Fiona Derion

The aroma of the expensive wine filled the meeting hall of the Derion Villa. Since the start of their business, they've been able to capture the major cities beside Kingslaiv resulting in the expansion of their empire. Not long ago, the Derion Chief, Mr Haren had announced the release date of their new brand of whiskey which caused the massive rise of their sales.

Now, the main aim of Jeran was to get in contact with Fiona, the heiress of the Derion Clan, with whom the Late Philip Malore was in love with. Although she was the daughter of a wealthy man Fiona was pretty much in the clutches of the Seion family – Mr Haren's business partners – the reason behind was the forced engagement with Richard Seion. A classy man with high reputation.

"Detective, I do not find it necessary to provide any evidence to prove my innocence", Fiona said, sitting calm and collected. Her long brown hair danced when the wind blew, her expression – emotionless – Long eyelashes and brown orbs. She was born with a silver spoon in her hands yet she seemed empty inside.

With a firm tone, she continued, " Philip was indeed a good man, always ready to help me and my family when in need. He wasn't the type to have any enmity with anyone"

"Then Ms Fiona, why would a man of good attitude be slaughtered in such an inhuman way?", Jeran asked with a small smile on her face.

" I believe that is exactly what you need to find out, Detective", she replied irritated by the unwanted questions. Of course, the irritation in her tone didn't go unheard by the young woman sitting across her with a pen in one hand and a diary in the other. She noted down the information she got from Fiona.

"During Christmas Eve, where were you, Miss Fiona?"

"I was at a party with my family"

"And that party was at your villa, I guess?"

Fiona nodded slowly and faced the wine bottle which sat on the table. 'Derion Crown' read the label. It was the original wine of the Derion's.

"How many guests were present that day?", Jeran patiently waited for the lady to answer her. She maintained her composure and kept her cool. Nobody wants to get involved with the Nobels – High-class people –because society was divided into three categories. First, were the Royal Family. Second, were the Nobles and the third was the working class. Jeran understood the consequences of dealing with the Nobels especially the Derion and Malore family. It would be a nightmare to get your names linked with them. The whole city would be tailing you for days or maybe even Months to get some topics to gossip about.

" The Seion and the Malore family were there along with the other clans", Fiona answered, uninterested in the conversation. She took a sip of her wine, the taste of the liquid lingering in her mouth as she kept the glass back on the table.

"Was Mr Philip Malore present as well?", Fiona paused for a split second and leaned back on the couch with knitted brows.

" Yes, he was", her frown was visible like the rising sun in the morning. "Detective, I have already told you whatever I know. It's not like me or any of my family members would try to hurt Philip. We were more like a Family rather than partners"

"That is the main reason why I'm here, Ms Derion"

"Huh?", Fiona was now confused to where the conversation was going. She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by Jeran who held out a list of all the times the two families have traded. Fiona was surprised to see the paper in Jeran's hand.

'How much does she know?', she thought to herself as she started feeling uneasy.

" This shows the number of times the Derion and the Malore had traded. Though it doesn't make any sense with the current situation, however, the thing which bothers me is the exchange of weapons between the two clans."

Fiona tried to protest but was beaten to it by Jeran, "According to the Kingslaiv Law – The supply or selling of arms and ammunition is strictly prohibited and whoever is caught will be imprisoned for 15 years without any trials"

Jeran saw the terror in the heiress's expression. She was at a loss of words. To be caught up in such a mess, Fiona had never imagined even in her wildest dreams that she will one day face the consequences of her father's deeds.

"Are you aware of it, Miss Fiona Derion?"

Beads of sweat began to roll down Fiona's neck. Her pupils dilated with the question. She saw the smirk on the Detective's face, she was certain that the woman who was sitting calmly was no ordinary person.

"What do you want?", she managed to utter out whilst she trembled. " What is it that you want from me?"

Jeran stood up and placed the paper on the table before she flashed Fiona a smile.

"I want you to help me find George Malore"

*

Scarlet paced back and forth in her office whilst Eric watched her silently judging his senior. He was called by her but ever since he set foot inside the dim room all he could see was the restless Detective. Eric remained in his seat even when the latter tripped over her own feet. She fell on the cold floor – face first – making the young man burst out laughing at the absurd moment.

He was having the time of his life whilst the woman was suffering from the fall. She got back up and dusted herself before glaring at the man. It made him stopped and return to his position. Clearing his throat he asked politely, "Detective, what may be the reason for your call?"

Scarlet with her hand resting on her hips replied impatiently, "Jeran... she's gone to the Derion! I'm afraid she might be followed by the Nobels obsessed people!"

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Eric!"

"Y-yes, Detective", he stammered, getting up he saluted her.

" Stop with that! We have to find Jeran before it's too late. She doesn't know how that family works"

***