**TITLE: Obsidian Dawn 441**
**CONTENT: Chapter 441 Evershade Manor, Building 3, Unit 501**
57%
Finished
Raine pointed an accusatory finger at Zera and Anna, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “The individuals at the heart of this matter are standing right here. Why direct your inquiries at me when you can simply ask them?”
With a dismissive huff, she stepped aside, eager to watch the unfolding drama with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
Jolene, her brow furrowed in concentration, turned her attention to Anna and Zera, her eyes narrowing as if trying to read their thoughts.
Anna, maintaining an air of calm, took a step forward, her voice steady yet pleading. “Mrs. Cunningham, we’ve shared a friendship that spans many years. Please, don’t let someone else’s words cloud your judgment.”
Zera, sensing the urgency of the moment, quickly added her voice to the fray. “To be completely honest, I did have a relationship with Ms. Winter’s brother for a brief period. However, due to my family’s background, the Winters’ elders disapproved, and they forced us apart. I truly don’t understand what I did to warrant such a vicious attack on my character.”
As Zera finished her explanation, Anna leaned in closer to Jolene, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You see, Zera and Mr. Winter were indeed a couple. They had their disagreements, which led to their breakup. Now, Ms. Winter is using this situation to poke at my niece, trying to humiliate her. Don’t be swayed by her schemes—you’ll only end up losing respect.”
Jolene hesitated, her resolve wavering as she absorbed Anna’s words. “Is that really true?”
With an unwavering nod, Anna affirmed, “Absolutely. Don’t give credence to Ms. Winter’s fabrications. There are misunderstandings between Mr. Winter and Zera, but they’re nothing like what Ms. Winter is insinuating. Dragging Mr. Cunningham into this mess is simply her way of creating discord among us. Please, don’t be deceived.”
Zera, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, turned to the gathering crowd, her voice dripping with feigned sorrow. “Even if Tyrone still harbors feelings for me, I know I’m not worthy of him. I genuinely don’t understand why Ms. Winter insists on tormenting me.”
Together, Anna and Zera encircled Jolene, their persuasive words weaving a narrative that painted Zera and Tyrone as former lovers, each whisper echoing in the ears of those nearby, planting seeds of doubt about Ms. Winter’s intentions.
Raine, watching the unexpected alliance unfold, felt a mix of surprise and intrigue. She had anticipated a fierce confrontation, yet here were Anna and Zera, working in tandem rather than tearing each other apart.
Just as the atmosphere began to shift back to normalcy, Raine was about to make her exit when a group of police officers entered the hall, their presence instantly commanding attention.
One officer stepped forward, his voice authoritative. “Excuse me, could someone please direct me to Ms. Zera Caldwell?”
Upon hearing her name called by the police, Zera’s face drained of color, and she instinctively ducked behind her aunt, seeking refuge.
The Wachowskis, visibly anxious, stepped up. “Officers, what seems to be the problem?”
The officer replied, his tone unyielding. “The Winter Group has filed a report against Ms. Zera Caldwell. She is suspected of stealing confidential company documents, which has led to significant losses due to a core data leak. Given the severity of the situation, a task force has been assembled. Ms. Caldwell, we need you to accompany us for questioning.”
Jolene, too, retreated, pulling out her phone as she walked.
Dialing a number, she spoke with a sense of urgency. “Hey, can you look into George for me? He suddenly transferred the East District parcel to the Winters!”
Arms crossed, Raine observed as Jolene ended the call. Then, with a casual stride, she approached her.
Jolene’s expression was icy, her voice laced with disdain. “My friendship with Anna has endured for over a decade. It won’t be shattered by a few careless words from you.”
Raine raised both hands in mock surrender. “Mrs. Cunningham, you and I aren’t even on the same wavelength. Do you honestly think I’m bored enough to try and ‘break’ your friendship?”
Jolene’s face darkened, her eyes narrowing. “I’m aware of the misunderstandings between your brother and my friend’s niece. That has nothing to do with me. Don’t attempt to use me as a pawn in your game against Anna and her niece.”
Raine’s irritation flared, her patience wearing thin.
She gave Jolene a cool, appraising look, then said, “Out of respect for my long-standing friendship with your daughter, here’s a friendly piece of advice: Evershade Manor, Building 3, Unit 501. The next time George claims he’s on a business trip or is out entertaining clients, drop by unannounced. You might just uncover something surprising.”
Watching Jolene stumble away, Raine pulled out her phone and dialed Tyrone. “Tyrone, I conveyed exactly what you wanted to Mrs. Cunningham.”

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