Debbie didn't hide their plans from her friends. She said honestly, "Stephanie is James' biological daughter. He's evil, but he's a father. Carlos tortured her in front of James, so that his pain would be doubled as he watched his daughter suffer. Then, when he was on the brink of a mental meltdown, we began to torture him physically. We'll torture him bit by bit. After all that mental and physical punishment, we will trot out solid proof and lock him behind bars."
The four of them were stupefied. Jared had already put down his chopsticks. Debbie's narration about how Carlos had tortured Stephanie was far more interesting than the delicious food in front of him.
Kristina was the one who knew the least about everything that had happened. She asked in a weak voice, "Did Stephanie do something unforgivable? What did she do to you?"
Debbie lowered her voice because what she was about to say was absolutely confidential. "She made someone undergo plastic surgery to look like me and asked that person to kill Megan. She wanted to frame me for the murder. And at the seaside resort last time, Carlos and I were shipwrecked at sea. Stephanie was the one who had planned the accident. We were lucky to have survived it. Otherwise, I wouldn't be having dinner with you guys right now."
The four got goose bumps all over their bodies.
It sounded like some sort of horror story.
Kasie muttered, "I never expected Stephanie to be such a cruel woman. She had disguised herself so well. I actually thought that she was a nice person when we were at the seaside resort, except that she was aloof to the people there. It's true that you can't judge a book by its cover."
"Yes." Debbie was hungry now; her appetite had returned to normal. Taking a bite of a fish ball, she continued, "I thought that Stephanie and Megan were on good terms, but they weren't. Stephanie had even hired someone to rape Megan. Two men! Can you believe it? I'm not slandering her. I have proof to support all these claims."
They nodded, believing whatever Debbie said.
Debbie was pleased to see that her friends trusted her. "That's all we know so far. There must have been some other feuds between them, but only they know." She raised her head, and ran her eyes over them. "Hey! Remember that all this is confidential. Only Carlos, Frankie, Tristan and I know. And you guys. Don't let slip it to anyone else."
The four nodded again, assuring her that they would be tight-lipped.
Debbie bowed her head to focus on the food again. But something occurred to her all of a sudden. She shot her head up to give Kasie a meaningful look. "And the car accident three years ago..."
Kasie held her breath when the accident was brought up.
"Don't tell me that it was Stephanie who had plotted the accident," Jared couldn't help but ask.
Debbie shook her head. "It was James." The truth would go public soon. Debbie thought it was better to tell Kasie and the others now, before they heard the news from other sources.
Tears filled Kasie's eyes. She said with a sob, "So, that's the truth behind Emmett's death..."
"Yes. Carlos found out. He has all the proof. James' and Stephanie's fates are in Carlos' hands now." James had tried to flee abroad two days ago, but Carlos had his men bring him back before he could set foot in the airport.
Debbie comforted her, "Don't cry, Kasie. Carlos will avenge Emmett."
"Hmm," Kasie nodded. She believed Carlos wouldn't let James off easily.
As they ate their dinner, Debbie went on to tell them more about the crimes the father and daughter duo had committed. She also told them how Carlos had made Stephanie go through the abortion without any anesthesia. Jared wasn't satisfied. He said that Carlos was too benevolent on them.
After that, the five old friends dropped the topic about those disgusting people. They talked about their beautiful memories in school and university. They remembered the golden days of their friendship. In the end, the girls' eyes were red from all the tears they had shed over old stories. Dixon shook his head helplessly and said, "I can't believe that the four of you are married. I'm the only bachelor here. It's so unfair. Why didn't any of you wait for me?"
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