He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 343

Scarlett's heart gave a hopeful jolt as she snapped her head toward the door.

Striding into the precinct was a middle-aged man in a crisp uniform. He had a stern, chiseled face and carried himself with an imposing, unmistakable authority. The sheer weight of his presence commanded absolute silence, washing over the chaotic room like a tidal wave.

Instantly, every officer who had been lounging at their desks or watching the drama unfold bolted upright. In perfect unison, they barked out, "Mr. Stetson!"

The title hit Corinne and Sylvia like a physical blow. Their eyes widened in horror. Even Yardley couldn't stop the involuntary shudder that ran down his spine. He had made calls, pulled strings, and was absolutely certain Scarlett wouldn't be able to make a splash. But the man standing before them was Gunnar Stetson, the Director of the State Bureau of Investigation.

Realizing the situation had just spiraled completely out of his control, a cold sweat broke out on Yardley's forehead. Ignoring the foul smell clinging to his clothes, he instinctively reached into his pocket to call Nathan for backup.

His hand met empty fabric.

The phone was still with Scarlett.

Panic flared in Yardley's chest. Meanwhile, Director Stetson had already crossed the room to stand before Jacqueline. The intimidating aura around him softened, replaced by a subtle, deep-seated respect. He extended his hand.

"Ms. Langley, I am Gunnar Stetson. The fact that your case was never resolved back then has weighed heavily on my conscience for years. That is why I came personally tonight."

A flicker of deep emotion shone in Jacqueline's eyes as she firmly shook his hand. "Mr. Stetson... I can't believe you still remember after all this time."

Gunnar cut him off. His voice wasn't loud, but it possessed an unquestionable dominance. "Are you really trying to lecture me on the law?"

He held up the phone, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "Under the Penal Code, investigators have the authority to search and seize the property of a suspect to secure evidence. As of this moment, you are under formal investigation for extortion and the distribution of illicit materials."

"You have two choices. You unlock it yourself, cooperate with this investigation, and perhaps earn some leniency. Or, I call in the forensics team to extract the data by force. And if I do that, we will be having a very different conversation about your lack of cooperation."

Yardley froze. He knew Stetson wasn't bluffing. If forensics got involved, everything on his phone would be exposed, and he'd be hit with an obstruction charge on top of it all.

Cold sweat dripped down his temples as he met the Director's gaze. Yardley was a man used to wielding absolute power, but right now, standing before a man who had clawed his way from a beat cop to the top of the state bureau, his commanding presence was completely shattered.