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The Lady in Question

🇳🇬KennyJay212
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Synopsis

Chapter 1 - Chapter 1

TV News Studio

The volume of the large TV which hung gracefully on the wall rose.

[Urgent music plays as news anchor Rachel Lee appears on screen with a serious expression], 

Rachel Lee: "Breaking news, we have shocking developments in the business world. Diana Cruz, CEO of Cruz Enterprises, has been found dead in her office. Details are still emerging, but sources confirm the police are investigating a possible homicide."

Rachel Lee: "Diana Cruz, 35, was a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her company, Cruz Enterprises, is a leading player in the tech sector."[Cut to a live shot of the Cruz Enterprises building, with police cars and ambulances outside]Rachel Lee: "Eyewitnesses describe the scene as 'chaotic.' We go live now to our correspondent in the field, John, who has more on the story."[Scene transitions to John, standing outside Cruz Enterprises]John: "Rachel, thank you. I'm here outside Cruz Enterprises, where police are still processing the scene. Sources tell me Diana's body was discovered by her secretary around 8 am this morning. "Rachel Lee: "John, what about rumors of a suspicious letter found near the scene?" John: "Yes, Rachel. I've confirmed that a cryptic letter was found on Diana's desk. The police aren't releasing details, but it's believed to be a key piece of evidence. "Rachel Lee: "We'll continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the head of the police is inviting the two most spectacular investigators from New York city to investigate the case further. Also our thoughts are with Diana's family and loved ones." Suddenly the TV Scene fades to black

Daniella Cruz sat frozen, eyes glued to the TV as Rachel Lee's words echoed through her living room. Her identical twin sister, Diana, was gone.

"Confirmed homicide investigation..." Rachel's voice trailed off as Daniela's mind reeled. Suddenly, her phone pierced the silence. Unknown number. Daniela hesitated, then answered. "Hello?", "Ms. Cruz, this is Detective James from the 14th Precinct. We need your assistance. "Daniela's grip tightened on the phone. "What do you mean? My sister's...murder?", "Yes, ma'am. We believe your unique perspective could aid our investigation. We've partnered with Detective Ethan Blackwood, a specialist in high-profile cases. He'll meet you at our precinct at 2 pm. "Daniela processed the request, her journalist instincts kicking in. "What makes you think I can help?", "Your sister's case has...unusual aspects. We'd rather discuss details in person. "Daniela's curiosity surged. "Okay, I'll be there.", "Ms. Cruz?" Detective James paused. "Be prepared for a challenging investigation." The line went dead. 

Daniela's gaze drifted back to the TV, now displaying a photo of Diana's corporate smile. A shiver ran down her spine.

What secrets had Diana kept hidden?

Daniela arrived at the 14th Precinct, her heart racing. Detective Charles, a seasoned, no-nonsense man in his late 40s, greeted her." Ms. Cruz, appreciate you coming. "They walked to a cramped conference room, filled with files and photos of Diana. "Please, call me Daniela," she said, taking a seat. Charles nodded. "Daniela, I'll be honest. Your sister's case is... complicated. We need your insight." Daniela leaned forward. "What do you know so far?" Charles hesitated, collecting his thoughts. "Diana's assistant found her body around 8 am. No signs of forced entry or struggle. A cryptic letter was on her desk." Daniela's eyes narrowed. "What did the letter say?" Charles paused, studying her. "It said, 'You should have stayed hidden." Daniela's eyes widened. "That's quite chilling." Charles leaned back. "We're exploring all angles. But I must ask, Daniela, what was your relationship like with Diana?" Daniela's gaze drifted, memories flooding back. "We were close, despite our differences. Diana was the driven one, always striving for more. "Charles nodded thoughtfully. "And did she ever mention any threats or concerns? "Daniela shook her head. "No, but... Diana was acting strange lately. Distant. I attributed it to work stress." Charles scribbled notes. "We'll look into her business dealings. Can you think of anyone who might want to harm her?" Daniela hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "There was a rival businessman, Marcus Thompson. They had a heated dispute at an award conference which was up to year ago", Charles's eyes lit up. "Marcus Thompson? We'll definitely investigate him. And we need to start investigation immediately. "As they continued discussing the case, Daniela realized she was in this for the long haul. Daniela and Detective Charles arrived at Marcus Thompson's high-rise office. The receptionist ushered them into Marcus's sleek, modern space. Marcus, a suave, calculating man in his late 30s, stood up. "Detective Charles. Ms. Cruz. I'm so sorry for your loss. Please what can I do for you?" Charles pulled out his notebook. "We're investigating Diana Cruz's death. We understand you had a public dispute with her. "Marcus shrugged. "A heated debate, nothing more. We were competing for the same investors. "Daniela's eyes narrowed. "You literally threatened her, Marcus." Marcus smiled, unfazed. "Just business talk, Daniela. I assure you, our rivalry ended there." Charles leaned forward. "Can you account for your whereabouts between 7 and 9 am today? "Marcus hesitated, then nodded. "I was at a meeting with potential investors at a downtown hotel. I can provide names and contact information." Charles jotted down notes. "We'll verify your alibi. Did you notice anything unusual around Diana's office recently? "Marcus's expression turned thoughtful. "Now that you mention it, I saw Diana arguing with her assistant, Emily, yesterday evening." Daniela's interest piqued. "What were they arguing about? "Marcus shrugged. "I couldn't hear, but Emily looked really upset about the situation, but after some while I left the office" Charles nodded. "We'll speak with Emily. Thank you for your time, Marcus." As they left, Daniela whispered, "I don't trust him. I'm sure he's has a hand", Charles nodded. "We'll dig deeper. "As they drove to Cruz Enterprises, Charles received a call from the forensic team. "Detective Charles, we found something interesting at the crime scene," the forensic expert said. Charles's eyes met Daniela's. "What is it?", "A hidden safe in Diana's office. Inside, a USB drive with encrypted files." Daniela's curiosity piqued. "What kind of files?", "Looks like financial records, emails...and a cryptic message. "Charles's expression turned thoughtful. "Get it to our cyber team. See if they can crack the encryption. "They arrived at Cruz Enterprises, a sleek skyscraper. Daniela's emotions swirled as they entered the lobby. Charles noticed her tension. "You okay?" Daniela nodded. "Just...being here brings it all back." They took a long stride down to the elevator to Diana's office, where Emily, the assistant, waited. Emily, visibly shaken, stood up. "I'm so sorry, Daniela. I don't know what to say. "Daniela's expression softened. "Just tell us what happened."