Chasing Shadows: Luna and Maxim's Pursuit of Truth

Chapter 48 Unmasking the Villain: Maxwell Revealed"

As the sun cast its golden glow over the city, Caroline Collin, Maxim's mother, and Avon Tomplin, his aunt, prepared for an important visit. Their destination: the estate of Ram Collin, Maxim's uncle. While the visit was framed as a casual family meeting, Avon had another motive-she intended to discuss a potential business deal with Ram.

With determination in her eyes, Avon started the engine of her sleek black sedan. Caroline settled into the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. The drive was smooth, filled with quiet anticipation. Neither of them spoke much, both lost in thought about what awaited them.

When they arrived at Ram's grand estate, Avon pulled up the driveway and parked. The two women stepped out of the car, their heels clicking against the pavement as they approached the front door.

Caroline took a deep breath. "Let's hope this goes well."

Avon smirked. "It will. I always get what I want."

With that, she rang the doorbell, ready to face whatever awaited them inside.

In the dimly lit interrogation room, Maxim Collin sat across from the suspect, Layne Timberlake. The tension in the air was thick, each second stretching unbearably long. Maxim leaned forward, his voice firm but calm.

"You need to cooperate with us, Layne. We know someone paid you-just tell us who."

Layne hesitated, his fingers twitching slightly as he avoided Maxim's gaze. "You don't understand how hard it is for me to say the truth."

Maxim's eyes darkened. "It's harder to live with a lie. If I were you, I'd cooperate now before it's too late."

Layne exhaled sharply, his resolve breaking. "You're not in my position, Maxim Collin."

Maxim studied him for a moment, then spoke evenly. "I know why you're like this. But listen to me-if you tell us the truth, we can protect you. Your case will be lighter if you work with us."

Layne swallowed hard. His voice was barely above a whisper. "The one who paid me... was Maxwell Collin. Your cousin."

Maxim's breath hitched. His mind raced. **Maxwell? His own blood?**

Without wasting another second, he grabbed his phone and dialed his mother, Caroline. **No signal.** He tried again-her phone was dead. His heart pounded. He knew she was already at his uncle's house.

He bolted from the room, grabbing his badge and gun. Without hesitation, he called his partner, Darnell Sherwood.

"Darnell, we have a situation. The suspect just confessed-it's Maxwell. My cousin."

A beat of silence. Then Darnell's voice came through, sharp and focused. "Where do you need me?"

"My uncle's house. Now. My mother's there."

"On it. I'll call for backup."

Maxim didn't wait. He sprinted to his car, gripping the steering wheel tight. He had to get there-before it was too late.

Avon Tomplin and Caroline Collin stepped into the house, their eyes scanning the empty hallways for Ram. A strange silence loomed over the place, thick with an unsettling tension.

As they entered the kitchen, Caroline's breath hitched. Ram Collin lay sprawled on the floor, blood pooling beneath him-but he was still alive, barely conscious

Caroline's voice trembled. "Maxwell... what happened here? Why are you holding a gun?"

Maxwell turned to face them, his expression twisted with anger. "You always wanted Maxim to take over the company! And what did you leave me with? **Nothing.**"