Chapter 604: Mind Recommending a Foe?
"Is it true that the deputy minister might be involved in bribery? Is this why he allegedly collaborated with mercenaries to kidnap the minister\'s daughter?"
"Why did Miss Reena kidnap Ms. Kareena? Was it for political reasons?"
"It was said that Ms. Kareena and Ms. Reema always had good relationship with each other. Was that all false? Was that all just a pretense? For the sake of benefits, is Ms. Reema willing to even endanger her good friend? or was this friendship fake from the very beginning?"
"Officer…"
Listening to the reporters\' questions, Sia quickly understood the extent of information the media had. At the moment, they only knew that Ms. Reena had been called in for questioning in connection to the hijacking case. News about the research facility had not yet been published, which was fortunate, as revealing it prematurely could cause significant public unrest.
"Investigate who leaked the news," Sia instructed. "It would be troublesome if we have insiders revealing sensitive information, especially regarding the research facility. Such leaks could disturb the public and hinder our investigation. Also, this is an extremely sensitive case. Before we reach the criminal, we should keep it down. If in case public is made aware, we might have to face even more issues"
"Understood."
As Sia and HK conversed, more questions broadcasted through the walkie-talkie caught their attention.
"Officers, it\'s been almost two days since the minister\'s daughter was nearly abducted, yet the police haven\'t found the culprit. Is the investigation being delayed on purpose to give the culprit time to destroy evidence?"
"It\'s been revealed that the property where Ms. Kareen held her party belonged to Ms. Reena. This information is public record, yet it took the police two days to discover it. Can we assume that the department is slacking off?"
"Now that we know Ms. Reena is involved, why hasn\'t the police taken action? Shouldn\'t she be in custody by now?"
Hearing these pointed questions, Sia couldn\'t help but smirk. "Looks like some people are very impatient. They\'re trying to push the police to arrest Ms. Reena and wrap up the case quickly."
Reaching for the walkie-talkie, she instructed, "Stephen."
"Yes?"
"Arrest the three reporters who just slandered the department. File a case against them for falsely accusing the police and obstructing the investigation. Anyone disrupting our work will be prosecuted according to the law. Be sure to emphasize that they have the right to defend themselves… in court."
"Understood."
"Also, issue a strict warning to all reporters not to publish unverified information. Some details are too sensitive to be revealed."
"Got it."
Just as Sia finished giving her instructions, Reena appeared with her lawyer. Spotting the crowd of reporters outside, Reena frowned. "What\'s going on?"
"Free publicity—but not in a good way," Sia replied indifferently.
Reena\'s frown deepened. "How did the reporters find out? Who leaked it?"
"Either someone from our team or someone from yours. We\'ll find out soon enough," Sia replied coolly, glancing down at the crowd. She turned to Reena with a sly look. "Care to recommend a suspect?"
"…Ugh." Reena was momentarily speechless at Sia\'s casual tone.
Seeing her reaction, Sia added, "Our department is quite bored these days. You\'re welcome to name any foes who could keep us busy."
Not only Reena but even HK and her lawyer looked speechless at this comment. Though Sia was clearly joking, Reena couldn\'t ignore the underlying seriousness. After a moment\'s thought, she replied, "Coming from a political family, we don\'t exactly have clear friends or enemies—anyone could switch sides at any time. I don\'t believe Kareen is behind this; it wouldn\'t benefit her, and she\'s not the scheming type. In my opinion, the leader of the opposition party seems more suspicious. This plot was directed at both the minister and the deputy minister, so it\'s likely the opposition wanted to weaken both to gain an advantage in the next election."
"Hmm… understood," Sia nodded. "Ms. Reena, as you\'re currently only a suspect with no solid evidence against you, we won\'t hold you. However, you are required to remain within city limits until the case is resolved. You\'ll be under our surveillance, and we expect full cooperation. You\'re free to conduct your own investigation, as long as it doesn\'t interfere with ours."
"Understood. Don\'t worry, Officer—I am innocent, and I trust that you won\'t punish the innocent," Reena responded.
Sia said nothing, glancing at the reporters still waiting outside the station. "Then I won\'t keep you here any longer and make the reporters wait unnecessarily. But just in case, four officers will escort you to your car for security."
"…Haha, thank you," Reena said awkwardly, finding Sia\'s attitude unpredictable. One moment, he was cold and distant, and the next, surprisingly accommodating. He was unlike anyone she had encountered.
After thanking Sia and HK, Reena left with her lawyer and the four officers.
Watching her leave, HK turned to Sia, squinting at her with an inquisitive expression, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"What is it?" Sia asked indifferently.
"What exactly did you do with your man yesterday? Did you… maybe do some \'exercise\' to relieve your stress?" HK asked with a grin.
Turning her head, Sia pulled her mask down, revealing a broad smile. "What do you think?"
"Not sure what you did, but it\'s definitely working. You look calm and composed instead of… well, being intense and scary. So, what was this \'exercise\'? Was it… a clean workout, or…you know?" HK teased with a mischievous smile.
Rolling her eyes, Sia responded, "What would a single guy like you know?" Leaning against the window, she looked out at the crowd below and murmured, "Sometimes, you don\'t need anything fancy. Just a warm hug, a kiss, and a few quiet minutes with the one you love can bring you peace—more than any workout or meditation could."