Chapter 519 Outburst (12) Hope
Cecilia's eyes flickered as she subtly watched Peter's expression.
Peter seemed to get that talking wasn't helping, so he just stopped and said, "Forget it, it's all noble family stuff. We regular folks can't do anything about it."
Cecilia pressed her lips together.
She smiled and said, "You're right. We should just mind our own business and not get involved."
Peter nodded.
Cecilia then switched topics, "I see you're the only one at home. Don't your family live with you?"
"No. My son went abroad for school and stayed there. He got married and had kids. My wife passed away last year, so it's just me now," Peter said, looking a bit sad.
As people got older, they still hoped for family reunions.
"I'm sorry," Cecilia said, looking a bit sad too.
"It's all in the past," Peter said, trying to seem indifferent.
Cecilia didn't ask any more questions.
Knowing a bit about the situation was enough.
She said a few more words and then left with the bottle of olive oil.
Watching Peter close the door, Cecilia turned and headed towards the elevator.
Back in the car, Cecilia said, "We'll come back tomorrow."
"Mrs. Whitaker, did you find anything?"
"It's hard to say right now, but we can dig deeper."
"Alright."
So, the next morning, Cecilia had someone buy the best clam chowder in Harborvale. She filled a big thermos with it and went to Alaric's apartment.
When she got there, she poured the soup from the thermos into a big bowl, making it look like she was just being a friendly neighbor.
She knocked on Peter's door.
Peter saw Cecilia and asked, "Cecilia, is there something you need?"
"Peter, I borrowed some olive oil from you yesterday, so I brought you some clam chowder today to thank you," Cecilia said, putting the big bowl of clam chowder in front of Peter.
Peter felt a bit embarrassed, saying, "It's just a bottle of olive oil, no need to go to the trouble."
"I just happened to make some clam chowder, and it's just me and my husband at home. We can't finish it all, so I thought I'd bring some over," Cecilia explained quickly.
Peter hesitated but then accepted it, saying, "Wait a moment, I'll get a bowl to transfer it."
"It's really hot right now, transferring it might burn you. Just use my bowl, and I'll come back later to get it."
"That works too." Peter nodded.
Cecilia left with a smile.
Back in the car, Cecilia said to Augustus, "Next time I come over, you go and disconnect Peter's internet."
Augustus frowned.
He didn't get it but would follow the instructions.
At 5 PM, Cecilia showed up at Peter's door again.
Peter, looking more familiar with Cecilia than the day before, said, "Cecilia, wait a moment, I'll get your bowl."
"Okay," Cecilia nodded, waiting at the door for a bit.
Peter brought out the bowl, clearly washed and very clean.
As Cecilia was about to leave, Peter suddenly called out, "Cecilia."
Cecilia smiled lightly.
She had planned this with Augustus.
She turned back, asking, "Peter, what's up?"
"My internet suddenly stopped working," Peter said. "I called the repairman, but he said he'll be coming later. I have a video call with my granddaughter soon, and I'm afraid I'll miss it. Can you come in and take a look?"
"Sure," Cecilia agreed without a second thought.
She slipped off her shoes and stepped into Peter's home.
Peter's place was very tidy, which showed he was pretty meticulous and probably well-educated. Not many families in a less developed city like Harborvale could afford to send their kids abroad for studies ten years ago.
Cecilia took a look around as she started working on Peter's internet.
"How's it going? What's the problem?" Peter asked.
"Looks like a wiring issue. Don't worry, Peter, I'll check it out for you," Cecilia said.
"Thank you," Peter said, clearly grateful.
Cecilia smiled.
After about ten minutes, Cecilia sent a message to Augustus, asking him to reconnect the internet.
A few minutes later, the internet was back up.
Peter was visibly delighted. "You're amazing, fixing it so quickly. Last time my TV's wiring broke, it was Alaric from across the hall who helped me fix it."
"It's too bad he ended up committing a crime," Cecilia said casually.
"I don't believe Alaric committed a crime," Peter insisted. "He just made some achievements in Harborvale and got envied."
"Peter, you shouldn't say such things lightly."
"Lightly?" Peter seemed a bit agitated.
But then he remembered how much Cecilia had helped him and saw her as a friend, without the reservations of their first meeting. "Alaric was transferred from Serenovia City to Harborvale and has always been diligent. I've seen him come home at 9 or 10 PM several times, always working late. More importantly, after he came to Harborvale, he did a lot of charity work. He personally sponsored many elementary schools in the surrounding cities of Harborvale. He also pushed for support for poor families here. And the medical insurance that had been delayed for so long in Harborvale was completed within two or three months after he arrived."
"How could such a kind-hearted person commit a crime, let alone embezzle? I heard Alaric's family is very wealthy; why would he embezzle such a small amount?"
Peter got more and more worked up as he spoke.
Cecilia just listened.
She hadn't expected Alaric to have done so much good in Harborvale.
She suddenly thought that if Alaric really came to power, it might be a blessing for the people.
She tried not to think too deeply about it, afraid that she might feel unbearable sorrow.
She said, "It seems he really is a good person."
"Yes, he is. Unfortunately, his achievements were too good," Peter sighed. "I don't know who he offended."
Cecilia also sighed and didn't say much more.
They chatted for a while longer before Cecilia left.
Just as she stepped out the door, Peter suddenly said, "By the way, Cecilia, can you help me reconnect the surveillance cameras? Every time the internet goes down, the cameras stop working. I can't reconnect them myself, and it was always Alaric who helped me."
"Do you have surveillance cameras at home?" Cecilia was surprised.
She always carefully observed every place she went, fearing she might leave behind even the slightest clue. But she really hadn't noticed any cameras in Peter's house.
"Yes, it's at the door," Peter said quickly.
Cecilia's heart suddenly tightened.
There was a surveillance camera at the door?
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