Charmaine was already shocked to hear Sophie's voice. Now, the look on Tristan's face intimidated her further.
However, for the sake of Willow, she had to get a grip on herself.
“Sophie, what are you doing? No matter how bad things went with you and your sister, I didn't intervene in the past. But this is too much! How could you let things escalate and even got the police? Hurry up and tell them that this is all a misunderstanding and ask them to release Willow!” Charmaine urged anxiously.
I'm your mother, after all. Can't you even grant this menial request of mine?
“How could I? I'm not the one who hired a hitman to kill her own sister! She wanted to kill me, and yet you accuse me of escalating the matter? Charmaine Laird, don't you have any conscience left? I get that you favor Willow, but you've got to at least be reasonable.” Sophie knew that her mother had always favored Willow. However, her heart still ached to hear Charmaine stating it outright.
Charmaine was stumped.
“I didn't mean it that way. You're both my children, and I don't want to see either one of you get into trouble. No matter what happens in our family, don't you think that it's better that we resolve it on our own? Why do you have to go to this extent? I know that the two of you have never gotten along. As long as you let her off the hook this time, I promise that she won't do something like this again.”
“I've given her enough chances! She framed and smeared my name, and I had to go to Horington all alone because of her. I forgave her and didn't hold her responsible for my sufferings. However, this time, I'm not letting her get away!” Sophie said.
Giving in to Willow time and again would only make her take advantage of Sophie's leniency.
“Sophie, what do I have to do for you to spare Willow? Do I have to kneel before you? You're the CEO of Tanner Group now. Aren't you worried how your employees will see you when you're being this petty?” Charmaine reasoned.
“Since they're my employees, let me worry about how they'll see me. It has nothing to do with you,” Sophie retorted.
How dare she threaten me? And she had the cheek to say that I'm her daughter too. I should have known that she's always biased toward Willow.
Sophie was relieved that she had seen through it all. Otherwise, she would have been heartbroken.
Tristan wrapped his hands around Sophie's shoulders and displayed a hostile attitude toward Charmaine.
“Mrs. Tanner, please mind your attitude! We're the victims here,” Tristan said coldly. He couldn't bear to listen to her spewing nonsense any longer.
Every time she opened her mouth, Tristan would feel an overwhelming urge to make the words she spoke her last words.
The sole reason that she was still alive was because she was Sophie's mother.
The chief came over to lead the way for Sophie and Tristan. He was especially courteous after he knew that it was Tristan who personally brought Sophie over and let the couple walk ahead of him.
Charmaine wanted to follow them when she saw them leaving. However, she was stopped by a few police officers.
“Excuse me, madam. The Chief says that you can't go in.”
“What's with your attitude? Did you know who your chief just escorted? That's my daughter and son-in-law!” Charmaine warned arrogantly.
The police officers couldn't help but let out a sneer.
“So what? It seems like your daughter and son-in-law aren't too pleased with you.” After all, the police officers had overheard their conversation.
Even if they were strangers, it pained them to just hear what Sophie had been through.
They couldn't imagine how hurt Sophie must have been.
And now she has the audacity to say such things. It's true what they say about how terrifying shameless people can be.
“You—” Charmaine had wanted to lash out at them.
However, the police officers were not intimidated and interrupted her, “Madam, this is the police station. Please do not get in the way of our work. If you continue to disrupt our official duties, we will not hesitate to send you to accompany your other daughter.” The police officers had many matters to attend to, and they certainly did not have the time to waste on Charmaine.
Charmaine had never felt more humiliated.
Though the Tanner family was not considered a massively affluent family, it was still a family name that commanded respect in Jipsdale.
However, even a menial police officer dared to disrespect her now.
Charmaine blamed it all on Sophie. If it wasn't for Sophie, she wouldn't have to suffer such indignance.
She felt even more disappointed in Sophie.
She's never the sweetheart I want her to be. No matter how accomplished she is, she will never think of me. Sophie is just a selfish person who sees no one but herself.
Charmaine vowed that she would get Willow out of jail. Willow was her only hope.
Meanwhile, in the chief's office, the chief explained, “Mr. Tristan, we've investigated the matter thoroughly. Willow Tanner did hire a hitman, but she is Sophie Tanner's sister. How do you guys plan to proceed with this?”
Now that the renowned Mr. Tristan had come all the way here, the chief reckoned that it was best to let Tristan and Sophie decide the next course of action.
“Her mental state is worrisome. Just send her to a psychiatric nursing home!” Sophie said coldly. Since Willow hadn't appreciated the chances given to her, Sophie thought the psychiatric nursing home would befit her the most.
The chief cast a glance at Tristan.
The latter nodded in agreement.
“Her decision is final,” Tristan muttered. I'm never the one calling the shots. Why's the chief looking at me?
“Understood, Ms. Tanner. We'll provide a hospital discharge document and transfer her directly to the psychiatric nursing home. Is there anything else you would like to add?”
“I think this is fine. What do you think?” Sophie asked and turned to look at Tristan. The man, again, nodded in agreement.
Whatever she says, goes.
He had no objections.
As for Willow, there was a multitude of ways to deal with the woman who tried to hurt Sophie after she arrived at the psychiatric nursing home.
“Let's go!”
Usually, people wouldn't fancy going to the police station, and Sophie was no exception.
“Let me see the two of you to the door!”
The chief stood up and personally saw them to the exit.
After escorting them out of the police station, the chief even opened the car door for Sophie and watched them leave. He heaved a sigh of relief after sending them off.
Mr. Tristan has finally left!
The chief had to walk on eggshells in front of Tristan, even with his breathing was slow. The feeling was far from pleasant.
Right then, Charmaine, who was hiding aside, approached the chief.
“Chief, what do I have to do for you to let Willow go? Just say the word, and I'll make it happen!” Charmaine said.
The chief furrowed his brows at the sight of her.
“Who are you? Do you know what you're saying? I do my job according to the law. Are you trying to insult my integrity? Please leave, or I'll have you arrested,” the police chief warned.
Are you kidding me? That's Mr. Tristan we're talking about! Who would dare to stop him from doing what he wants?
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