After receiving a key clue and realizing its significance, Arthur Havelock focused on solving internal conflicts among members of the Livingston family. He understood that understanding family tensions could be a crucial factor in uncovering the truth.
Havelock gathered the family in the mansion's library, which was now lit only by lamps and candles, creating a mysterious and tense atmosphere. Each family member sat waiting for the detective to be ready to share his findings.
Havelock started with Lady Eleanor, who was the most emotionally depressed. He discovered that her conflicts with her late husband concerned not only finances, but also hidden secrets that could be related to her personal interests. During the interrogation, Eleanor admitted that in the last months before his death, Lord Livingston often reminded her of some important document that, in her opinion, could harm both of them. She also mentioned that she and her husband had barely spoken in recent nights, which bothered her a lot.
Robert, the youngest son, was next in line. Havelock discussed his emotional state with him and found out that Robert was deeply disappointed with his father. Robert was clearly experiencing an internal conflict over unfulfilled hopes and ambitions. He also mentioned that he had found a letter addressed to him from his father, which contained a promise to transfer the family business to him. Robert noted that the letter disappeared on the night of the murder, and this created additional tension in his relationship with his family.
Victoria, the eldest daughter, showed the least emotional reaction, but her behavior aroused suspicion. Havelock found out that Victoria was involved in several financial frauds with her husband and clearly had conflicting interests. In the evening after dinner, Victoria actively sought an opportunity to justify her behavior and role in family affairs.
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Dr. Morley and Jonathan Reed were not so involved in family conflicts, but Havelock nevertheless noted their concern. Both expressed their concern about the family's condition and their willingness to support Havelock in the investigation. However, they also had their own secrets that could influence the course of the case.
The conversations were tense, but Havelock was able to sort out some key aspects. He drew attention to the fact that many of the conflicts and emotions expressed by family members could be caused by ulterior motives and fears that are somehow connected with the murder of Lord Livingston.
After a thorough analysis of all the conflicts and evidence, Havelock focused on the final examination of all the evidence gathered. He found that many of the previously overlooked details were now beginning to add up to a clearer picture.
Havelock returned to examining the ring found at the crime scene. He discovered that the symbolism of the ring coincides with the symbols found in ancient books about rituals. This discovery confirmed his assumptions that the ring was not just an ornament, but part of some esoteric practice that could be connected with the murder.
In the letters found in an antique box, Havelock came across references to a secret deal concluded between Lord Livingston and a certain mysterious partner. These letters showed that Lord was involved in hidden financial frauds that could create discontent among several people, including family members and external partners.
The financial documents found in the box contained information about large debts and financial manipulations. These documents showed that Lord Livingston was on the verge of bankruptcy and that his death could be beneficial to several people who could count on his estate.
Havelock was also able to link the strange happenings in the mansion to the actions of family members. For example, the discovered hiding places and hidden rooms turned out to be related to the recent actions of Victoria, who may have tried to hide evidence of her machinations.
As a result of his discoveries, Havelock gathered the family in the library once again to present the final findings. He connected all the elements together, showing how internal conflicts, secret transactions and financial manipulation echoed each other, creating a complex picture of motives and opportunities.
Havelock concluded his presentation by providing compelling evidence and explaining how each of the family members could be connected to the crime. Now that all the secrets and motives had been revealed, the detective was ready to move on to the final stage of the investigation and identify the true culprit.