Chapter 24
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“How could you possibly have evidence?”
Sabrina’s eyes widened with panic. She knew exactly who Byron was.
Quickly, she composed herself, mocking Emily while reaching out to snatch the USB drive from her hand.
Emily was prepared for this, dodging Sabrina’s grasp and handing the USB drive to the nearby female police officer.
“This is the truth, caught on video.”
As long as the content was in her favor, it was enough.
Hayden pointed at Emily, his face cold, shouting, “When did you record this? When did you become so sneaky?”
Emily sneered, “If recording a video to protect myself is sneaky, then what do you call plotting against me, bullying my friends, and even faking evidence?”
“Emily, how can you say that to Hayden? We tried to persuade you at the time. If you had evidence, why didn’t you present it earlier?”
Bianca spoke with a hurt expression.
In the end, it was always her fault.
Emily couldn’t be bothered to argue with Bianca.
She turned to the female police officer and said, “The video on the USB drive shows that Byron was the one who started trouble with my friend. I tried to leave with my friend, but they stopped us. We fought back and injured them. It should be considered self–defense, right?”
The female police officer nodded, “Once we review the video, we’ll have a conclusion. The law won’t wrong an innocent person.`
Emily nodded. She had met this police officer before; she was a decent cop.
Seeing Emily so confident, Sabrina couldn’t help but worry.
She argued, “Even if Byron didn’t intend to hurt you, he’s the one lying in a hospital bed now, while you’re unscathed. That’s excessive self–defense!”
Excessive self–defense could still lead to charges.
Aiden felt relieved hearing Emily had evidence; at least the Johnson family’s reputation was intact, and they had leverage to negotiate with Isaac. But Sabrina’s reminder made his heart sink again.
Aiden walked over to Emily, lowering his voice, “Mrs. Reyes has a point. You should listen to me and try to sit down with the Reyes family to discuss this.”
Emily knew he didn’t believe her.
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Chapter 24
“Byron is fine, so it can’t be excessive self–defense,” Emily said fearlessly.
Bianca noticed Aiden and Emily whispering, her eyes flashing.
Could Aiden still be caring about Emily?
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She tugged on Hayden’s sleeve, softly saying, “Hayden, what should we do? Even though Emily has evidence, Byron is seriously injured. It’s clearly excessive self–defense. If she presents the evidence, it might anger the Reyes family even more. Maybe you should try to persuade Emily; she probably won’t listen to me.”
Hayden snorted, “She deserves it for not listening.”
He even mocked Emily harshly, “Emily, I’m kindly warning you, withdraw the evidence now, or you’ll face even harsher punishment.”
“Save your fake kindness; I don’t need it!” Emily retorted coldly.
Hayden’s face turned red with anger, “Aiden, you see, she doesn’t appreciate it and is so arrogant. You shouldn’t help her anymore.”
He glared at Emily, seemingly anticipating her fate.
The female police officer needed time to verify the video’s authenticity.
While waiting, Emily’s phone rang.
It was Aaron calling.
“Hello…”
“Emily, the patient you treated called. They said there’s an issue after the herbal bath and want you to check it out. Are you available?”
Emily glanced at the female police officer, who seemed to have confirmed the video’s authenticity.
“I’m at the police station right now, so I can’t make it. Tell them I’ll come by later.”
“The video is authentic, and it does show self–defense. However, we still need Byron’s injury report. If his injuries are severe and the Reyes family insists on pressing charges for excessive self–defense, it could be a problem for you. I suggest you try to negotiate with them.”
The female police officer knew the Reyes family’s influence, especially since they had hired a lawyer. Seeing Emily’s family not backing her up, and considering her young age, the officer was trying to help.
Emily appreciated the officer’s kindness. She smiled and thanked her, “Thank you, but I won’t compromise.”
Emily added, “I was protecting myself. Byron’s injuries are superficial; he’s just pretending to be sick. You should have the injury report soon, right?”
She had seen Isaac take a call earlier, looking unusually grim. The Reyes family might be considering leaving. Emily spoke confidently.
The female police officer felt Emily was naive and wanted to say more. But Isaac suddenly addressed Aiden, “Aiden, for the sake of our families‘ cooperation, we can let this go. But since your family injured Byron, she must apologize to him personally and get his forgiveness for this to be over.”
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Aiden was surprised by Isaac’s sudden change of heart. But his tone was that of an elder speaking to a younger person, indicating a genuine desire to negotiate. Resolving this peacefully was best for the Johnson family.
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He immediately smiled and agreed, “Of course, Mr. Isaac Reyes. Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have made sure Emily apologized to Mr. Byron Reyes personally.”
Aiden quickly pulled Emily over, “Say thank you to Mr. Reyes and promise to apologize to Mr. Byron Reyes later.”
Bianca was shocked by this turn of events. She couldn’t understand why the Reyes family suddenly relented. How could they let Emily escape punishment?
She urgently advised, “Emily, this is a good opportunity. You should thank Mr. Reyes for his generosity and agree on the term.”
Isaac looked at Emily with a superior gaze, as if she were a nobody. Sabrina snorted, challenging Emily with her eyes. Everyone seemed to be pressuring her.
Emily suddenly laughed, “What, now everyone wants to decide for me? Too bad, I’m an adult and can make my own decisions. I’m not the obedient Emily I used to be.”
“Emily, you’re getting bolder. You think you’re grown up and tough now, huh? Or have you been pretending all along?” Hayden sneered.
Aiden frowned, wanting to persuade her further. But Emily turned to the female police officer, “I want to report that Byron and his men assaulted me and my friend, with Bianca and Hayden as accomplices.”
“You dare report this? I’ll kill you!” Sabrina, enraged, lunged at Emily.
Isaac, maintaining decorum at the police station, quickly restrained Sabrina. His face was terrifyingly dark as he coldly addressed Aiden, “Your Johnson family raised a fine daughter. Let’s see what she can do to us.”
Isaac handed the matter to the lawyer, “Handle the rest.” He then left with Sabrina, without a glance at Aiden and the others.
Aiden didn’t expect Emily to say that. Furious, he slapped Emily hard, “Emily, you’ve disappointed me. I was considering your well–being.”
The female police officer hadn’t reacted before the slap landed. Emily’s head was knocked to the side, blood trickling from her mouth. Clearly, Aiden had used considerable force.
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