Chapter 300 Do you know Stella?
Jasper settled onto the sofa across from Jason, a slight smile on his face. "So, you're saying Adeline targeted Ava for revenge?"
"Who else?" Jason scoffed. "Ava says she hasn't crossed anyone but Adeline lately."
"And you think the Quinn family lackeys would act without their young lady's orders?"
Jasper's eyes narrowed. "Evelyn's definitely pulling the strings."
"But Adeline might not be Evelyn."
He fixed Jason with a steady gaze. "You said your men were taking Ava to the police station?"
"Yeah." Jason checked his watch. "She should be there by now."
"Good." Jasper stood up, smiling. "Ryan, to the police station."
Jason froze, then quickly blocked Jasper's path. "Going there won't change the fact that you slept with Evelyn, will it?"
The air turned icy as Jasper's eyes hardened. He glared at Jason. "Take that back, and I'll pretend I didn't hear it."
Jason frowned. "Jasper, how long are you going to lie to yourself?"
"All the evidence points to Adeline being Evelyn, the woman you once hated!"
"What are you holding onto?"
Jasper laughed without humor, meeting Jason's gaze. "I believe what I see."
"Adeline can't be Evelyn." He brushed past Jason's arm. "Until I have solid proof she's Evelyn, I won't entertain such ideas." With that, he walked away.
Jason watched him go, frowning deeply. He remembered when Jasper had suspicions about Stella's identity, he never made such a definitive judgment.
'Why is it different with Adeline? Why insist on concrete evidence?'
'Could it be...' Jason thought, worry knotting in his stomach, 'that after six years of waiting for Stella, his heart has shifted now that she's back?'
At the police station, Chase Fisher scribbled in his notebook, glancing at Ava, whose face was bruised. "So, you think your former boss, Adeline, set this up?" he asked. "Do you have any evidence besides your suspicion?"
"What more evidence do you need!?" Ava cried, tears streaming down her swollen face. "Isn't this enough!?"
"I haven't wronged anyone recently except Adeline!" she insisted. "Who else could it be!?"
Chase chuckled. "Ava, we need evidence."
"You can voice your suspicions, and we'll investigate, but demanding an immediate arrest without proof is unrealistic."
"Why not?" Ava's voice was tight with frustration.
"Because you have no evidence," a new voice interjected.
Ava and Chase looked up to see Jasper approaching.
"Mr. Foster."
"Hello." Jasper sat next to Ava. "Please, continue."
"I'm here to pick her up," he added, turning to Chase.
"Then take her," Chase replied, standing up. "We just finished the statement, but Ava wants an immediate arrest."
"Thanks for your time," Jasper said with a polite smile. He then turned to Ava. "Ms. Lopez, let's go."
Ava was thrilled that Jasper, Radiance Springs' most eligible bachelor, had come to get her. With his gentle demeanor and offer to take her home, she felt like she was on cloud nine.
She stood up, feeling dizzy from the earlier assault and her current excitement. She swayed, almost losing her balance.
Jasper quickly steadied her. "Careful."
Ava felt lightheaded, her steps unsteady. This had to be a dream! Why else would Jasper be so attentive?
In a daze, she let him lead her out of the police station and into his sleek black Maserati.
"Mr. Foster, this is my first time in such a luxurious car," she gushed, sinking into the plush leather seat. "Thank you for your kindness." She glanced at the time. "It's already past eleven. Why don't we get a room at a nearby hotel?"
Ryan, who was driving, nearly choked on his own spit. Mr. Foster had been polite and helpful because she was a victim of a brutal attack. Did she really think it was her charm that captivated him?
An awkward silence filled the car.
Ava, sensing Jasper's lack of response, frowned. "Did I say something wrong?" she asked, then sighed, "Mr. Foster, I know you're used to five-star hotels, but there aren't any nearby. It's late; maybe we could just find a decent hotel for the night? What do you think?"
"I think you need this." Jasper's voice was tight as he handed her a small mirror.
Ava paused, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, take a good look in the mirror and get a grip on reality!"
Ryan, unable to hold back, shot her a withering look from the driver's seat. "Even if Mr. Foster had the worst taste, he wouldn't be interested in you, not after what you pulled." He shook his head. "You actually had the nerve to spread those lies about Adeline in the company chat."
At the mention of Adeline's name, Ava's memory came rushing back. She recalled overhearing Aurora in the restroom, gossiping about how both Jasper and his assistant were smitten with Adeline.
A cold sweat broke out on her skin as the realization hit her.
"You're both in cahoots with Adeline, aren't you?" she accused, her voice trembling. "Ganging up on me, just like everyone else!"
"A little late for that realization, don't you think?" Jasper's voice was devoid of emotion as he held out his hand. "Phone."
Ava instinctively clutched her phone protectively. "What are you doing?"
"Don't get any ideas," Jasper said, a humorless smile on his lips. "I just want to see what you said to provoke Adeline to this extent."
Ava bit her lip, her mind racing. After a long pause, she reluctantly handed him the phone. "Don't you dare go snooping through my personal stuff!"
Jasper took the phone, his brow furrowing as he scrolled through her messages. The things Ava had written in the company chat were indeed vile and slanderous.
His blue eyes narrowed as he scanned her recent contacts.
"You know Stella?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.
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