The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 416

Mario? So, Irene Chase's husband was named Mario.

That meant it definitely wasn't Frank.

Xander had asked her again and again if she had any connection to Frank, if they'd known each other before. For a fleeting moment, she'd even wondered if Frank could possibly be Ms. Chase's husband, but she'd quickly dismissed the idea as impossible. If he were really Irene Chase's husband, why on earth would he give tens of billions in assets to a complete stranger like her?

Tens of billions.

A windfall that big doesn't just fall from the sky.

Now that she'd asked, she knew the truth. Ms. Chase's husband was named Mario. It wasn't Frank after all.

"After I finish my business here, I'd like to pay my respects to Mr. Mario," Winona said to the old man, her voice filled with polite gratitude.

The old man suddenly sighed. "Mr. Mario… has been missing for almost two months."

"What?" Winona asked, startled.

"Mr. Mario was always traveling the world, in one country today and another tomorrow. Two months ago, he called to say he was coming back with a boat full of gifts. He specifically asked me to find him a secluded manor for his use. I found the perfect place, but since that call, I haven't heard a word. All contact has been cut off." The old man's voice grew tinged with frustration.

"Unless the thief wasn't a professional designer. It could have been an opportunist who slipped in with a camera, specifically to steal successful designs. An investigation like that would be much, much more difficult, Miss Perkins. The time and fees involved…"

"The cost and time don't matter," Winona said firmly. "I'll pay a retainer now. Even after I return to my country, I want you to continue the investigation until you find them. I'll come back when you have a result."

She was determined to find the thieves and bring them to justice.

"No problem," the private investigator agreed.

With the investigation underway, Winona arranged to meet the old caretaker again. He arrived carrying a small manila envelope, which he handed to her with a congratulatory smile. "Miss Shepherd, congratulations on becoming the heir to the Chase family. Please, open it and take a look."