CEO loves me with all his soul.-Chapter 67. Investigation.

Argo adjusted the files under his arm, keeping a steady gaze as he approached the grand gates of the Sebanil estate. The estate’s looming structure, an elegant fusion of old-world grandeur and modern design, held a solemnity that felt as if it were guarding secrets from a bygone era. Jay and Visha, his two trusted subordinates, were silent beside him, and Argo could sense their curiosity building. They hadn’t yet asked why they were starting with the Sebanils, but he knew it was coming.

As if on cue, Visha glanced over at Argo, her expression a mix of intrigue and puzzlement. "Chief, why the Sebanil family first? They’re one of the most powerful families around—any reason they’re getting priority in this investigation?"

Argo paused, meeting her gaze. "It’s not just about their influence, Visha," he began, his voice low and thoughtful. "The Sebanil family has a history unlike any other in this country. During the war, Cain Sebanil’s grandfather, Cain Senior, played a pivotal role. Their family’s resources and power were instrumental in the country’s defense, but that’s not all." He adjusted the file under his arm and continued, his voice serious. "The Sebanils were among the few who actively shut down certain scientific experiments that were... let’s say, morally questionable. Cain’s grandfather saw to it that those labs, which were hidden and conducted horrific research, were obliterated."

Jay’s brows shot up, his voice laced with surprise. "The Sebanil family put a stop to those? I’ve heard rumors about dark experiments from back then, but I thought it was just that—rumors."

Argo shook his head. "No, those labs were very real. The research conducted was on human lives—those children who disappeared from parks, hospitals, and orphanages. Many were never found because they were simply... used up in those horrific experiments. Cain Senior fought against it personally, even while facing off with high-ranking officials who wanted to preserve those labs. He had those facilities dismantled, every last one, but the scars of that era still linger."

Visha looked pensive. "So, that’s why you want to start here? Out of respect for what the family endured during that time?"

Argo nodded. "Exactly. And also because this family suffered terrible losses. The current head, Cain Sebanil, has already lost two sons and has a daughter who’s been in a coma for years. Of all the families affected, they’ve endured the most. If there’s a way to help them, we start with them."

As they arrived, a tall, dignified butler greeted them, his posture straight and respectful as he led them through the vast hallways of the estate. They entered a grand living room, where Cain Sebanil sat with a group of people—his eldest daughter, Diana, his husband Jesper, and his younger son, Yuin.

Jesper was a contrast to Cain’s stoic demeanor; his warm silver eyes glimmered with kindness as he looked up and offered them a gentle smile. Yuin, however, was quiet, watching the new arrivals with a guarded expression. But Diana was the most striking of all. With her long, midnight-black hair and cold, silver eyes that bore a remarkable resemblance to Adrian Hudel, her icy demeanor exuded both poise and authority.

Cain rose from his seat, his gaze intense and unwavering as he greeted Argo and his team. "Chief Argo," he said in a low, resonant voice. "Thank you for coming. I understand this is a matter of importance."

Argo nodded respectfully. "Thank you for meeting with us, Mr. Sebanil. We wanted to address the unfortunate events affecting your family first, given the history and the personal losses you’ve endured."

Cain’s expression softened for a moment, but he gave a curt nod, signaling his agreement. "Very well. Let’s move this discussion to my study." freewēbnoveℓ.com

Cain and Diana led them through another set of vast hallways, finally reaching a secluded room adorned with dark mahogany shelves lined with books and files. The dim lighting cast a somber atmosphere, enhancing the gravity of the conversation to come. Once they were seated, Cain glanced at Diana, who took a seat beside him, her expression one of quiet vigilance.

Argo cleared his throat and opened the case file. "Mr. Sebanil, over the last few years, we’ve observed a series of disappearances and suspicious cases involving children. We believe that some incidents may be connected to the dark legacy of those research labs your family fought so hard to destroy."

Cain’s jaw tightened, and Diana’s eyes narrowed, her piercing gaze making Visha shift slightly in her seat. "You’re suggesting," Cain said slowly, "that those horrors from the past are being revived?"

Argo nodded, keeping his tone calm but firm. "Yes. There have been multiple cases of newborns being switched or taken, and several of them have ties to the wealthiest families in this country. It’s as if someone is targeting these families specifically, possibly to destabilize their legacies."

Jesper’s soft voice broke the silence. "And you think that these crimes are connected to our own losses?"

Argo’s expression softened as he turned to Jesper. "Yes, Mr. Jesper. Your youngest son’s disappearance, your daughter’s coma, and the tragic abduction cases we’ve seen across the country all seem disturbingly interconnected."

Diana’s cold eyes turned toward her father, her voice hard and unyielding. "If that’s true, then whoever is doing this has been operating for years. My family has been affected—my brother was taken right after birth, and my sister has been in a coma for almost a decade. What are you offering us, Chief Argo?"

Argo’s eyes met Diana’s, his voice resolute. "What we’re offering is protection and a renewed investigation into the missing members of your family. I have a team ready to conduct a thorough investigation, but I’ll need your cooperation and access to any personal documents or resources that may help us."

Cain leaned back, his gaze distant but thoughtful. "Our family has endured loss, pain, and... rumors. But I have to admit, my patience is wearing thin. I want my children’s names cleared of any controversy. And if this investigation leads to answers, we’ll cooperate." He glanced at Diana, who nodded, her expression unreadable.

Jay, who had been listening intently, finally spoke up. "Mr. Sebanil, there’s one other thing. We have reason to believe that your family may have been one of the primary targets of this group, given the loss of not one, but three children. You’re the most affected family in our case file."

Cain’s face darkened as he clenched his fists. "My youngest son was taken twenty years ago, and my daughter has been in a coma for nearly a decade. If this group is targeting us to destroy my family’s legacy, then I’ll do everything I can to help you find them."

Jesper reached over, placing a gentle hand on Cain’s shoulder. "We’ve suffered enough, Cain. Let’s help them. Maybe we can finally understand what happened to our children."

Argo leaned forward, his gaze steady. "Mr. Sebanil, Diana, Jesper—our goal is to stop this organization, if it still exists, and bring peace to the families affected. We’ll start by analyzing any connections between the Sebanil family and recent cases. If you allow us, we’ll gather information from your family archives, security footage, and anything else relevant."

Cain glanced at Diana, who nodded curtly. "We’ll arrange for the butler to provide access to our archives. Anything you need, Chief Argo."

"Thank you," Argo said, his voice filled with gratitude. "We’ll work tirelessly to ensure justice. And if any traces of that past have come back to haunt us, we’ll root them out."

As they exited the Sebanil estate, Jay turned to Argo, his voice quiet. "Chief, these people have lived through more tragedy than I thought possible. It’s no wonder they’re so reserved, almost untrusting."

Argo nodded, his face solemn. "The Sebanils are a family that holds their suffering close, Jay. But it’s exactly that pain that’s going to give them the strength to fight back. Now let’s get this investigation moving—those kids have already suffered enough."

--

Argo and Visha arrived at Levistis Manor.

Ethan and Leclair met them at the entrance, both looking visibly uneasy.

"Thank you for seeing us on such short notice," Argo began, offering a polite nod.

Leclair inclined his head in acknowledgment. "It’s no issue, Chief Argo. Please, follow us."

Without further words, they were led through the stately corridors and into the manor’s study. Once they settled in, Argo took out the case file, placing it carefully on the table. He looked over at Ethan, who was staring back with a curious but reserved expression.

"Ethan," Argo began, his tone cautious yet direct. "We’re working on a special investigation, looking into a series of disturbing cases that occurred around twenty years ago. Part of that investigation brought us here today."

Leclair’s jaw tightened, and Ethan’s eyes darkened as he leaned back in his chair. Leclair exchanged a quick glance with Ethan before turning back to Argo. "We’re aware of the rumors that still linger about that period," Leclair said, his voice steady but carrying an edge of caution. "But why exactly are you here?"

Argo took a slow breath, organizing his thoughts. "We believe that several prominent families were targeted around two decades ago, and your family—especially you, Ethan—was part of those targeted cases. Ethan, you were only two years old when you were kidnapped, and according to our records, you were found again at the age of four. Does that time bring back any memories?"

Ethan frowned, the shadows of old memories flitting across his face, but before he could answer, Leclair spoke, his voice firm. "Ethan doesn’t remember much of those years. He was very young at the time, and when he was found, he couldn’t recall what had happened. All we knew was that he was found with scars near his heart, though, after a thorough medical evaluation, no internal damage was found."

Ethan nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on Argo. "I don’t remember much from that time," he admitted, his voice carrying a slight tremor. "There are flashes sometimes—dark rooms, cold voices, strange lights. But nothing clear enough to make sense of."

Argo’s face hardened, his jaw tightening as he took in Ethan’s words. "That’s troubling. Your family was assured everything was fine, that there were no medical issues. But those scars—they tell a different story." He leaned forward, his expression intense. "Ethan, I believe there’s a possibility that you may have been... experimented on."

Leclair’s hand clenched into a fist, his usually calm demeanor faltering. "Experimented on? What are you saying, Chief Argo?"

Argo’s gaze didn’t waver. "I know it sounds extreme, but hear me out. Twenty years ago, there were a series of disturbing experiments being conducted on children. An individual—a scientist whose name has been erased from most public records—believed he could alter a person’s very soul. He began by testing on animals, but eventually, he targeted children. There were records of children being kidnapped, experimented on, and, tragically, discarded if they were considered ’failures.’ We believe that these experiments were aimed at exploring soul transference and manipulation."

Ethan shifted uncomfortably, and he looked down at his hands, his brows knit in concentration. "So... you’re saying I could’ve been one of these... test subjects?"

Argo nodded. "It’s possible. And the fact that you were returned with no memory and with scars on your heart—it’s suspicious, to say the least. The scar suggests a failed attempt at something. But since you’re here and healthy, it’s clear that whatever they were trying didn’t work... or, at least, not in the way they intended."

Leclair exhaled slowly, his hand gripping Ethan’s shoulder protectively. "Chief Argo, if you have reason to believe that my brother went through something as heinous as this, then I want full disclosure. What exactly are we dealing with here? Is this threat still alive?"

Visha, who had been listening silently, spoke up. "Mr. Leclair, our investigation suggests that this isn’t over. Recent reports indicate that similar disappearances and switchings are happening again. We don’t know if it’s the same organization or a new one, but someone out there is recreating these horrors."

Ethan’s eyes darkened as he absorbed this information. "Why target us? Why our families? Why children?" His voice was edged with frustration, a hint of his cold demeanor faltering under the weight of the revelation.

Argo met his gaze, his tone sympathetic but resolute. "Power, influence, and... legacy. Whoever is behind this seems determined to dismantle the legacies of the country’s most powerful families. By disrupting family lines and causing confusion about heirs, they could destabilize empires and weaken entire generations."

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