Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 524

Stephen pressed his lips together. “I asked Brett to take him upstairs to rest.”

George’s expression softened just a little. “Finally acting like a father.”

Stephen didn’t reply. He just stepped over to steady his grandfather. “Take it slow.”

Meanwhile, Joan was pacing around the back lounge, anxiety twisting in her chest. When she heard the police had shown up, her mind blanked out. All she could hear was a loud ringing in her ears.

She stood rooted to the spot for ten seconds, maybe more, before her brain started working again.

Were the police here for her?

No way. That was impossible. The place where she’d killed Colton was so hidden. There were no cameras. No one could have seen her.

And Colton had no one. No family, no friends, no connections in Coralbridge except for her.

Even if he disappeared for weeks, or even years, nobody would care, let alone call the police.

Joan forced herself to breathe, letting the air out slowly. “Calm down. It has nothing to do with me. I’m just scaring myself.”

Everyone in the main hall lived with secrets. Legal trouble was practically a badge of honor for some of them.

She edged toward the side door at the back. If anything went wrong, she could slip out and be at the estate’s back gate in seconds.

But she’d overestimated her luck. From the second she realized what was happening to the moment someone grabbed her arm, only five seconds passed.

It was almost like the police knew exactly where she’d be.

Joan didn’t even think to struggle. She just went numb, standing there in shock, her whole world caving in.

The officers and everyone else pushed through the door, catching her in that moment of helplessness.

A spark of hope flickered in Joan’s eyes. She shouted, “Stephen, help me! They’ve got the wrong person! It’s not me, it’s not me!”

Stephen stared at her, and his eyes were colder than she’d ever seen them.

Joan’s body shook, just a little, but enough to feel the despair settle deep in her bones.

He rushed to Joan, gently cupping her pale face, trying to calm her. “Joan, don’t be scared. Even if nobody else believes you, I do. I know you didn’t do it.”

The room fell silent again. People glanced at each other, too shocked to even breathe.

Ms. Knotts’ child was Stephen’s, but Brett was treating her like… this?

George’s face darkened with anger. “Brett, what do you think you’re doing?”

Brett turned around, eyes steady. “Grandfather, I know exactly what I’m doing. I don’t need your reminder.”

He looked right at Mr. Keith. “Mr. Keith, you’re making a mistake. Joan isn’t a murderer. Someone’s trying to frame her.”

Mr. Keith barely spared him a glance. “It’s a little early to make that call, Mr. Duncan.”

“Then at least tell us who reported the case and who the victim is.”

Mr. Keith’s reply was calm. “The person who reported it is also the victim. His name is Colton.”