Marcus Gray lived in a grand but dilapidated manor on the outskirts of Eldridge. The estate was shrouded in overgrown vines and shadows, a stark contrast to the lively fair scene.
When Evelyn arrived, she was greeted by Gray’s housekeeper,
who reluctantly let her in.
Gray was an older man with a sharp demeanor, and his initial
reaction to Evelyn’s questions was defensive.
However, as she pressed him about his relationship with
Edward Thorn and the Midnight Star, Gray’s resistance began to wane. He
admitted that he had been a rival jeweler and that his obsession with the
Midnight Star had caused a long-standing feud with Thorn.
Gray revealed that he had once attempted to acquire the
pendant by nefarious means but had failed. He also mentioned that Thorn had
recently contacted him about a potential business proposition, which Gray had
dismissed as a ploy.
Evelyn sensed that Gray was hiding something but lacked
concrete evidence.
As Evelyn prepared to leave, Gray’s demeanor shifted; he
seemed nervous and agitated. In the midst of their conversation, Gray’s phone
rang.
Evelyn noticed a brief, hushed conversation, and when Gray
hung up, he appeared even more unsettled. Evelyn decided to follow him
discreetly, hoping to uncover what he was so anxious about.