You son of a… The jerk was about toy hands on Ste when Robin stepped in, grabbed his wrist,


    and twisted it behind his back like he was handling a misbehaving puppy.


    Let’s keep it civil, Robin said, his voice a low rumble.


    I faced the jerk. “So you’re iming those photos on your phone are of me? What’s your game n?”


    “Sleazebag, if you just quietly divorce ande with me, I’ll let you off the hook,” he babbled on.


    “Oh, I nodded. “That’s not my photo. How can you prove it’s me? I have picture.”


    mole on my left shoulder, which, I notice, is missing from your


    The jerk was momentarily stumped, zooming in on the photo. “How am I supposed to know you…”


    “Officer Robin, would you mind calling the cops? With all these reporters around and the live


    streamers, his nder’s got to be worth some jail time, right? Give them a call, then I’d appreciate it if


    you and Ste could handle this.”


    Before the jerk could utter another word, Ste had stuffed something into his mouth.


    It took a moment for Robin to realize Ste had used his wallet to gag the fool.


    As Robin escorted the man away, the media swarmed, cameras shing non–stop.


    “I’m terribly sorry for this spectacle,” I apologized, wiping away tears and bowing to the press. “Lately,


    some people have been targeting me with their nder for reasons I can’t fathom…”


    From the crowd, someone shouted a possible motive. “You’re too naive. Your unborn child and your


    husband are the sole heirs to the Langley Group’s fortune and shares. They have to smear your name


    if they want to grab that inheritance.”


    I felt as if I’d been struck by lightning, turning to the speaker in shock. “Is that… really why?”


    Tears streamed down my face. “My husband… he’s a bit simple–minded, so trusting, so easy to exploit.


    He once tried to help stray animals and was used of cruelty. I’m terrified… terrified that they’ll use


    his mental health against him, and the Langley family legacy will be stolen fight from under us.”


    My crying rallied support from many in the crowd.


    “I’ve met his husband, the simple soul. He’s kind–hearted, always feeding stray dogs! He’s no viin.”


    “Yeah, this is all about seizing assets, preying on a simple man and a pregnant woman.”


    When did the underdog start to carry this innate advantage, this power to draw sympathy?


    I remember learning this from Melody. I couldn’t help but think Melody had been my teacher…


    Melody watched me with a venomous re, realizing I was copying her tactics.


    I turned back to Henry and Dexter, my lips curving into a smile.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    If Henry still wanted to y the ‘Caleb is mentally ill‘ card, even if he managed tomit Caleb to a


    mental institution, public opinion wouldn’t be on his side.


    Henry’s face had turned a sickly shade of pale, whereas Damian was smirking with a knowing look.


    “We’re the police, responding to a report of assault. We need to investigate further; pleasee with


    us.”


    Sure enough, the cops showed up soon after, looking for Colin.


    Carl, under Henry’s orders, had called them in.


    “It was Carl who instigated the trouble…” I instinctively wanted to protect Colin.


    But Colin hugged me from behind and whispered, “Phoebe… I have to go.”


    Colin’s voice was soft, but his eyes were fixed on Damian.


    I could feel the chill in his embrace.


    Colin seemed to have anticipated Henry’s move. He knew everything, yet he stillshed out and


    walked into the


    wanted… to see Damian?


    Colin was aware that once he was sent to the mental institution, it would be Damian ‘training‘ and


    ‘treating‘ him.


    “We don’t have to go…” I murmured, knowing full well that Damian was dangerous.


    “I have to,” Colin held me close and spoke again. “Eric is trustworthy.”


    trap, all because he