Chapter 391

"Chief Pembroke, you must recognize me. Surely we can bend the rules this once?"

Tobias Pembroke's face twisted in discomfort, his fingers tapping nervously against his desk. "Mr. Blackwood, regulations are regulations."

Callum Blackwood hadn't anticipated such resistance from the police chief. His mouth opened to argue when Harrison Whitmore raised a single gloved hand.

Harrison remained perfectly composed, his voice smooth as aged whiskey. "Perhaps we should speak directly with the investigating officer."

Callum's irritation evaporated instantly. "Very well."

The transformation was so abrupt that Tobias nearly dropped his coffee. His curiosity about Harrison's identity burned brighter than ever.

His demeanor shifted noticeably. "Mr. Whitmore, right this way."

The police station's fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as they entered the designated office. A uniformed officer stood waiting, his posture military-straight.

"Mr. Whitmore, Mr. Blackwood, meet Officer James Whitaker," Tobias introduced.

"Officer Whitaker will brief you on the case details." With a crisp salute, Tobias excused himself, closing the door with deliberate quietness.

James leaned forward, elbows on the scratched metal desk. "The chief mentioned you're inquiring about that five-year-old vehicular incident?"

Harrison's gloves creaked as he folded his hands. "Every detail matters to us, Officer. Hold nothing back."

James nodded, pulling a worn file from his drawer. "This case made headlines back then. Two luxury vehicles collided at high speed, fuel lines ruptured... The resulting fireball claimed three lives instantly."

Evelyn Carter's breath hitched. She'd seen Juliette Blackwood twice now - flawless skin, not a single visible scar.

"How is that possible?" Evelyn blurted. "Severe burns leave marks."

James's smile held no humor. "You're referring to Ms. Juliette. Modern reconstructive surgery works miracles these days."

"Reconstructive surgery?" Callum echoed.

"Full facial grafts," James confirmed. "Third-degree burn victims often undergo complete dermal reconstruction. The technology's advanced tremendously."

So Juliette wasn't just wearing someone else's identity - she was wearing someone else's skin.

But surgical alterations couldn't change fundamental truths - mannerisms, subconscious habits, the way someone held a pen.

Harrison's theory gained terrifying credibility. The woman parading as Juliette Blackwood might be an imposter.

Then where was the real Juliette?

"There were two survivors," James continued, flipping a page. "One being Ms. Juliette Blackwood, heiress to Blackwood Industries - the subject of your inquiry."