Chapter 1994
York expressed his surprise, "There weren't many PhD students specializing in hypnosis in our cohort; I
should known them all. But I don't recall any student from Hustuabourg with the surname Stone."
Keegan showed York a photo on his phone, "This is the person."
York paused, a flicker of recognition in his eyes, "That's Yoel Stanley."
"He's Joplonese?" Keegan asked, taken aback.
York nodded, " He wasn't in our university or in my cohort, but he often attended our professor's
lectures. He was perceptive and a quick learner. The professor favored him. But Yoel's reputation was
tarnished. He was once embroiled in a lawsuit for illegally hypnotizing a girl, though the case was
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtdropped due to lack of evidence.
"He then opened a studio, using skills gleaned from the lectures. He gained some fame but remained
ethically questionable, spending much of his earnings in brothels and on alcohol.
Academically, he stagnated. His skills waned, leading him to use banned substances on clients. Once
exposed, he lost his license and was jailed. I hadn’t heard of him since."
Keegan pondered, then asked, "Did he keep in touch with your professor?"
"I'm not certain," York mused. But then, he added, "Actually, he might have. I recall seeing him at my
professor's daughter's wedding. I was preoccupied and didn't pay much attention, but I'm fairly sure it
was him."
Keegan fell silent, thinking, 'York's professor was the same therapist the Moore family sought for
Marshall's treatment abroad. Dr. stone, or Yoel, listed a different alma mater, but his biography
mentioned York's university. I didn't expect a connection. If Yoel kept in touch with the professor, could
he be involved? All clues seem to point to someone I'm reluctant to suspect. But what's the motive?
Even if Marshall regained his memory, why target me? Is it related to Stella?'
York's voice gently broke his reverie, "Mr. Kane, we should begin."
Keegan nodded and set an hourglass on the table.
The room's soundproofing was so effective that Stella, Aurora, and Aldor could not hear a thing, even
with their ears against the door.
Stella complained, "You really sealed it tight. If only there were a gap, we might hear something."
Aurora retorted, "Do you think Keegan wouldn't notice a gap?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmStella argued, "He's nearsighted. He might not see it."
Aurora, feeling annoyed, suggested, "Nearsightedness doesn't mean poor hearing. Just twist the door
open; he might not notice."
Stella, convinced, urged Aldor, "Open the door slightly."
Aldor hesitated, "Are you thirsty? I'll get some drinks."
Stella insisted, "Open the door first, then drinks."
Aldor finally acquiesced, "Alright, drinks it is."
Stella was baffled as Aurora quickly added, "I'll go with you."
Left alone, Stella thought, 'Unreliable, both of them!'
Outside, Aurora called Aldor over, "Come here."
Puzzled, Aldor asked, "What's wrong?"
Aurora frowned, "Just come, why so many questions?"