Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 607

"And how do you know the police don't already have solid evidence?" Diana tipped her chin toward the officers.

The lead officer responded at once. "Mr. Hutton, without firm evidence, we would not come to a venue like this and spoil your evening."

Theodore's patience finally snapped. They had dismissed him too many times. His expression darkened. "If I say no one is taking her away in front of me tonight, then what?"

His posture was rigid, his tone unyielding.

"Mr. Hutton."

The police hesitated. Duty demanded compliance, but Theodore was no ordinary man. They were present only because Diana had permitted it. Father or daughter, neither was someone they wished to offend.

Diana's eyes flickered with disbelief. Disappointment followed. "Dad, are you really going to protect her until you can't tell right from wrong?"

"Enough." Theodore cut her off. "Why do I protect her? Because all of you cast her aside. Let me be clear. If you insist on taking her, you show no respect for me as your father."

The tension in the hall tightened, thick and suffocating.

Raymond let out a sudden, cold laugh. He produced a handgun and pressed it to Megan's temple. "If you can't take her away, then she stays here. For good."

Diana and Theodore froze. One feared for Raymond, while the other feared for Megan.

Panic rippled through the guests. People scrambled backward in a rush. Raymond had always been dangerous.

Diana's fingers trembled as she ordered security to seal the doors. Her voice snapped sharp and brittle. "Ray, are you insane? Put it down. Now."

"You unfilial brat." Theodore roared. "If you dare—"

"Save it." Raymond wet his lips as the muzzle edged closer. "Either the police take her, or she stays here forever."

Diana was ruthless enough to destroy her, yet she spared Penelope.

Why? They had always looked down on her. The moment they saw an opening, they tried to cast her out.

Hatred for every Hutton member rose like a tide, threatening to drown her. She would not accept this. She would make them pay.

Only after the police escorted Megan out did Raymond lower the gun.

Diana finally exhaled. She stepped forward and snatched the weapon, her hands unsteady. "Who let you pull a gun in front of the police? Have you lost your mind?"

Then she frowned. Something felt wrong.

Raymond glanced at Theodore and curled his lip. "It's the old toy gun. The one Vee loved when we were kids."