Chapter 23: Revelations and Choices

The garish headline screamed from Tiago's phone screen: "Socialite Slain! City in Shock as Prominent Businessman Questioned in Rooftop Tragedy!" With a sardonic chuckle, Tiago tossed the phone onto the plush armchair, the image of Claire tumbling from the penthouse ledge flashing behind his closed eyelids. A knock on the heavy oak door shattered the tense silence. Mary, her face pale and drawn, entered the room. "They're relentless," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "The news is a frenzy. They're calling you a murderer." Tiago steepled his fingers, a cold glint in his eyes. "Let them chatter, Mary. I will be vindicated, one way or another." Mary wasn't so confident. "But what if that doesn't happen sir? What if public opinion..." The ringing of the doorbell cut her short. Tiago exchanged a meaningful glance with Mary before rising to answer it. On the other side stood a man in a crisp suit, a badge glinting on his chest. He introduced himself as Detec