My heart skipped a beat, and I guiltily averted my gaze.
Was he implying that he never lied, but I was the chronic deceiver?
What had I lied to him about…
As I stepped out of the dpidated mental institution, a swarm of reporters and onlookers
blocked the entrance.
They were all hounding Dexter, pressing him with questions about why, as the CEO of the Fitzgerald
Group, he would get involved in a kidnapping, an act so tantly illegal and disorderly.
Dexter climbed into the car with a dark expression. “Noment.”
The reporters were obviously here for him. If this got out, the Fitzgerald Group’s reputation would be in
tatters.
Dexter nced at me coldly, silent, as the police led him away.
“The Fitzgerald Group’s CEO involved in a kidnapping!”
“Why would someone in his position kidnap anyone?” the reporters murmured among themselves, and
the bystanders spected that Dexter had lost his mind.
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If this news hit the stands, the Fitzgerald Group’s stock would plummet by the next day.
Had Dexter crossed someone?
I eyed Colin suspiciously. “Did you do this?”
Colin gave a tacit admission, remaining silent. He really wasn’t much of a liar. So, he chose not to
exin at all.
“The Fitzgerald family’s in for a spectacle,” Robin sighed, casting a nce my way before getting into
the car. “If they pin the kidnapping on him and the evidence is clear, the Fitzgeralds maye to you
for a private settlement. It’s your choice.”
I was taken aback. If the Fitzgeralds believed Dexter was behind it, Hailey would undoubtedly
seek me out.
I could be heartless with Dexter, but I wasn’t sure I could do the same with Hailey.
Once in Eric’s car, I hesitated, then decided to speak up. “Are you trying to destroy Dexter?”
What clout did Colin have?
“No…” Colin shook his head. “I want him dead.”
Whenever Colin spoke of Dexter, his eyes brimmed with murderous intent.
News travels fast, and it wasn’t long before the Fitzgerald family got wind of Dexter’s arrest.
When Hailey came to visit me at the Langleys‘ estate, she looked considerably aged.
I had heard that after my death, Hailey had been grief–stricken and fallen ill, recuperating in Harbor
City. She had returned because of Dexter.
The Fitzgerald family had a formidable legal team. They might not make the kidnapping charge stick,
but Dexter’s false imprisonment of me was still a crime.
I knew Hailey was here to have me sign a statement of forgiveness to salvage Dexter’s reputation and
mitigate the impact on thepany.
“Madam… Mrs. Fitzgerald is here,” the housekeeper announced, ushering Hailey into the living
room.
My fingers clenched instinctively, yet I remainedposed, seated in my chair.
Upon seeing me, Hailey’s hand flew to her mouth in shock, her eyes welling up.
I wanted tofort her, but I couldn’t. I was no longer Phoebe; to her, I was just a stranger.
“I’m sorry. Ms. Larson, you just look so much like my daughter,” Hailey managed through her sobs.
She always called me that, insisting I was her daughter.
I knew Hailey cared for me genuinely, but this time, I didn’t want to let Dexter off the hook.
“Ms. Larson, I know Dexter has acted rashly. Please… whatever your terms, we can discuss them,”
Hailey whispered, pleading.
“A parent’s neglect is to me for his child’s misdeeds. How many years of mess can you clean up for
him?” My gaze was firm.
This time, I wouldn’t let Dexter off easily, even if hiswyers managed to get him a mere fifteen–day
detention.
Hailey fell silent, taking a long time before responding. “Since my daughter Phoebe passed, Dexter has
been crazy. This is hiseuppance… He lied to Phoebe for years, and to himself as well. He told me
that you were a close friend of Phoebe’s, that she confided everything in
you.”
I furrowed my brow, looking at Hailey. “You said Dexter lied to Phoebe. What did he lie about?”
“Phoebe Caldwell’s family’s car ident… the person who saved Phoebe and her parents, it wasn’t
Dexter.”