After introducing Beckett, who had been quietly observing, Castle and Blake continued their casual chat, patiently waiting for Winston Wellesley, the second son of the Wellesley family, to arrive.
Castle, pleased with achieving his goal of introducing Beckett to Blake, aimed to leave a lasting impression on the influential New York politician. His plan was simple: showcase Beckett's competence and create a memorable experience that would benefit her future prospects within the police force. Although Beckett played a passive role today, few get such an opportunity to be in the company of someone as influential as Blake. Today's meeting and the subsequent events would ensure Blake remembers both Castle and Beckett vividly. If Castle could solve the decade-old case in Blake's presence, bringing justice for his daughter, it would forever cement their place in Blake's memory.
Castle, now at ease, engaged in animated conversation with Blake. Unexpectedly, Blake found that he got along remarkably well with this widely known and well-connected New York writer. Had Castle not brought the grim news today, Blake might have even considered him a good friend.
Responding to his elder brother and the family head's urgent summons, Winston Wellesley arrived swiftly. Castle felt he had barely waited when the impeccably dressed Winston, exuding an air of aristocratic nonchalance, entered Blake's office.
As Winston stepped in, he noticed two unfamiliar faces and, perplexed by his brother's urgent call, casually asked, "What's the matter? What happened today that you needed me so urgently?"
Winston's demeanor, markedly different from his politically active brother, exuded the air of a pampered playboy, groomed by the family to indulge in a life of leisure. Despite his formal British-style suit, he appeared more like a carefree heir than a serious individual.
Blake, with a hint of exasperation, directly addressed his brother, "Winston, I need to ask you something very important, and you can't lie to me."
Caught off guard by his brother's stern and unhesitant question in front of strangers, Winston, puzzled and unable to fathom what trouble he might be in, reluctantly agreed, "Alright, ask away. Whatever it is, I'll tell you the truth."
At this moment, Castle interjected, "Mr. Wellesley, perhaps I should do the questioning. After all, we have a broader understanding of the situation."
Winston, feeling irritated and bewildered by this interruption, snapped back, "Who are you? Why are you interrupting my conversation with my brother? What's your deal?"
Blake remained silent, curious to see how Castle would handle his wayward brother, who seemed intent on continuing his frivolous ways. Meanwhile, Beckett, resigned to Castle's unpredictable methods, decided to watch how this would unfold, wondering if Castle could indeed uncover the truth behind the case.
Castle, unfazed by Winston's bravado, calmly picked up his now-cold coffee and took a sip, a gesture Beckett found utterly ridiculous. Slowly, he turned to Winston and said, "Mr. Winston Wellesley, we are here today with your brother because of a murder case from ten years ago. The victim's name was Olivia Derbyshire. Does that name ring a bell?"
"Boom..." The name hit Winston like a thunderclap. He was stunned. How could this man be investigating Olivia's death from a decade ago?
Winston, the quintessential playboy, lacked the mental fortitude to maintain composure. His immediate and unnatural reaction made it clear to everyone, including Beckett and the now intensely interested Blake, that Winston knew something significant about the events from ten years ago.
Unable to mask his anxiety, Winston quickly collected himself, despite the futility of it, and responded defensively, "What... What are you talking about? I don't know any Olivia. You're making baseless accusations."
Beckett, observing from the sidelines, could barely contain her disdain. Winston's defensive outburst only confirmed his involvement. Blake, too, was visibly shocked. Castle had claimed the family was connected to the case, and while Blake had been skeptical, Winston's reaction suggested that he might indeed have been involved or at least aware of the circumstances surrounding Olivia's death.
Castle, knowing Winston wouldn't easily admit his wrongdoings, pressed on. He knew Winston, following his mother's orders, had deceived Olivia, even buying her a luxurious coffin after her murder to cover up the crime. Confident that Winston's psychological defenses would crumble, Castle asked pointedly, "You claim not to know Olivia, but why did you pay for such an expensive coffin for her?"
This unexpected question left Winston speechless. He hadn't anticipated that the police would uncover such a hidden detail. Both Beckett and Blake were equally stunned. Beckett was shocked that Castle had discovered such a crucial piece of evidence without her knowledge. Blake, on the other hand, was beginning to realize the depth of the investigation and the extent to which the police had dug into the case.
Winston, now utterly despairing, waved his hands helplessly, unsure of how to respond. He turned to his brother for support, hoping Blake would intervene. However, the angry glare from Blake's eyes made it clear that his brother was the last person he could count on right now.
Realizing that his decade-long secret was about to be exposed, Winston was at a loss. The thought that his brother, who had always been composed and elegant, might now want nothing more than to disown him, filled him with dread.
Winston quickly pondered his next move, glancing at his brother only to find Blake's eyes filled with fury.
"It's over. This secret I've kept for ten years is about to come to light..." Winston thought to himself, resigned to the inevitability of the truth coming out.
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