gaze warm and professional.

Martha seemed a bit reserved as she entered the coffee shop, her hair loosely draped, her neck deliberately covered by a scarf. Lynn stood up, smiling as he greeted her: "Martha, thank you for coming. This is Kate, she's a trustworthy person."

Kate smiled, stood up, and extended her hand: "Hello, Martha. I've heard about your situation, and I hope we can have a good chat."

Martha hesitated, then gently shook Kate's hand. Lynnnodded and said to the two of them, "You two chat, I'll wait outside."

After Lynn left, Kate motioned for the waiter to bring two warm teas, her gaze gently on Martha: "Don't be nervous, it's safe here. We're just chatting, no pressure."

Martha nodded, whispering, "I don't know where to start."

"Just start wherever you want to." Kate's voice was soft. "There's no right or wrong, just talk freely."

As Kate guided her, Martha slowly relaxed and began to recount her life with John. Her voice carried a deep weariness and helplessness: "He never lays a hand on me in front of others, but he threatens me in a terrifying tone. Whenever I do something he doesn't like, I'll have trouble when I get home."

Kate gently asked, "What are those threats usually like? Did he really lay a hand on you?"

Martha nodded, tears welling up in her eyes: "He would hit me, but always in places that clothes could cover. He said that way no one would find out. I tried to leave, but he found me, dragged me back, and threatened that if I left again, he would… he would hurt my father."

A flicker of anger crossed Kate's eyes, but she tried her best to remain calm: "Martha, I know this is hard, but I need you to believe that you are not alone. We can help you, but we need evidence. Would you be willing to let me see those scars?"

Martha hesitated for a long time, then finally nodded, slowly untying her scarf and pulling up her sleeves, revealing bruises and scratches on her arms and neck. Kate looked at the shocking wounds, a pang of pain in her heart, but she showed no sign of panic.

"Are these recent?" Kate asked softly.

Martha lowered her head, wiping away tears, and whispered, "Last week… he was unhappy because I didn't arrange the cutlery as he told me to."

Kate took a deep breath, carefully took out her phone, and photographed the scars: "Martha, these are very important pieces of evidence. We will use these to help you get out of this difficult situation."

Martha looked up, a trace of fear in her eyes: "But he said if I dared to tell anyone, he would destroy everything. He would retaliate against me and my father."

Kate held her hand, her voice firm and gentle: "Listen to me, Martha. You've been very brave, and now you're not facing this alone. Lynn and I will do everything we can to protect you and your father. You don't need to be afraid anymore."

Martha's tears finally flowed, but she nodded, as if finding a little strength in Kate's support. Kate took out her business card and handed it to Martha: "This is my number. Whenever you need help, you can find me. You can also contact Lynn anytime, we'll both be here."

Lynn waited outside for over an hour until Kate came out and nodded to him: "She's willing to cooperate, but we need to speed up. John is not only a control freak, he also has clear violent tendencies. If we don't act quickly, she might suffer greater harm."

Lynn nodded, his eyes resolute: "We won't let her continue to be harmed. Kate, thank you."

"Don't thank me." Kate smiled, "It's what should be done. And, you should thank Martha, she's the bravest one."

The next day, Martha sat on the living room sofa in her home, her hands trembling slightly, but she tried to remain calm. She wore a long-sleeved shirt, with an inconspicuous miniature camera clipped to her collar. Lynn and Mark observed her every move in real-time through remote monitoring.

John opened the door and walked in, carrying his briefcase. He frowned slightly when he saw Marthasitting on the sofa: "Why isn't dinner ready today? Are you wasting time daydreaming again?"

Martha took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm: "John, we need to talk."

John casually tossed his briefcase onto the table, sat opposite her, and gave a cold smile: "Talk about what? Are you going to complain about some boring triviality again?"

Martha looked up, meeting his gaze directly, trying not to avert her eyes: "I want a divorce."

This statement made John freeze for a moment, then his face darkened. He whispered, "Divorce? Are you joking, Martha."

"I'm not joking." Martha's voice remained calm, but her hands were tightly gripping the armrest of the sofa. "I've had enough of your control and violence. I want to live my own life."

John narrowed his eyes, a dangerous smile playing on his lips: "Martha, you're really interesting. You think you can leave me? I think you've forgotten that everything you have comes from this home. Where will you go without me?"

Chapter 245 The Best Way at the Moment

Martha's heart pounded, but she forced herself to remain calm: "I've made up my mind. I've endured for years, but now, I'm making decisions for myself."

John's smile vanished instantly, his voice becoming deep and dangerous: "For yourself? You know, Martha, you're not smart at all. You want a divorce just to leave me? Don't be naive. Do you really not know why I married you?"

Martha nervously asked: "Then why?"

John sneered, his tone full of contempt: "Of course, it was for your family's money. Your father, that old man, saved a lifetime of savings, and I've known that for a long time. He cares about you the most, and I married you to slowly get that money. Now you're talking about divorce with me? Don't be ridiculous."

Martha's fingers gripped the armrest tightly, tears welling in her eyes, but she didn't back down: "John, a person like you doesn't deserve happiness. You ruined me, but you won't continue to ruin my life."

John suddenly stood up, his tone becoming aggressive: "If you dare to divorce me, I'll make you lose everything! Do you think you can survive without me?"

Martha tried to suppress her trembling voice, slowly standing up: "No, you're wrong. I can truly live only when I leave you."

John was about to continue his threats, but at that moment, there was a sudden rapid knock on the door. When the door opened, Lynn and Mark walked in with two law enforcement officers. When John saw Lynn, the gloom on his face was instantly replaced by anger and panic: "What are you doing here?"

Lynn looked at him coldly, his voice devoid of emotion: "We're here to see the true face of a control freak."

As he spoke, he held up the surveillance device in his hand, and the screen clearly replayed their earlier conversation, capturing the moment John incriminated himself by admitting his greed for Martha's family fortune.

John's face turned pale, and he pointed at Martha in a panic: "You... you actually dared!"

Lynn stepped forward, his tone stern: "She dared, and you, you have nowhere left to go. John Reynolds, you are suspected of multiple domestic violence and financial fraud charges. We are formally arresting you now."

The law enforcement officers quickly stepped forward, restrained John, who was still trying to struggle, and handcuffed him. John roared: "You can't do this! This is my home, she's my wife!"

Lynn walked to Martha's side and asked softly: "Are you alright?"

Martha nodded, tears sparkling in her eyes, but more than that, there was a sense of relief: "Thank you, Lynn. Thank you all."

Lynn smiled slightly and patted her shoulder: "You did it yourself. You are a brave person. Now, you are finally free."

After John was taken away, Martha collapsed onto the sofa, tears finally streaming down her face, but a smile of relief was on her face. Lynn sat beside her, handed her a glass of Water, and said gently: "From now on, everything will be alright."

When everything settled down and John was taken away by the Police, Lynn sat beside Martha, watching her emotions gradually calm down. He whispered: "Martha, you were very brave today. But there's one person you should thank the most."

Martha looked up, with a question in her eyes: "Who?"

Lynn smiled slightly: "Your father, Howard. He was the first person to seek help from us, and he has always been worried about you and working hard. I know you've been through a lot these past few years, but he never gave up on you."

Martha's eyes moistened, and she whispered: "I know he did a lot for me, but... I never properly thanked him. I always thought I wasn't worth it."

Lynn shook his head: "You are worth it, Martha. Your father knows you are worth it, so he did everything he could to protect you."

Martha was silent for a moment, then nodded: "I want to see him."

Lynn stood up and extended his hand: "Then let's go now. He must be eager to know you're safe."

The two drove to Howard's watch shop. In the night, the small shop's orange-yellow light seemed particularly warm. When Lynn pushed the door open, Howard was engrossed in polishing a watch. He looked up and saw Lynn and Martha, his eyes instantly filled with surprise and concern.

"Martha!" Howard put down his tools and walked quickly over, tightly grasping his daughter's hand, "Are you alright? Did he do anything to you?"

Martha's tears instantly welled up, and she threw herself into her father's arms, sobbing: "Dad, I'm sorry... I've made you worry all these years, I'm sorry..."

Howard gently patted her back, his voice soft and firm: "Silly child, there's nothing to be sorry for. You're safe now, and that's enough."

Lynn stood by, quietly watching the scene, a warmth spreading through his heart. After their emotions had calmed down a bit, he stepped forward and said: "Mr. Howard, we really have to thank you this time. If you hadn't sought our help, things wouldn't have turned out this way."

Howard smiled and shook his head: "No, I should thank you. Without your help, I don't know what I would have done."

Lynn smiled, then changed the subject: "However, since everything is resolved, shouldn't you fulfill your promise?"

Howard paused, then realized, and with a smile, turned and walked behind the counter, took out an exquisite small box, and handed it to Lynn: "Of course, this is a custom-made watch for your father. I've already engraved your family's names on it, I hope he likes it."

Lynn opened the box. Inside was an exquisite mechanical watch, with "George Stacy" and the names "Lynn" and "Gwen" engraved on the dial, simple yet meaningful. He examined it carefully and nodded with satisfaction: "Thank you, Mr. Howard. This is not just a gift, but a legacy."

Howard smiled and said: "I hope your father likes it, and I hope your family is always happy."

Lynn solemnly shook Howard's hand, then turned to Martha: "Martha, there's still a lot to deal with next, such as legal divorce procedures and psychological recovery. But I believe, with your father's support, you will definitely be able to start anew."

Martha nodded, a hint of determination in her eyes: "I will try my best, thank you, Lynn."

Lynn nodded and left. Outside the shop, he looked up at the night sky. Although he had experienced many twists and turns today, seeing Martha finally escape her predicament, he felt a long-lost sense of satisfaction.

He put the box in his arms, thinking about the meaning of the watch, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Three days later, the living room of the Stacy family was filled with a warm atmosphere. George sat on the sofa, wearing a comfortable sweater, holding a cup of hot tea, with a contented smile on his face. Gwen and Lynn were busy decorating the living room, hanging decorations and discussing in low voices.

"Brother, that banner is crooked!" Gwen said with a smile, pointing at the birthday banner Lynn had just hung.

"You come and hang it yourself!" Lynn complained playfully, but still carefully adjusted the banner's position.

The dining table was laden with George's favorite dishes. Gwen had specially prepared a large cake, with "Happy Birthday, Best Dad" written on it.

At seven in the evening, the simple and warm birthday party officially began. Gwen, with a smile, picked up a glass of juice and said: "Dad, today is your big day. My brother and I have a surprise, you're going to love it!"

George smiled and put down his teacup, looking at his children, his face full of loving affection: "Having you two with me, that's already my biggest surprise."

"Don't rush, the gift hasn't arrived yet!" Gwen turned and picked up an exquisite box, handing it to George: "Dad, this is my gift!"

George opened the box and found a thick photo album inside. He opened it to see it filled with photos of him and his children, from taking Lynn to the park when he was little, to Gwen's first stage performance. Every page was filled with memories.

"I made this myself," Gwen said proudly. "I hope you like it!"

George's eyes moistened. He flipped through each page, his fingers gently tracing the smiling faces in the photos: "Gwen, this is truly wonderful. This is the most meaningful gift I've ever received, thank you."

Gwen happily hugged George: "As long as you like it!"

When it was Lynn's turn, he took out the exquisite box from his arms and handed it to George: "Dad, Kate and I chose this together, I hope you like it."

George took the box, and upon opening it, he saw the custom-made watch, a look of surprise in his eyes. He picked up the watch, carefully looking at the names engraved on the dial, his voice a little choked: "Lynn, this... this is so thoughtful."

"Time has always been important to you," Lynn said with a smile. "This watch is not just to remind you to cherish time, but also to hope you know that no matter how time goes, we will always be by your side."

George looked deeply at Lynn, raised his hand and patted his shoulder: "Thank you, son. This watch, I will cherish forever."

The family sat around the dining table. George was so touched by his children's thoughtfulness that he spoke little, but his smile said it all. The birthday cake was lit, and the candlelight illuminated their faces. Gwen led the birthday song, Lynn followed, and George closed his eyes, made a wish, and then blew out the candles.

"Dad, what did you wish for?" Gwen asked curiously.

George smiled and shook his head: "A wish isn't meant to be spoken, but to be guarded with your heart. However, my wish is very simple: I just hope our family is always this happy."

Lynn and Gwen both smiled. They knew in their hearts that this was not only George's wish but also their shared expectation.

The next day, as Lynn stepped into his office, his assistant Mark anxiously greeted him.

"Detective, we have a problem," Mark said, flipping through a report in his hand. "This morning, outside the Stark Metal Factory in the East District, a group of workers organized a strike protest over wages and working conditions. The situation was initially stable, but one of the Mutants lost control in an emotional outburst and used his ability to destroy the nearby railway tracks."

Lynn frowned, taking off his coat and hanging it on the back of his chair: "How serious is the damage? Any casualties?"

"Fortunately, no train was passing by, but the tracks are completely twisted, causing widespread traffic disruption," Mark handed over a document. "The city government has already requested our intervention to apprehend that Mutant and control the situation."

Lynn quickly scanned the document, which contained a brief report of the incident and the Mutant's basic information. It was a middle-aged male named LucasGriffin, who possessed the ability to manipulate metal. He had worked at the factory for many years but was dissatisfied due to long-term low wages and an unsafe working environment.

"Where is Lucas now?" Lynn asked, looking up.

"Reportedly, he and other workers are still gathered near the factory, and their emotions are very unstable," Markreplied. "But the surrounding Police officers dare not approach rashly, fearing they might provoke him to use his ability again."

Lynn sighed and put down the document: "It seems this is not just a matter of arrest, but also an appeasement of the collective emotions of the workers. The involvement of the Mutant complicates things further, but we cannot let the situation get out of control."

Mark nodded: "Do you need backup?"

"Not yet, let's get a clear understanding of the situation first." Lynn put on his coat, his voice calm and firm, "Let's go, let's check out the scene."

When Lynn and Mark arrived near the factory, the area was already cordoned off with Police tape. Dozens of protesting workers stood in the middle of the street, holding up banners and shouting slogans with high spirits. Police patrol cars were parked nearby, and several Police officers were trying to maintain order, but clearly struggling.

After Lynn got out of the car, his gaze quickly swept over the crowd, and he spotted a burly man standing in the center of the crowd. His palm was lightly clenched, and a nearby metal rod was subtly deforming.

"That's Lucas," Mark whispered, reminding him.

Lynn nodded and walked towards the officer inside the Police tape: "I'm FBI Detective Lynn Stacy. What's the situation now?"

A sweating officer replied: "Detective, that Mutant, LucasGriffin, is very agitated. We tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen at all, and he threatened that if we forced our way closer, he would make all the nearby metal go out of control."

Lynn glanced at the surrounding factory equipment and railway tracks, realizing the situation was more complex than he had imagined. If Lucas's ability were truly unleashed, the consequences could be extremely severe.

"I'll go talk to him," Lynn said in a deep voice.

"Detective, that's too dangerous!" Mark couldn't help but advise.

"He's losing control because of emotional issues. If we use strong-arm tactics, it will only make things worse," Lynn said firmly. "Trust me, this is the best approach right now."

Lynn slowly walked towards the crowd, raising his hands to show he had no hostile intent. His voice was low and steady: "Lucas, I'm FBI Detective Lynn Stacy. I'm not here to hurt you, I just want to talk to you."

Lucas turned his head and saw Lynn, a flicker of vigilance in his eyes. His finger moved slightly, and the nearby metal rod vibrated faintly.

"Don't come closer!" Lucas's voice was hoarse and angry. "You people, you only know how to exploit us! We just want fair treatment, but you send people to arrest me!"

Chapter 246: Plan to Run Away with the Money

"No one is trying to catch you, at least not right now." Detective Lynn stopped a few steps away, his voice still calm. "I heard about what happened to you; your anger is justified. But your act of damaging the railway tracks has caused even more problems. If you are willing to talk to me, we can solve the problem together instead of creating new trouble."

Lucas hesitated for a moment, but he quickly shook his head: "You won't help us! You only help the bosses who exploit us!"

"Then let me prove you wrong." Detective Lynn looked directly at Lucas, his tone sincere. "Give me a chance, tell me what you need, and I will do my best to help you. Because in this country, whether it's an ordinary person or a Mutant, everyone has the right to fairness."

The surrounding crowd quieted down, Lucas's fingers gradually relaxed, and the metal rod stopped trembling. His expression was complex, and he finally whispered, "Okay, but if you lie to me, I will never trust anyone again."

Detective Lynn nodded: "You can trust me."

Lucas slowly walked out of the crowd, and Detective Lynn took him aside to continue their conversation.

Lucas's hand finally dropped, and the tense atmosphere in the air eased slightly. Detective Lynn motioned for Mark to have the surrounding Police step back a little, giving them some space. Lucas leaned against a lamppost, took a deep breath, and whispered, "I know damaging the railway tracks was wrong, but I really had no choice. We've worked in the factory for over ten years; our wages are always delayed, and the environment is so bad it's suffocating. Every time we make demands, the boss just gives us various excuses."

Detective Lynn nodded, listening patiently without interrupting. He knew that Lucas needed an outlet to vent, not criticism, at this moment.

"They treat us like tools." Lucas's voice gradually deepened. "Especially me, a Mutant. They know I can manipulate metal, so they make me do dangerous work, saying I should be faster and do more than others, but my wages have never been paid. When we strike, they hire people to threaten us, and even have the Police stand on their side. I really don't know what else to do."

Detective Lynn's gaze grew heavier; he knew Lucas's anger was not without reason. The factory boss's actions had clearly crossed the line, but this did not excuse the act of damaging the railway tracks. He slowly spoke, his tone steady but with a hint of firmness: "Lucas, I understand your anger and sympathize with what you've been through. But you need to understand that damaging public facilities is illegal, and no matter how righteous your intentions, such actions will lead to serious consequences."

Lucas lowered his head and was silent for a moment, then softly said, "I know I was wrong. But can you understand why I did it? I'm not a bad person; I was just pushed to the brink."

"I understand." Detective Lynn's voice remained gentle but carried an undeniable strength. "But understanding doesn't mean you can escape responsibility. The law needs to be obeyed, and your actions must come at a price."

Lucas gave a bitter smile, looking up at Detective Lynn: "So, you're going to arrest me, aren't you?"

Detective Lynn nodded: "Yes. But at the same time, I also promise to investigate your situation thoroughly. If you and the other workers have truly been treated unfairly, I will help you fight for your rightful interests. You must be responsible for your mistakes, but that doesn't mean you need to endure unjust treatment."

A complex emotion flashed in Lucas's eyes. He was silent for a while, then finally took a deep breath and nodded: "Okay. I am willing to accept judgment, but you must promise me to expose the factory boss's unspeakable deeds and help us get back our wages."

"I promise you." Detective Lynn extended his hand, looking at Lucas with a firm gaze. "This is a fair deal. You cooperate with the law, and we help you get justice."

Lucas hesitated for a moment, then finally shook Detective Lynn's hand. His expression was still tired, but there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Detective Lynn turned to Mark and whispered, "Notify the Police station and tell them to be ready to receive Lucas. But remember, do not use excessive force; he is already willing to cooperate."

Mark nodded and quickly began contacting the Policedepartment. Detective Lynn continued to stand beside Lucas, and as the Police approached, he quietly said, "Lucas, remember this choice today. You've not only gained an opportunity for yourself but also set a good example for the other workers."

Lucas nodded and silently followed the Police away.

Not long after.

Mark met Detective Lynn at the Police station entrance, holding a document, his expression somewhat helpless.

"Detective, there's a problem." Mark said, handing over the document. "The compensation amount for the damaged railway tracks has been assessed; the repair cost is about one hundred thousand U.S. dollars. According to regulations, this fee needs to be borne by Lucas. He agreed to accept legal judgment, but he probably won't be able to pay this money in his lifetime."

Detective Lynn took the document, glanced at the amount, and frowned deeply. He knew that this was an almost impossible sum for Lucas to pay. Although Lucasdid need to be responsible for his actions, burdening him with such a heavy financial load would only make things more difficult.

"One hundred thousand U.S. dollars?" Detective Lynnrepeated in a low voice, then pondered for a moment, saying firmly, "I'll pay it for him."

Mark was stunned, clearly not expecting Detective Lynnto propose such a solution: "Detective, are you sure? This is not a small sum."

"I'm very sure." Detective Lynn's voice was calm and firm. "While Lucas's actions were wrong, he lost control due to anger and despair. His intention was not to cause harm, but to fight for fairness. If we let him bear this debt, he will never have a chance to start over."

Mark was silent for a while, then nodded: "I understand what you mean, but you know, this money might not be understood by anyone, and some might even question whether what you're doing is reasonable."

Detective Lynn smiled, a hint of helplessness in his voice: "Whether it's reasonable or not isn't important; what's important is that I hope Lucas can have a chance to turn this page. If we always push people into deeper difficulties, then what's the difference between us and those bosses who exploit him?"

Mark sighed slightly, finally no longer objecting: "Alright, I support your decision. I just hope Lucas realizes that his future was fought for by you."

Detective Lynn nodded, then signed a check and handed it to Mark: "Give this money to the relevant departments and ensure that the repair work can begin as soon as possible. I will personally tell Lucas about this."

Soon after, Detective Lynn arrived at the detention room. Lucas sat on a chair, looking down at his hands. His expression seemed tired and lost, clearly still feeling the pressure of the upcoming trial.

"Lucas." Detective Lynn walked into the detention room, his voice gently breaking the silence.

Lucas looked up. When he saw Detective Lynn, a complex expression appeared on his face: "Detective, I know I was wrong. If it's about the compensation, I can only tell you that I really can't afford it."

Detective Lynn pulled up a chair and sat opposite him: "I know you can't afford this money. So, I paid it for you."

Lucas was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief: "What? You… why would you help me?"

"Because I believe you are not a bad person." Detective Lynn looked directly at him, without any reproach in his tone. "You have your anger, and you have your reasons, but you need to understand that changing society doesn't require destruction, but effort and cooperation. I'm helping you because I hope you can learn how to fight for justice in the right way."

Lucas was silent for a long time, tears gradually welling up in his eyes: "Detective, I don't know what to say. I will never be able to repay this kindness in my lifetime."

"You don't need to repay me anything." Detective Lynnsmiled. "What you need to do is fight for more rights for your fellow workers and make their voices heard. That is the greatest return you can give."

Lucas nodded, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes: "I understand. I will remember your words and do my best to turn my mistakes into a lesson."

Detective Lynn stood up and patted his shoulder: "Good, then from now on, work hard for yourself and for your future."

As Detective Lynn walked out of the detention room, his mood lightened slightly.

The next morning, Detective Lynn straightened his suit and stepped into the cold, Stark office building of StarkMetal Factory. He had mentally prepared himself for this meeting, knowing he was facing a shrewd factory boss adept at exploiting legal loopholes—Eric Stark, a man who had long walked the edge of the rules but never truly crossed the legal bottom line.

When Detective Lynn pushed open the door to the boss's office, Eric was on the phone behind a large desk. Seeing Detective Lynn, he casually waved his hand, signaling him to wait a moment. Detective Lynn calmly sat down in a chair, quietly observing the man.

Eric Stark wore a well-tailored suit, a confident smile on his face, and his slick demeanor made it difficult to detect any hint of guilt. After hanging up the phone, he stood up and extended his hand to Detective Lynn: "Detective Lynn, what brings you here today? How can I help you?"

Detective Lynn shook his hand, his gaze calm and unyielding: "Mr. Stark, I'm here today to discuss the issue of your factory employees' wages."

Eric raised an eyebrow, revealing an indifferent smile: "Wage issues? Detective, I don't quite understand what you mean. Our factory has always operated legally, and wages have never been delayed. Perhaps some workers are exaggerating the problem."

Detective Lynn smiled slightly, his tone calm: "I've just reviewed some accounts, and it seems that's not the case. Your factory has delayed wages for at least three groups of employees over the past two years, especially overtime wages, and some have complained about poor working conditions. These issues are not unfounded."

The smile on Eric's face stiffened for a moment but quickly returned to normal: "Detective, this might be a misunderstanding. We do have some accounts that were processed a bit slowly, but it was all due to procedural issues, not malicious delays."

Detective Lynn snorted, leaning back in his chair, a hint of coldness in his voice: "Procedural issues? Mr. Stark, these 'procedural issues' have angered your employees to the point of striking, and even nearly caused a serious accident. Do you really think this is a simple misunderstanding?"

A flicker of unease crossed Eric's eyes, but he still forced himself to remain calm: "Detective, you should know that running a company is not an easy task. We need to find a balance between efficiency and cost. If you think there's a problem, I'm willing to cooperate with the investigation."

Detective Lynn's gaze sharpened: "Mr. Stark, this isn't a question of whether you're willing to cooperate, but whether you're willing to solve the problem. I'm here today to give you a chance. Pay the delayed wages and improve working conditions. This is not only respect for your employees but also respect for the law."

Eric's smile completely vanished. He was silent for a moment, then said coldly, "Detective, you know your demands are unreasonable, don't you? My business needs to be profitable; I can't just agree to such terms."

Detective Lynn stood up, his voice low and full of deterrence: "Mr. Stark, if you continue to ignore these issues, I will ensure that all accounts are thoroughly audited, and I will make your actions public. You can imagine how much impact this will have on your company's image and future operations."

Eric's fingers lightly tapped the desk. His gaze shifted from defiance to hesitation, and he finally sighed: "Detective, you're a difficult man. I can pay the delayed wages, and I can consider improving conditions, but I need to ensure that the factory's interests are not completely eroded."

Detective Lynn nodded: "This is a start. My goal is not to shut down your factory, but to ensure your employees can work with dignity. If you are willing to truly change, you will find that this is also beneficial for your company's long-term development."

Eric was silent for a moment, then finally nodded reluctantly: "Okay, I will arrange for the finance department to calculate the wage issues as soon as possible, and the plan for improving conditions will also be submitted to the relevant departments."

Detective Lynn stood up, his gaze calm and firm: "I hope you will keep your word, Mr. Stark. Otherwise, the next time we meet, it might not be as simple as a conversation."

Eric said with a forced smile, "Of course, Detective. I will comply."

After Detective Lynn left the office, he took a deep breath. He knew this was just the first step, but at least the workers' rights finally had a starting point. He took out his phone and dialed Mark's number: "Mark, notify the worker representatives that their wage issues will be resolved soon. But we need to continue to monitor Stark to ensure he doesn't play any more tricks." Mark on the other end of the phone acknowledged. Detective Lynn hung up, silently vowing not to let such injustice continue under his watch.

One evening, Detective Lynn was about to finish his day's work when Mark rushed into his office, his face grave.

"Detective, I found something." Mark said, handing a printed bank transaction record to Detective Lynn. "This is Stark Company's account activity; recently, they had an unusually large transfer of five million U.S. dollars to an overseas account. The timing is too suspicious; I suspect he might be planning to abscond with the funds."

Detective Lynn took the document, quickly scanned it, and frowned deeply. He took a deep breath, his voice low but with a hint of anger: "This guy, he just agreed to solve the employees' problems, and now he wants to just run away so cleanly?"

Chapter 247 Wonderful Report

Mark nodded: "From the flow of this money, it's very likely he's already paving the way for his departure. If we don't act quickly, once he transfers all his funds overseas, we'll never be able to recover them."

Lynn put down the document, quickly picked up the phone, and dialed the contact person at the Treasury Department: "This is FBI Detective Lynn Stacy. We've discovered a major economic anomaly involving a company; please immediately initiate an account freeze procedure. The target is Stark Metal Factory's company account. This is an emergency, involving a large amount of capital flight."

The person on the other end of the phone quickly responded: "Received, Detective, we will handle it immediately."

After hanging up, Lynn dialed another line, contacting the team responsible for monitoring financial crimes, explaining Stark's situation in detail, and requesting further tracking of the fund flow.

Mark said from the side: "Detective, we also need to consider that Stark may have arranged other means. If we only freeze the account, he might use other methods to take the money away."

Lynn nodded, his gaze sharp: "You're right, we can't just rely on account freezes. I'll contact border and airport law enforcement to ensure he can't escape through other channels."

Subsequently, Lynn contacted the Border Control Center and the security chiefs of major airports, listing Stark as a key person of interest, and sharing his recent activity information and related materials.

A few hours later, news came from the Treasury Department that Stark's company account had been successfully frozen, and five million U.S. dollars were intercepted in the account, unable to be transferred out. At the same time, the financial team tracked that this fund was originally intended to flow to an offshore company in the Caribbean through a complex money laundering network.

Upon receiving the news, Lynn quickly dispatched a team to Stark's company office. He personally went with Markto ensure there were no oversights. When they arrived, Stark had clearly gotten wind of it and was hastily organizing documents.

"Mr. Stark." Lynn walked into the office, his gaze as sharp as a knife. "You seem very busy."

Stark's hand trembled slightly, but he quickly hid his panic, saying with a forced smile: "Detective, may I ask what brings you here?"

"I think you know." Lynn's tone was cold. "Your attempt to transfer five million U.S. dollars to an overseas account constitutes a serious economic crime."

Stark's face completely changed, and his voice trembled: "I... I was just for the flexible turnover of company funds! This is a misunderstanding!"

Lynn sneered: "Flexible turnover? Funds directly flowing to an offshore company are clearly meant to evade supervision. If you want to explain, you can do so slowly in court."

Immediately, Lynn motioned for the law enforcement officers behind him to step forward and arrest Stark. His office was quickly searched, and all documents and equipment possibly related to the fund flow were seized on the spot.

As he left, Lynn turned to look at the man who had once been so high and mighty, now disheveled as he was escorted to the police car.

Lynn stood in the Treasury Department's conference room, documents spread out on the table, with several colleagues and financial investigators waiting for his decision. The five million U.S. dollars frozen in Stark's company account was the most important fund in the case, and Lynn knew that this money would determine the outcome of this struggle.

"These funds cannot simply be deposited into government accounts as frozen assets," Lynn said calmly, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "They came from Stark's company operations, and this money actually belongs to those exploited, underpaid employees. Their rights must be prioritized."

A Treasury official frowned: "Detective, you know this requires judicial procedures to be processed. While I agree with you, we need time."

"Time?" Lynn's tone was low and firm. "Those employees have been owed wages for two years; they don't have more time to wait. If judicial procedures hinder the realization of justice, then we must find another legal and fast way."

After several hours of discussion and coordination, Lynnfinally obtained special permission from his superiors, allowing him to use part of the frozen funds from Stark's company, as a special project, to prioritize the payment of overdue wages to employees. Lynn personally participated in the fund distribution plan, working with the Treasury Department to verify the payroll, ensuring that every worker received their due compensation.

The next day, a temporary payment window was set up outside the factory, and Lynn and representatives from the Treasury Department came to the scene together. One by one, workers came forward, with doubt and unease, and received their paychecks.

"Is this real?" an old worker with gray hair looked at the check in his hand, his eyes full of disbelief. "Is this really all my wages from the past year and a half?"

Lynn stood by, smiling slightly: "Yes, it's real. Your efforts should not be overlooked; this money rightfully belongs to you."

Some workers, holding their checks, were so excited they almost shed tears. They spontaneously began to applaud, and more people gathered around, creating a touching atmosphere. Some workers even came forward and patted Lynn on the shoulder, thanking him for everything he had done.

"Detective, you are our true friend!" a young worker said excitedly. "If it weren't for you, we would never have gotten this money in our lives."

Lynn just smiled faintly: "I just did what I should do. In this struggle, it was your courage that showed me the problem, and we just helped you achieve the justice you deserve."

At the same time, Kate, standing some distance away from the crowd, held a voice recorder and notebook, documenting the entire event. She had already learned the full details of the case from Lynn, and this scene today was precisely what she most wanted to capture. The workers' emotion, Lynn's persistence, and Stark's ultimate failure would all become stories in her writing.

When all the workers had received their wages, Kate came forward, her eyes sparkling with admiration and respect: "Lynn, you know this will become an explosive news story, right?"

"I guessed as much." Lynn chuckled as he looked at her. "But I hope you can, in your own way, truly explain the meaning of this. This isn't about me, it's not about Stark, but about those ordinary people, their perseverance, their justice."

Kate nodded: "Don't worry, I will."

A few days later, Kate's report was published on the city's largest news platform. The title was "The Price of Justice: How an FBI Detective Helped Workers Recover Exploited Wages." The article detailed how Stark had used complex methods to withhold workers' wages, how he tried to transfer funds and escape, and how Lynn and his team discovered and stopped it all. Kate also specifically interviewed several workers, using their real voices to tell how their lives had restarted because of these wages.

As soon as the report was released, it attracted widespread public attention.

Lynn pushed open the restaurant door. Kate was already sitting by the window, drinking coffee and looking down at her notebook. Hearing footsteps, she looked up, a smile on her face: "Lynn, five minutes late, that's not your style."

"Don't even mention it," Lynn said helplessly, sitting down and draping his coat over the chair back. "I just came from the police station; my phone almost exploded today."

Kate raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence: "Oh? What happened?"

Lynn gave her a wry smile: "How dare you ask? After your report went viral, everyone at the police station teased me with that article. 'Detective of Justice,' 'Hero of the Working Class,' some even said I should get an award."

Kate couldn't help but laugh, putting down her notebook: "I just wrote the facts, that's all. What, does the hero Detective not like being praised?"

Lynn sighed, picked up the Water the waiter had just brought, and took a sip: "I like praise, but you wrote me too gloriously. The public might think I'm a perfect person, but I know I just did my duty. You've put me on such a high pedestal; if I ever make a mistake, with so many people watching me, falling would be terrible."

Kate grinned, winking: "Then don't fall. Maintain your standards, continue to be the embodiment of justice, isn't that your strong suit?"

Lynn put down his Water glass, shaking his head helplessly: "I'm really done with you. Do you know how much attention that report attracted? Today, there were even reporters waiting outside the police station wanting to interview me, as if I were some idol star."

"That means you did well," Kate said unapologetically. "The public needs a role model, not bureaucrats who hide in their offices giving orders. You showed what a true law enforcement officer should do—help ordinary people fight for what they deserve through practical action."

Lynn looked at Kate, sighing, but with a hint of subtle gratitude in his eyes: "You say that nicely. But I don't want to be a role model; I just want to quietly do my job, away from the spotlight."

Kate smiled slightly, her tone softening: "Lynn, you might not care, but for those workers, your actions changed their lives. You not only recovered their wages but also gave them hope. No matter what you think, this matter is meaningful, and your name is linked to that meaning."

Lynn was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, Kate, you win. I admit, this outcome does give me some satisfaction, even if the process was quite tiring."

Kate smiled and raised her coffee cup: "That's right, come on, let's celebrate our 'Detective of Justice.'"

Lynn rolled his eyes, but still raised his Water glass and gently clinked it against hers. They exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere relaxed.

"But seriously," Lynn put down his cup, a hint of teasing in his tone, "next time you write a report about me, can you be a bit more low-key? Don't make the whole city recognize me."

Kate tilted her head, a mischievous grin on her face: "Low-key? Are you saying 'the unsung hero Detective'? That sounds pretty good too."

Lynn helplessly rubbed his forehead: "Forget it, I shouldn't have brought this up with you."

Kate burst out laughing, a hint of cunning in her eyes: "Lynn, don't be too modest. You're more suited to be recognized than you think. The public needs to see someone doing the right thing, and you are that person."

Lynn said nothing more, just shook his head, a faint smile involuntarily appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Kate stirred her coffee, then suddenly spoke in a light tone: "Oh, by the way, Lynn, I was recently looking through our newspaper's old archives and found something interesting—that Hunters Cabin in the East Suburb Forest, have you heard of it?"

Lynn looked up, his brow slightly furrowed: "Hunters Cabin? Are you talking about that place rumored to be 'haunted'? It was a few years ago, I actually did hear about it."

A flicker of excitement crossed Kate's eyes: "Yes, that's the one! Legend has it that an old hunter mysteriously disappeared in the cabin there, and later people in the forest said they'd hear strange noises late at night, and some even saw Shadows moving in the windows. The archives mentioned that the police investigated at the time, but it eventually went nowhere."

Lynn put down his coffee cup, his expression visibly more alert: "I don't remember much about that case, but what I can say for sure is that it's not as simple as 'haunted.' It could be human causes, or other circumstances, but definitely not some supernatural event."

Kate leaned back in her chair, smiling: "I don't care if it's supernatural or not, I just find it a bit interesting. You see, readers like this kind of thing, and if I could go see it myself, maybe I could write a great report!"

Lynn's eyes darkened, his tone becoming serious: "Kate, that's not a place for you to just go exploring. That forest itself has complex terrain, and if something goes wrong, rescue would be very difficult. Besides, if there's really danger, what will you do if you go alone?"

Kate waved her hand, looking nonchalant: "Don't be so nervous, I'm not brainless. I'll go during the day, bring equipment and a map, it'll definitely be fine. Besides, if there's really danger, can't I just run away?"

Lynn sighed, a hint of helplessness in his tone: "Kate, you're always too confident in your adventurous spirit. You know, not all dangers can be foreseen, especially in a place like that. Even if there are no 'ghosts,' someone might be using that place for something illicit."

Kate stared at Lynn, a cunning smile in her eyes: "So, are you worried about me, or do you think I can't handle it?"

Lynn looked at her helplessly: "Both. I don't deny you're smart, and I don't deny you're brave, but intelligence and courage can't replace safety. I advise you not to touch this, at least, don't go alone."

Kate picked up her coffee cup, took a sip, her eyes gleaming with determination: "Alright, I promise you, I won't go alone. But if I find valuable clues, you have to investigate with me."

Lynn raised a hand to rub his temple, letting out a long sigh: "Kate, you're always like this. Every time I talk to you, I feel like I get a few more White hairs."

Chapter 248 provides some clues

Kate burst out laughing, saying lightheartedly, "Don't worry, Lynn. I'll be careful. Besides, with you, the 'Righteous Detective', what can't be handled?"

Lynn shook his head, a helpless smile on his face, but he had secretly decided that if Kate truly insisted on going, he must personally accompany her to ensure she wouldn't cause trouble.

The next morning, as soon as Lynn arrived at the police station, he received a text message from Kate: "Lynn, I'm going to the East Suburb Forest today to take a look. Don't worry, I'll be careful. I'll let you know when I have a lead." The smiling emoji after the message made Lynn's brows furrow instantly.

"This woman simply won't listen to advice," Lynnmuttered under his breath, picking up the phone and dialing Mark's number.

"Detective, what's up?" Mark's voice came from the other end of the line.

"Kate decided to go to the East Suburb Forest herself to investigate the Hunters Cabin," Lynn said, his tone tinged with helplessness and a hint of unease. "I have a case today that I can't get away from. You go for me. Don't let her know you're following her; protect her secretly."

Mark chuckled softly, "Detective, this isn't like you. When did you become so cautious?"

"Cut the nonsense," Lynn said irritably. "Kate isn't an ordinary person. Once she gets interested, she can turn the world upside down. Besides, that place isn't safe to begin with. You must watch her, understand?"

"Understood, understood," Mark readily agreed. "Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on her."

After hanging up the phone, Lynn turned his attention back to the work at hand, but a sense of unease lingered in his heart. He knew Kate's personality; her persistence was sometimes almost reckless, and the East Suburb Forest was far more complex and dangerous than she imagined.

At the same time, Kate was already driving on the road leading to the East Suburb Forest. On her passenger seat lay a detailed map, a small recording device, a bottle of Water, and some snacks. She was in a relaxed mood, even humming a song, full of anticipation for the upcoming adventure.

When Kate arrived at the forest entrance, Mark was already following far behind in a low-key vehicle. He stopped his car, put on his sunglasses, making sure Kate was completely unaware of his presence, and then carefully followed her into the forest.

Kate walked, recording her observations with her phone: "The East Suburb Forest is quieter and more desolate than I imagined. This environment is indeed suitable for the spread of mysterious legends, especially that Hunters Cabin…"

Mark followed her dozens of meters away, maintaining a sufficient distance. He watched Kate glance around, then take photos with her phone, a helpless smile appearing at the corner of his mouth: "What a stubborn woman."

As Kate delved deeper into the forest, the air gradually became damp and cold, and the surrounding trees grew denser. She quickly found the Hunters Cabin marked on the map. It was a dilapidated wooden cabin, most of its windows were broken, and the door was ajar, revealing a dim interior.

Kate stood at the entrance, hesitated for a moment, then took out her phone and began filming: "This place looks like it's been abandoned for a long time… But why would people say it's haunted? Perhaps there will be some clues inside."

She pushed open the door and stepped into the cabin, her footsteps making creaking sounds. A musty smell permeated the interior, and broken furniture and dust were piled in the corners. Kate used her flashlight to look around but found nothing special.

"Is that it?" Kate muttered softly. "It doesn't look like a 'haunted' place at all; it looks more like an abandoned ruin."

Just as she turned to leave, a faint rustling sound came from outside the cabin. Kate instantly became alert, quickly turned off her flashlight, and leaned against the wall, holding her breath.

Mark also noticed the unusual sound at this point. He hid in the bushes next to the cabin, staring in the direction of the sound. There seemed to be a few Shadows moving in the distance, but they were too far away for him to see clearly.

Kate held her breath, gripping her phone tightly, and carefully moved towards the window. Through the broken window, she saw several men in dirty clothes approaching the cabin. They carried toolboxes and didn't look like ordinary tourists.

"Looks like I found something unusual," Kate whispered to herself, taking out her phone and starting to record.

Mark's brows furrowed, and he cursed under his breath, "This woman really causes trouble." He quickly pulled out his walkie-talkie and contacted Lynn: "Detective, Kate might be in a bit of trouble. There are a few people approaching the Hunters Cabin in the forest, and they don't look right."

Lynn received Mark's message, and his brows instantly furrowed. He quickly flipped through the files on his desk, pushed them aside, and stood up, grabbing his jacket: "Tell me the exact location, I'll be right there." His tone was cold and almost unquestionable.

"The area in the East Suburb Forest, west of the center, outside the Hunters Cabin," Mark's voice came through the walkie-talkie. "Those people don't look like ordinary hikers; they look more like… they came with a purpose."

"Protect Kate, don't let her see you. Wait until I arrive before acting." Lynn quickly ended the call and strode out of the office.

At the same time, the atmosphere outside the cabin grew tenser. Kate hid by the window, her gaze fixed on the strangers. Their words and actions seemed very suspicious. One of them was prying open the floor at the back of the cabin with a crowbar, while another was on guard around the area. Kate raised her phone, trying to record the entire scene, but her heart rate uncontrollably accelerated.

"Under the floor… is something hidden?" she muttered softly, her palms sweating from nervousness.

Suddenly, one of the men turned his head and glanced into the cabin. Kate quickly crouched down, hiding her body below the windowsill, holding her breath. Her mind raced—what exactly were these people looking for? Should she risk staying here?

Mark, outside the cabin, also noticed something was wrong. He lowered his voice and spoke into the walkie-talkie: "Detective, they seem to be searching for something, and they've already started damaging the cabin floor. If Kate doesn't retreat soon, she might be exposed."

Lynn's voice came through the walkie-talkie: "Try to hold steady, don't act rashly. I'll be there in ten minutes."

Mark gritted his teeth and continued to lurk in the bushes, but his hand was already gripping the gun at his waist, ready to respond to any sudden situation.

Kate then noticed that the group of people seemed to have pried open the floor. An old wooden board was flipped up, revealing a hidden space beneath. A man squatted down, shining his flashlight into it, and a moment later, he shouted softly, "Found it!"

The other men immediately gathered around. One of them pulled out a metal box from the hidden space; it looked very heavy. Kate's curiosity was instantly ignited. She couldn't help but raise her head and secretly record everything with her phone.

"Hurry up and load it, don't waste time!" one man commanded softly.

However, at that very moment, Kate's phone screen accidentally lit up due to a finger swipe, and a faint light flashed inside the cabin.

"Who's in there?" The men outside immediately became alert and rushed towards the cabin.

Kate's heart tightened, cursing her carelessness. She quickly stood up, looked around for an exit, but the cabin only had one door, which was already blocked. She gritted her teeth, hid her phone in her pocket, grabbed a broken wooden stick, and stood by the wall, ready to resist.

Just as the man pushed open the cabin door, Mark finally couldn't hold back. He stood up from the bushes, drew his gun, and shouted, "FBI, drop what you're holding, hands on your head!"

The men were stunned for a moment but quickly reacted. One of them quickly pulled out a knife, while another threw down the metal box and tried to escape. Mark fired a shot without hesitation; the bullet hit the ground, deterring them.

Kate heard the gunshot, saw Mark through the crack in the door, and instantly understood: "This guy has been following me!" She was both surprised and angry, but mostly relieved.

At this moment, Lynn's car sped to a halt. He jumped out and quickly joined in controlling the situation. He walked towards the men, his voice cold: "Anyone who dares to move again, I guarantee you'll fall here the next second."

Seeing this, the group of men completely lost their courage to resist and obediently squatted down with their hands on their heads. Lynn glanced at the metal box on the ground and asked coldly, "What is this?"

No one answered. Lynn's gaze grew colder: "Won't talk? Very well, we'll talk slowly back at the police station."

Mark quickly stepped forward and cuffed the men. Lynnthen turned to Kate, his tone complex: "Should I be glad you're alright? Or should I give you a good scolding?"

Kate pouted, but there was a hint of gratitude in her eyes: "You knew I'd come here, didn't you? That's why you sent Mark to follow me."

Lynn sighed: "I know that once you've decided on something, no one can stop you. But Kate, this isn't a game; you almost got into serious trouble."

Kate nodded, uncharacteristically not retorting: "Alright, I was too impulsive this time. Thank you, Lynn." Her tone held a degree of sincerity.

Lynn nodded, his gaze returning to the metal box: "However, now we need to figure out what secret this thing holds."

Lynn walked to the metal box and squatted down, examining it carefully. The outside of the box was covered in rust, but from its weight and structure, it was clearly specially designed, seemingly to protect the contents. He put on gloves and carefully opened the box.

The inside of the box was lined with a thick layer of protective cloth, underneath which was a stack of old documents and some strange small objects—a rusty pocket watch, a seemingly ordinary ring carved with intricate patterns, and a few yellowed White and Black photographs.

Kate couldn't help but lean closer, her eyes full of curiosity: "These things… they look like private collections, maybe the hunter's?"

Lynn nodded, but his gaze fell on the documents. After opening one of them, his expression instantly became serious: "These are not ordinary private collections. These documents involve land transactions, and some look like undisclosed contract records."

Mark also leaned over, frowning as he glanced at them: "These contracts seem to be related to this forest? They look like they were signed decades ago, but why would they be hidden here?"

Kate whispered, "Perhaps that's why those people came here. They didn't accidentally find this place; they knew this box contained what they needed."

Lynn put the documents and items back into the box, carefully closed the lid, and stood up, looking at the cuffed suspects. His gaze was cold, and his voice was low: "Now, can you tell me, what is the significance of these things to you? Why did you risk coming here to dig them up?"

The men lowered their heads, clearly unwilling to speak. But Lynn's aura made one of them finally unable to resist. He looked up and said softly, "We were just working for money. Someone hired us to find these things. We don't know exactly what they are, but the other party said these things are worth a lot of money."

Lynn sneered: "Valuable things? They look more like secrets. It's fine if you don't want to talk; I have ways to make you open your mouths."

He motioned for Mark to take the men to the police car, and at the same time arranged for personnel to cordon off the cabin as a crime scene. He turned to Kate, his gaze complex: "Do you understand now? This matter is far more complicated than you imagine; it's not something you can figure out alone."

Kate bit her lip, a hint of unwillingness in her tone: "I know, I was wrong this time. But Lynn, you can't deny that this matter is indeed very important. These documents might involve a larger conspiracy."

Lynn sighed and said slowly, "Kate, you're an excellent journalist, but some things can't be solved by just taking risks. You need to know when to step back and let us handle it."

Kate was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, I'll listen to you. This time, I'll cooperate with you."

Lynn smiled slightly. Although her tone still carried unwillingness, this was the biggest concession he could get from Kate. He patted her shoulder: "Let's go, we'll talk more back at the police station. We need to thoroughly examine these things and see what secrets are hidden behind them."

Back at the police station, Lynn carefully placed the metal box on the evidence table. Several investigators were already prepared, waiting to analyze the documents and items. Kate followed closely behind. Although she was not a member of the police force, she stood firmly to the side, her gaze fixed on the objects on the table, clearly unwilling to miss any detail.

Lynn opened the box, took out the top document, and handed it to Mark: "First, look at the contents of this contract. I suspect it has a direct connection to the ownership of that forest."

Mark took the document, carefully read through it, and said softly, "Detective, you guessed right. This is a land ownership transfer contract. It states that this forest originally belonged to a private estate called the 'Blackwood Family', but later, for some reason, it was sold at a low price to a company."

Kate couldn't help but interject: "Blackwood Family? I've heard that name! Decades ago, they were one of the wealthiest families in this area, but then they suddenly went bankrupt, and almost all their property was auctioned off. I even saw related reports when I was going through old newspaper archives."

Lynn nodded, turning his attention to the other items in the box. He picked up the intricately carved ring and handed it to a forensic expert: "See if there are any inscriptions or special markings on it; maybe it can provide some clues."