Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 565

I recognized the man as Chief Jefferson. Back when Claudia framed me and got me arrested, I'd seen him a few times. He was still trying to smooth things over.

"Did Captain Steele offend Mr. Hawk in some way?"

He patted Neal's shoulder. "Neal, quickly apologize to Mr. Hawk. Mr. Hawk is known for being magnanimous; this matter can be put to rest."

Despite his anger, Nicholas still had rationality with him. He let go of Neal's collar for Chief Jefferson's sake. He then brushed his hands off disdainfully as if touching something filthy.

Looking at Chief Jefferson, he said coldly, "This has nothing to do with Ariana. I don't want any of your people to trouble her."

"Of course, of course!" Chief Jefferson shot me a weary look, recalling how our marital spat had caused chaos in his precinct before. And now, here we were again!

No matter who he offended, it was always a headache for him. Even after our divorce, we still couldn't seem to behave ourselves.

His eyes darted as he shifted the subject instantly. "You see, Mr. Hawk is so generous and understanding. Clearly, Neal must have been out of line. Neal, apologize now!"

I frowned. "It has nothing to do with him. He doesn't need to apologize."

"Yes, yes, yes..." Chief Jefferson quickly agreed, wiping nonexistent sweat from his brow.

Nicholas' jaw tightened, his black eyes burning with barely contained fury.

"Nick, how can you take her side? I'm the one lying here! I want Ariana to pay! I want her to pay with her life!"

I lifted my gaze toward Claudia in the distance. My calm expression sharpened with a cold edge. "Shut up!"

Claudia trembled in fright and suddenly stopped crying, her sobs turning into muffled whimpers. Perhaps she felt too wronged, and she burst into tears again. Her cries were grating and unnerving.

"Oh, Ms. Quirk, please stop crying!" Chief Jefferson's smile almost split his face. He'd long known family matters were the hardest to meddle in.