27423481

[Realism] [High-IQ Crime]
[Peak Mental Duel]
[No Female Lead] [Logic Enthusiast]
 
The police received a call. A person who claimed to be the Ghost said that he was going to kill someone in three days. What's more, the other party hoped that the police could immediately dispatch officers to protect this person, and he intended to complete the hunt under the police's tight protection.
 
In response to this, the police attached great importance to it and made thorough arrangements. When the three-day period arrived, the result was beyond everyone's belief. The target was dead!
 
However, this was just the beginning.
 
The Ghost's goal was to complete 99 perfect crimes and kill 99 enemies.
 
Thus, one perfect crime after another occurred, and the biggest serial murder case in history came into being!

The Ghost in the Dark Night: The Ultimate Revenge Strategy

**Isabella Gray's Residence — Evening**

The clatter of dishes and laughter filled the air as Victor Black diced vegetables with practiced ease. Sebastian Gray hovered nearby, theatrically seasoning a fish. Lily White, banned from the kitchen after a near-catastrophe with a blender, pouted on the sofa while Isabella Gray rolled her eyes.

"Bro, you're a natural!" Sebastian grinned, nudging Victor. "Ever think of quitting teaching for a Michelin star?"

Victor shrugged. "Cooking's cheaper than therapy."

Steam rose from plates of roasted salmon and herb-roasted vegetables. Sebastian raised his wineglass. "To logic lessons—and not burning down kitchens!"

Lily scowled. "That was *one time*!"

Isabella hid a smile. Victor, unusually relaxed, let the warmth of the room seep into his guarded edges.

"So," Sebastian leaned back, "Victor's agreed to tutor Lily. Logic, not math. Alex too, if he needs it."

Isabella hesitated. "About the payment—"

Sebastian choked on his wine. "*Payment?* We're friends, not contractors."

Victor's gaze flickered. "No fee needed."

Isabella flushed. "I didn't mean—"

"Relax," Victor cut in. "Money's the least interesting currency."

Lily, emboldened by dessert, blurted, "D'you know about the Ghost Butcher? He's killed *three* people! They say he's unstoppable."

Sebastian shot her a warning look. "He's clever. But we'll catch him."

Victor sipped his wine. "First I've heard of it."

Sebastian studied him. "Funny thing—the Ghost's profile matches you. Male, 25–35, intellectual, calm. Even the height's right."

Victor laughed—too sharp. "Should I be flattered?"

Sebastian waved it off. "Just a coincidence."

Isabella frowned. Lily nibbled her fork, oblivious.

**Midnight — Dreamland Community**

Sebastian dropped Victor off, humming a tune. "See you next week, chef."

Victor's smile died as the taillights faded. Inside his apartment, he locked the door, hands trembling.

Chapter 30: The Dinner Gathering