Chapter 8 Who’s the Culprit?
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Roman’s lips twisted into a cruel, careless smirk as he drawled, “C’mon, Reginald-denial’s just human nature, ain’t it?
“Here’s my two cents. Toss her in the pool a few times. The cold and fear will make her spill everything-you mark my words.”
He said it like he was discussing the weather, no big deal at all.
Reginald’s eyes narrowed, a flash of ruthlessness glinting in them. He waved a hand sharply, signaling the bodyguards to move in. The men closed in on Quinn like hungry wolves, ready to drag her to the edge.
“Wait a second!”
Mia skidded to a halt, gasping for breath, just in the nick of time. She took in Quinn’s disheveled state-hair matted to her face, clothes crumpled, bruises blooming on her skin- and a surge of guilt washed over her.
She didn’t even catch her breath before she shouted, “I’ve got proof! This video clearly shows Lila pushing Miss Hale into the pool-not Miss Hart!”
Lila’s face drained of all color, going deathly pale. Panic flickered in her eyes, but she masked it quickly, fixing Mia with a venomous glare.
Before anyone else could react, she lunged forward, grabbing Mia’s wrist in a crushing grip. She leaned in, her voice a low, menacing snarl that only Mia could hear. “You wanna keep your job, Mia? Keep your mouth shut, or I’ll make sure you never work in this city again. You’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
Her tone dripped with threats and warnings, as if one more word out of Mia’s mouth would condemn her to utter ruin.
Mia shot her a frosty look. Her current success was all thanks to Quinn’s generous support and thoughtful recognition. She wasn’t about to betray her when she needed her most.
She wrenched her wrist free, marched straight over, pulled the video up on her phone smoothly, and held it out to Reginald and Roman.
The footage was crystal clear-Lila’s face was unmistakable, every detail plain as day.
Reginald held up a hand, and the bodyguards instantly released Quinn.
Quinn rolled her wrists gently, her gaze steady and calm as she said, “Besides, I wasn’t even at that party. I was at the Young Manor in the neighboring city-attending the birthday gala for
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Chapter 8 Who’s the Culprit?
Hugo Young. You can call and verify it if you want.”
With the video evidence, there was no need for further arguments.
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As for verifying her alibi-Reginald slipped the phone into his pocket slowly, his long lashes drooping to hide the dark, calculating look in his eyes. “My apologies, Miss Hart. Would you mind waiting over there for a moment?”
He stood up, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips, and twirled a lighter between his fingers-the metal casing clicking softly. “I hate being lied to. Reminds me of the last guy who tried it…”
He sauntered over to Lila as he spoke, lifting his eyes slowly. There was a bone-chilling frost in his gaze as he drawled casually, “Let’s just say he’s been rotting in the ground a long time now.”
Felix reacted instantly, yanking Lila behind him in a protective stance-shielding her like she was something fragile he couldn’t bear to let get hurt.
Finished
Reginald didn’t budge an inch, his face like a block of ice, his eyes cold and unyielding-like he held all the cards.
The next second, the bodyguards pounced, grabbing for Lila’s arms.
Lila’s face turned ashen, terror filling her eyes as she screamed at the top of her lungs, “Felix! Help me! I’m scared!” Her voice cracked with tears, shrill and desperate.
Felix’s eyes blazed with rage. He lashed out, kicking one bodyguard square in the gut with brutal efficiency, then grabbed Lila’s hand and bolted for the door-his steps frantic, his mind focused solely on escape.
He completely forgot about Quinn standing right there.
Watching them stumble away like cowards, a wave of satisfaction washed over Quinn.
The bodyguard who’d been kicked groaned in pain, clutching his stomach, but he scrambled to his feet quickly, ready to chase after them.
“Enough,” Reginald said, his voice low and authoritative as he held up a hand. After all, this was the Hale Manor-making a huge spectacle would only give the other guests something to gossip about. In his book, taking down those two was just a matter of time—no need to rush it tonight.
He turned to Quinn, his brows furrowing slightly. “I’m truly sorry for all this, Miss Hart. My sister’s about your size-I’ll have someone show you upstairs to change into something more comfortable.”
“No need. I’m here representing Hart Group to deliver a gift,” Quinn replied, glancing at Mia.
Mia pulled a small box out of her bag immediately.
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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