Chapter 40: The Model Criminal?

Many might assume that the wealthy throw extravagant birthday parties merely to flaunt their riches. In reality, these events are often strategic, serving multiple purposes beyond mere display.

Take Isabella Gray's 28th birthday, for instance. Under normal circumstances, such an occasion wouldn't warrant a grand celebration—just a small gathering of close friends and family. Isabella herself would have preferred it that way. But with the Gray family's vast business interests, personal preferences often took a backseat to professional obligations. Her father, Mark Gray, had seized the opportunity to bring together business partners, associates, and influential figures, turning the event into a networking affair disguised as a celebration.

Given the formal nature of the main event, Sebastian had wisely decided to keep Victor Black away from the political maneuvering. Instead, he, Isabella, and a few close friends retreated to a quieter part of the resort for a more relaxed gathering.

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**The Private Lounge**

The group of about a dozen people included Victor, Sebastian, Isabella, and Lily White. The others were unfamiliar to Victor, but the atmosphere was casual and friendly. The meal itself was uneventful—pleasant but unremarkable. The real draw was the post-dinner entertainment, which was why Sebastian had insisted Victor join them.

Swimming was the activity of choice, given the warm weather. After lunch, the group headed to the pool. Victor followed but chose not to swim, as did Sebastian and Isabella. Lily, however, dove in with enthusiasm, her cartoon-themed swimsuit and energetic splashing earning her the nickname "the frog" from Sebastian.

By the poolside, the three non-swimmers chatted.

"Sorry about the chaos today," Isabella said, glancing at Victor. "It's not usually this crowded."

Victor smiled. "It's my first time at a place like this. It's beautiful, and there's so much to do."

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "You two are so formal. Relax, will you?"

Isabella shot him a look. "Not everyone is as shameless as you."

"Whatever. So, how's the new job going?"

"All set. I start Monday."

Victor raised an eyebrow. "You changed jobs?"

Isabella nodded. "I resigned a few days ago. Joining a new media company."

Victor's mind raced. *Could it be…?* "What's the company called?"

"Dreamwing Media."

Of course. Sometimes, life was just that coincidental. Victor immediately suspected Sebastian's hand in Isabella's new job. Before he could probe further, Sebastian's phone rang.

At first, Sebastian seemed uninterested, but his expression shifted as he checked the caller ID. He answered quickly, his tone turning serious. "What? The Phantom struck again? Send me the address. I'm on my way."

Hanging up, he turned to Victor and Isabella. "Emergency at work. I have to go."

Victor was stunned. He hadn't committed any crimes recently, yet the call had clearly mentioned the Phantom. *A copycat?* His mind raced. He needed to investigate.

"I'll walk you out," Victor offered.

At the parking lot, Sebastian waved him off. "Stay and enjoy yourself. I'll handle this."

As Sebastian drove away, Victor discreetly slipped his phone into the car. He returned to the poolside, where Isabella was waiting.

About an hour later, Victor patted his pockets, feigning confusion. "Huh, where's my phone?"

"What's wrong?" Isabella asked.

"Nothing. Just can't find my phone. I'll go look for it."

"Need help?"

"No, I've got it." Victor hurried off, heading to a secluded restroom. Once inside, he pulled out a second phone from his bag and quickly accessed a tracking app. The signal was stationary—not at the police station but at what he assumed was the crime scene.

*Someone's impersonating me.* Victor clenched his jaw. He couldn't leave now without raising suspicion. He'd have to wait until evening.

Returning to the pool, Isabella looked up. "Find it?"

Victor shook his head. "No. Maybe I left it in Sebastian's car."

"I'll call him."

"It's fine. He's busy. I'll check later."

Ignoring him, Isabella dialed Sebastian. After a brief conversation, she smiled. "It's in his car. He'll have someone bring it over later."

Victor forced a smile. "Thanks. Sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble at all."

"By the way, happy birthday." Victor reached into his bag and handed her a jade cup shaped like a seashell. It was one of many antiques he'd acquired from his mentor over the years—not particularly valuable but rare.

Isabella's eyes widened in surprise. "Thank you."

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**The Lotus Pond**

After a while, Victor stood. "This place is stunning. I think I'll explore a bit."

Isabella nodded. "You should check out the lotus pond to the east. It's beautiful."

"The east side?"

"Yes."

Victor wandered through the resort, marveling at the meticulous design—the architecture, the gardens, even the placement of stones and flowers. It was a place designed to soothe the soul, and for a moment, he allowed himself to relax.