"Of course." Henry nodded.
"The Tis has faced so difficulties recently, but its position remains unshakable."
"Whenever soone cos up with a shocking headline, the first places that co to mind are always us or the Guardian. That's only natural."
"But the Tis didn't buy that headline, did it?" Charlotte continued.
"We are businessn, Miss Hols," Henry said, leaning back deeply in his chair and lacing his fingers over his stomach. "Businessn pursue profit, but at the sa ti, we understand how much profit we can make—and how much we cannot."
"This headline was extrely attractive and had the potential to double—or more—the newspaper's circulation in a short ti."
"However, the risks were equally great—far too great for us to want to take on."
"The Guardian was aware of this as well, so we all declined."
"And this information was sold to a small newspaper."
"We did warn them," Henry shrugged. "We explained the potential risks and the consequences of angering Moriarty, but they didn't seem to care. Honestly, it's not entirely incomprehensible."
"If it were true, that report would be their first step toward explosive success. But if the report turned out to be false, it would be their last supper."
After finishing, Henry looked at Charlotte. His tone and eyes carried a nuance seeking confirmation.
"So, Miss Hols, was it true or a lie?"
"Who provided that information?"
Charlotte didn't answer. Instead, she asked a question.
"It was a woman."
Henry didn't seem in a hurry to answer. Rather, he seed confident that he would get what he wanted after this eting.
"Please explain in detail."
Charlotte said as she stood up and casually tore off a page of notes.
"I couldn't see her face clearly, but she was wearing a hat and scarf pulled down low."
Henry shook his head, desperately trying to recall the mont.
"However, there's no doubt she was very young and had a beautiful voice like a church choir girl."
Upon hearing this, Charlotte's hand paused slightly over her notebook, then she looked up at Henry.
"Anything else?"
"And…" Henry frowned, thought for a bit, and then…
"She was very polite."
"Polite?" Charlotte raised one eyebrow.
"Yes, polite," Henry nodded. "But this politeness wasn't sothing innate, you understand?"
"The feeling she gave was like…" Henry frowned, seemingly searching for the right words.
Hearing this, Charlotte thought for a mont and then said:
"A maid?"
"Yes, a maid." Henry nodded.
"She possessed the strictness and humility of soone trained in service."
"Anything else?" Charlotte quickly moved her pen across the paper, noting down these keywords.
"Nothing more."
Henry shook his head.
"She simply explained her purpose, then stated the price. When I refused her, she didn't linger and left imdiately."
"Price?"
"50 pounds."
"For an exclusive scoop that could shake all of Fleet Street, she only asked for 50 pounds?" Charlotte raised her eyebrows, her tone filled with surprise.
"Yes, 50 pounds." Henry nodded. "That was one of the things that struck as strange at the ti. The price was far too low—it didn't feel like a proper transaction. It was like handling a hot potato."
After hearing Henry's explanation, Charlotte wrote the final words in her notebook and set down her pen.
She roughly knew who it was—or rather, the possibilities had narrowed down to very few.
"She is a servant of the Hannigan household." Charlotte said.
"I see… then it's not surprising." Henry suddenly realized.
"From my perspective, if my employer was found collapsed in a pool of blood with Moriarty's card beside him…"
"I would also think it's an extrely shocking headline."
"Do you still have the ledger Moriarty sent?" Charlotte continued.
"The ledger?" Henry paused for a mont, then nodded.
"Yes, yes. I was just about to hand it over to Scotland Yard. At any rate, it's no longer of any use to us now."
"Show it to first." Charlotte said.
"No problem, but it's only half. The other half is with the Guardian."
Henry said, then walked behind his desk, opened a drawer, and handed half of the ledger to Charlotte.
"This is given directly to you. If it's convenient, please pass it on to Scotland Yard."
"No problem." Charlotte nodded.
"Now, regarding my earlier question…"
"Moriarty was frad." Charlotte opened the ledger and said without looking up.
Upon hearing this answer, Henry finally let out a sigh of relief.
"So, where is the real murderer?"
"Do you understand why I asked to see the ledger?" Charlotte glanced at him.
"Then, I hope the murderer is arrested as soon as possible."
He paused for a mont, then added, "If possible, please choose us first."
"Pass that on to my assistant."
"Your assistant?"
"Russell Watson."
"Ah, him." Henry was slightly surprised.
"He often brings letters, but I never imagined he had such a connection with you."
"If it's alright, may I conduct an interview?"
"Stories about that famous detective and her assistant… many people would be interested."
Upon hearing this, Charlotte's hand paused slightly as she flipped through the ledger, and her delicate brows furrowed faintly.
She didn't like the feeling of attracting attention.
However, she suddenly thought: What if, after catching the culprit, she let Russell do the interview?
Would that count as a victory declaration?
After thinking for a bit, Charlotte closed the ledger in her hand and gave a vague reply.
"Ask him. If he doesn't object, neither will I."
"Understood." Henry nodded aningfully.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Charlotte stood up and casually tucked the half-ledger under her arm.
"Of course, of course." Henry hurriedly stood to see her off. "Let's et downstairs."
The two left the office one after another.
Charlotte exited the Tis building and headed toward the Guardian building.
…
Ten minutes later, she reappeared, now holding another new ledger.
With this, she had everything she needed.
Charlotte took a deep breath and pulled her black coat even tighter around herself.
A faint scent drifted around her nose, bringing a pleasant warmth to the cold air.
"It's ti to return to Baker Street."
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