Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter and Phoebe) novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178 

My heart skipped a beat, and I guiltily averted my gaze. 

Was he implying that he never lied, but I was the chronic deceiver? 

What had I lied to him about… 

As I stepped out of the dilapidated mental institution, a swarm of reporters and onlookers 

blocked the entrance. 

They were all hounding Dexter, pressing him with questions about why, as the CEO of the Fitzgerald Group, he would get involved in a kidnapping, an act so blatantly illegal and disorderly. 

Dexter climbed into the car with a dark expression. “No comment.” 

The reporters were obviously here for him. If this got out, the Fitzgerald Group’s reputation would be in tatters. 

Dexter glanced at me coldly, silent, as the police led him away. 

“The Fitzgerald Group’s CEO involved in a kidnapping!” 

“Why would someone in his position kidnap anyone?” the reporters murmured among themselves, and the bystanders speculated that Dexter had lost his mind. 

If this news hit the stands, the Fitzgerald Group’s stock would plummet by the next day. 

Had Dexter crossed someone? 

I eyed Colin suspiciously. “Did you do this?” 

Colin gave a tacit admission, remaining silent. He really wasn’t much of a liar. So, he chose not to explain at all. 

“The Fitzgerald family’s in for a spectacle,” Robin sighed, casting a glance my way before getting into the car. “If they pin the kidnapping on him and the evidence is clear, the Fitzgeralds may come to you for a private settlement. It’s your choice.” 

I was taken aback. If the Fitzgeralds believed Dexter was behind it, Hailey would undoubtedly 

seek me out. 

I could be heartless with Dexter, but I wasn’t sure I could do the same with Hailey. 

Once in Eric’s car, I hesitated, then decided to speak up. “Are you trying to destroy Dexter?” 

What clout did Colin have? 

“No…” Colin shook his head. “I want him dead.” 

Whenever Colin spoke of Dexter, his eyes brimmed with murderous intent. 

Chapter 178 

News travels fast, and it wasn’t long before the Fitzgerald family got wind of Dexter’s arrest. 

When Hailey came to visit me at the Langleys‘ estate, she looked considerably aged. 

I had heard that after my death, Hailey had been grief–stricken and fallen ill, recuperating in Harbor City. She had returned because of Dexter. 

The Fitzgerald family had a formidable legal team. They might not make the kidnapping charge stick, but Dexter’s false imprisonment of me was still a crime. 

I knew Hailey was here to have me sign a statement of forgiveness to salvage Dexter’s reputation and mitigate the impact on the company. 

“Madam… Mrs. Fitzgerald is here,” the housekeeper announced, ushering Hailey into the living 

room. 

My fingers clenched instinctively, yet I remained composed, seated in my chair. 

Upon seeing me, Hailey’s hand flew to her mouth in shock, her eyes welling up. 

I wanted to comfort her, but I couldn’t. I was no longer Phoebe; to her, I was just a stranger. 

“I’m sorry. Ms. Larson, you just look so much like my daughter,” Hailey managed through her sobs. 

She always called me that, insisting I was her daughter. 

I knew Hailey cared for me genuinely, but this time, I didn’t want to let Dexter off the hook. 

“Ms. Larson, I know Dexter has acted rashly. Please… whatever your terms, we can discuss them,” Hailey whispered, pleading. 

“A parent’s neglect is to blame for his child’s misdeeds. How many years of mess can you clean up for him?” My gaze was firm. 

This time, I wouldn’t let Dexter off easily, even if his lawyers managed to get him a mere fifteen–day detention. 

Hailey fell silent, taking a long time before responding. “Since my daughter Phoebe passed, Dexter has been crazy. This is his comeuppance… He lied to Phoebe for years, and to himself as well. He told me that you were a close friend of Phoebe’s, that she confided everything in 

you.” 

I furrowed my brow, looking at Hailey. “You said Dexter lied to Phoebe. What did he lie about?” 

“Phoebe Caldwell’s family’s car accident… the person who saved Phoebe and her parents, it wasn’t Dexter.”