บท 231: Into the Den of Deceit

"Are you in charge of the Count Eplin gambling fraud case?" Abel asked.

"Yes, I took charge," Sears confirmed.

"It seems like you're having trouble verifying it. Would you like to go with me?"

"The investigation is almost finished," Sears replied, his tone shifting to one of reluctant confidence.

"So, did you find the stolen funds?" Abel pressed further.

"...No," Sears admitted, his confidence quickly deflating.

Abel understood his frustration. Fraud cases often left victims suffering, even after the trials concluded. It was a harsh reality of their world, one that neither justice nor conviction could always resolve.

Abel nodded his head, his expression firm.

"Until now, it would have been natural not to be able to find it, but that won't be the case anymore."

Suddenly, a memory from long ago came to mind.

At the same time, a fiery anger rose within him.

'Those vicious mortgage scammers.'