Jayden fixed his penetrating gaze on Wilbur, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
“Since leaving the military, you should understand that each jurisdiction operates under its own protocols. Detaining someone without concrete evidence carries serious implications-surely you grasp that severity?”
“We received a report and discovered evidence at the scene. Isn’t that sufficient grounds?” Wilbur countered. His military career had ended just a year ago due to injury, leading him to his current role as team leader at the police station. His straightforward approach and refusal to engage in workplace politics had earned him both admiration and isolation. Some called it stubbornness; others deemed it single-minded dedication.
These traits had led to numerous complaints and social ostracism. Arion, recognizing Wilbur’s potential, had steadfastly supported him, shouldering responsibility for his missteps. But now, with Corrine involved, even Arion struggled to keep his own position secure. He could only watch and hope Wilbur would navigate this precarious situation.
“Where is your witness?” Jayden’s voice cut through the tension.
“What testimony supports these allegations?”
The confidence drained from Wilbur’s face as reality struck him.
“We’re still in the interrogation phase. We haven’t secured any testimony yet.”
Jayden’s dark eyes narrowed dangerously, a glacial glint reflecting his displeasure.
“No testimony, yet you proceeded with detention? Are you attempting to dispense justice at your own discretion?”
His casual observation landed like a physical blow, leaving Wilbur struggling for breath, his mouth moving soundlessly.
“I’m curious,” Corrine interjected smoothly.
“Who filed the report?”
Wilbur’s frown deepened as he pressed his lips together, his reluctance clear. Corrine’s smile remained unwavering
“Unable to share that information?” Arion watched anxiously from the sidelines, bewildered by Wilbur’s persistent stubbornness at such a crucial moment.
He jabbed an elbow into Wilbur’s ribs, shooting him a meaningful glare before turning to Corrine with forced warmth.
“Of course we can share that. We’re family here-no need for such formality.”
Finally, Wilbur muttered reluctantly, “Leah Burgess.”
The name only deepened Corrine’s smile, enhancing her natural allure to an almost mesmerizing degree.
“Ah, so it was her.”
Meanwhile, across the station, Leah stepped out of the office after finishing the paperwork. Her gaze drifted toward the interrogation room where Corrine had been held.
The door stood wide open.
Her brows furrowed.
“Where is the detainee?”
The female officer could only shake her head in uncertainty.
When Jack Walsh, the officer who had interrogated Corrine, passed by, the female officer sought clarification.
“Jack, what happened to the person in custody?” Jack sighed heavily.
“Best not to mention it. Wilbur’s really stepped in it this time.”
Noticing Leah’s presence, he swallowed his next words and offered a pat on his colleague’s shoulder.
“The chief’s giving Wilbur an earful in his office. Any business with him should wait until tomorrow.”
After Jack’s departure, the female officer turned to Leah.
“Miss Burgess, let me show you out.”
“Thank you,” Leah responded with distracted politeness.
“By the way, what’s the typical sentence for illegal transactions of this nature?”
The officer maintained professional distance in her reply.
“This case extends beyond simple illegal transactions. It requires a more thorough investigation.”
Something in the response triggered Leah’s suspicion.
Rather than leaving, she retreated to her car to observe.
Shortly after, several vehicles pulled up to the station, unloading their passengers. From her vantage point, Leah observed their movements thoughtfully, a calculating smile tugging at her lips.
Given that Corrine’s situation had already caused such a stir, Leah figured she might as well amplify the effects.
In Arion’s office, Wilbur was adamant that Corrine should be detained, suspecting her involvement.
Arion found himself in a difficult position. Facing him was his imposing brother-in-law, and on his side, a reliable colleague. He had no choice but to place his trust in Corrine.
Thankfully, Corrine came through. She presented a recording from her phone, which featured Donnell’s declaration of being kidnapped and his captors’ demand for ransom.
“Really, you went on a rescue?” Wilbur found it hard to believe
He was skeptical that such a delicate-looking woman could boldly venture into such peril.
Taking a moment to steady himself, he said, “Assuming this is a kidnapping case…”
Corrine cut him off, reflecting for a moment before explaining evenly, “We shouldn’t jump to calling this kidnapping. Let’s start investigating these two to trace the larger conspiracy. Another accomplice has escaped; catching him quickly is crucial to prevent alerting the others.”
“Do you think this is linked to Brevard?” Jayden observed Corrine closely, his expression contemplative.
Corrine replied, “I’ve already contacted CBP for the relevant files. I’ll leave the follow-up in your hands, Uncle Arion.”
At her mention of Uncle Arion, Jayden sneered.
“What kind of uncle is he?” Arion was momentarily speechless.
While the Ford family held significant clout, Jayden’s evident contempt in such a public setting was inappropriate.
As the meeting seemed to conclude, Corrine asked, “Can I leave now?”
After a short hesitation, Wilbur responded, “I’ll see you out.”
As they approached the exit, Corrine halted and looked back at Arion.
“Uncle Arion, you’ve yet to mention who informed you of my situation.”
Arion responded casually, “It was Matias Jimenez from the Brighton Group.”
Corrine slightly raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile.
“Ah, so he was the one.” It was clear Matias was carrying out Nate’s orders.
Corrine was amused by the revelation, while Jayden, seated thoughtfully on the sofa, appeared lost in contemplation.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.