Balfour sat up straight, leaning forward with his hands crossed between his knees, showcasing his serious demeanor. He slowly asked:
"Before we proceed, may I ask Ms. Mendoza a few questions?"
Elinor casually responded, "Sure."
Balfour began his interrogation: "Two nights ago, Ms. Mendoza, you visited the Trent River, correct?"
Elinor nodded. "Yes, I was at the Trent River two nights ago."
Balfour continued, "May I ask why you went to Trent River, Ms. Mendoza? Were you feeling down and needed to clear your head?"
Elinor frowned. "Does my mood have anything to do with the case?"
A glint of meaning flashed in Balfour's eyes. "Indeed, please don't dodge my question, Ms. Mendoza. Speak honestly."
Elinor considered her mood at the time a complex mix of emotions hard to put into words. "I was just bored and wanted a breath of fresh air at the river. Is there a problem?"
Balfour cracked a small smile and said, "That night just so happened to be when my sister returned from overseas. Your husband, Theo, an old friend of Patricia's, arranged a feast for her at Pearl Moon. You were also at Pearl Moon that night, Ms. Mendoza. You saw it all, right?"
Theo's eyes narrowed as he slowly sipped his water, watching Elinor's reaction.
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