Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 216

They were about to collide.

The person reacted quickly, steadying the files with one hand while the other gently, almost hovering, supported Grace's arm in a gentlemanly way.

"I'm sorry, are you okay?"

The voice was clear and carried an air of integrity.

Grace steadied herself and said "Thank you" with her head down.

"Grace?"

The man's voice suddenly jumped an octave, filled with incredulous surprise.

Grace paused.

She looked up.

Standing before her was a man in a police uniform.

He had a buzz cut, sharp eyebrows, and bright eyes. His skin had a healthy, tan complexion.

When he smiled, he revealed a set of bright white teeth.

He looked very familiar.

"You're..."

Grace narrowed her eyes, searching the corners of her memory for his face.

"It's me, Elliot Ashcombe!"

The man excitedly tucked the folder under his arm and pointed at his own nose.

"Your desk mate from middle school! The one who always pulled your pigtails and put caterpillars in your pencil case, Elliot Ashcombe!"

The floodgates of her memory burst open.

The troublemaker who always wore his school uniform sloppily, loved to sleep in class, but was always the first to jump in when she was being bullied.

"Elliot Ashcombe?"

Grace was in a bit of a daze.

The bad boy from all those years ago had actually become a cop?

"That's me!"

Elliot beamed, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes filled with joy.

"It's been over a decade, right? After you transferred schools in middle school, we lost touch completely."

"I never expected to run into you here."

His gaze fell upon Grace.

The beige trench coat, her pale complexion.

She was more beautiful than when they were kids, but also... more broken.

Elliot's smile froze for a second.

He suddenly remembered where they were.

"I heard about it from my colleagues. Don't worry, the evidence is solid."

"Lilian is suspected of kidnapping, intentional injury, and hiring a hitman. With all charges combined, it's enough for the death penalty or a life sentence."

"As for that Maura..."

Mentioning Maura, Elliot paused, observing Grace's expression.

"She's an accomplice in this case. While not the mastermind, the circumstances are severe. The prosecution's recommendation is for a sentence of ten years or more."

Grace listened to all this without any expression on her face.

"I understand. Thank you, Officer."

That distant "Officer" made Elliot's heart ache with a bitter feeling.

"It's late, it'll be hard to get a cab."

Elliot glanced at the dark sky outside.

"Where are you headed? I can give you a ride."

As if afraid she would refuse, he added:

"I'm just getting off work anyway. It's on my way."

Grace hesitated for a moment.

Her leg was really hurting, and it was true that getting a cab here would be difficult.

"Then I'll take you up on that offer. I'm going back to Central Hospital."