"Phew," Xia Qingtian breathed a sigh of relief as Mobius closed the door to the secret room. "Looks like we managed to catch them all in one go, right?"
It seemed easier than she had imagined. Most importantly, Xia Qingtian was once again convinced that Mobius was an amazing, god-tier teammate.
"It's not that simple," Mobius's expression remained grave.
It was true that Amiya and Carla were currently trapped in the secret room, but could they be contained forever?
Even if time was bought until the end of the banquet, Amiya's resolve for revenge wouldn't easily dissipate.
Even if they were to call the police and have these two arrested, as long as Amiya met with Madame Camille and revealed that incident, Madame Camille would still withdraw from the art world in disgrace and never touch design again.
The real trouble was never about stopping Amiya, or catching Amiya. The real trouble was solving this nearly impossible situation.
"What's wrong?" Xia Qingtian looked at Mobius, not understanding why he had that expression.
Weren't the maid and her accomplice who were about to make a move both trapped in the secret room?
Previously, Xia Qingtian had kept this matter hidden out of concern for Madame Camille's safety.
But now, they could directly contact Madame Camille.
How perfect would it be to resolve these two crises before the banquet?
"The maid who came later is named Amiya," Mobius decided it was best to tell Xia Qingtian about what he had investigated before.
"Amiya?" Xia Qingtian blinked, surprised that Mobius actually knew this person.
"I only recognized her after she entered," Mobius continued, his gaze shifting slightly. "You know the source of Madame Camille's artistic inspiration, right?"
"Mm," Xia Qingtian had already heard about it from Madame Camille.
"Amiya's father was once Madame Camille's lover. Madame Camille's latest work drew inspiration from him. To be precise, this work should have been completed jointly by the two of them."
"Amiya's father was a talented painter who passed away from cancer last year."
"If Amiya's father died of illness, then what is she seeking revenge against Madame Camille for?" Xia Qingtian was a little confused.
"I'm not entirely sure about that," Mobius averted his gaze and looked at the closed secret room door. "The most important thing now isn't to notify Madame Camille, but to resolve this matter."
Hearing Mobius say this, Xia Qingtian also felt a headache coming on.
It wasn't enough to just capture the people; they also had to resolve the grievances?
This question was beyond the scope of her knowledge...
Mobius knew this was not an easy matter to resolve, otherwise, he wouldn't have placed his hope on Xia Qingtian.
He had tried many, many times, but the best outcome was only saving Madame Camille's life at the cost of her artistic career.
Meanwhile, inside the secret room, Amiya stared at the wall covered with oil paintings in disbelief.
These paintings were all by her father. The brushstrokes, the color palettes, the handling of the darker tones, the rendering of textures – these were undeniably her father's work.
Each painting depicted a beautiful and elegant woman – Madame Camille.
Her father's love was fervent, unreserved.
It was the first time since her mother's passing that she learned her father, who usually confined himself to his studio painting and drinking, had such a romantic and passionate side.
Madame Camille was like a lost traveler who unexpectedly stumbled into her and her father's lives, igniting her father's brilliance and filling her own life with endless longing.
She had once thought the three of them could be together forever.
But alas...
The word "forever," much like the ethereal romantic words of poets and scholars throughout history, scattered with the blowing wind.
Such a beautiful and dreamlike life lasted only five years.
After five years, Camille disappeared, as if she had never appeared.
Her father was also diagnosed with late-stage cancer.
Everything collapsed...
"Amiya, are these all your father's paintings?" Carla asked, looking around with admiration. "He paints so well."
"Yes..." Amiya murmured, her eyes brimming with tears. "He was my greatest pride."
"No wonder Camille stole your father's designs and claimed them as her own. That hypocritical, despicable woman! She just stole the glory and talent that rightfully belonged to your father, used you and your father, and then returned to her own world, ignoring you both, showing no concern for your lives!" Carla said through gritted teeth.
Hearing Carla say this, Amiya instantly snapped out of her reminiscence, her eyes filled with hatred.
"Let's find that original design manuscript first!" Carla said. "Once we find the original manuscript and combine it with the evidence we have now, we'll surely ruin her reputation!"
"I want her dead! I want her soul to confess to my father!" Amiya ground her teeth.
"Good." Seeing the undisguised loathing and bitterness in Amiya's eyes, Carla's gaze deepened, and the corners of her lips curved upwards involuntarily. "I will definitely help you, don't worry."
With her resolve firm, Amiya cast one last glance at the paintings on the wall before searching the secret room with Carla.
Once they found what they were looking for, they would figure out a way to get out.
Even if it meant confronting Madame Camille face-to-face in the end, Amiya wasn't afraid.
On the other side, someone had already come to inform Xia Qingtian and Mobius that there were less than two hours left until the banquet. Xia Qingtian's suit had been dried and ironed, and Madame Camille would personally greet them shortly.
"Mobius, go stall Madame Camille. Don't let her come over for now," Xia Qingtian said, even though many things were still unclear in her mind.
But as Mobius had said before, it was better not to let Madame Camille know Amiya was here for the time being.
"Do you have an idea?" Mobius looked at Xia Qingtian and asked.
"No, but... I'll try my best to think of something," Xia Qingtian replied. "They're trapped in there anyway and won't be able to get out anytime soon. I'll think about it."
"Alright," Mobius's eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment before he finally nodded. "Be careful. If you're in danger, call for help immediately. There are people outside."
"Okay." Mobius only felt reassured after Xia Qingtian repeatedly assured him she knew how to protect herself and then left.
After Mobius left, Xia Qingtian immediately opened the Heavenly Chosen Mall in her mind.
She didn't have many points to redeem for useful items, but she had obtained some things from the lottery yesterday.
As she browsed through the items in her inventory, Xia Qingtian focused her attention on the [Dream Time Travel Card].
This might just come in handy.