Chapter 276 Apology
Someone in the crowd had already called the police, and Evelyn and Sabrina, who were trying to get over, were blocked by the throng of people.
Diana's legs were so weak that she had to lean on Billy to walk.
Beatrix, the balloon seller, was also being supported.
Thanks to Diana and Billy's timely protection, she wasn't hurt, though her heart was pounding fiercely, and she was still shaken.
The police arrived quickly.
All three were taken in for questioning.
At the police station.
Since Diana and Billy were victims, the police only asked them a few basic questions.
One officer looked at Billy with admiration and said, "You did a great job. No one was hurt in the explosion, thanks to you."
Billy smiled and nodded.
Unlike the calm on their side, Beatrix was crying and shouting, "Officer, it really wasn't me. I've been selling balloons for a long time, always using safe gas. Many people in the square have bought my balloons; there's no way they could be dangerous."
"But now the balloons have exploded. Are we supposed to arrest the gas that burned? Do you know how dangerous what you did was? If these two hadn't saved you, you'd be dead by now!"
The officer's harsh words made Beatrix cry even more.
"Officer, I think it's too early to draw conclusions. If what she says is true, and she's been selling balloons for a long time, she must have the equipment at home. We can check what kind of gas it is."
Diana couldn't stand the officer's attitude and spoke up to defend Beatrix.
Beatrix, hearing this, clung to it like a lifeline and nodded quickly, "Yes! You can come to my house. I have the equipment there. You can check! I would never do something like that."
The officers, hearing Diana's words, exchanged glances, thinking she made sense.
One of them cleared his throat and asked kindly, "Miss, you said you saw the whole thing. Is there anything else you can tell us?"
Diana looked up slightly and, after a moment, spoke under the expectant gazes of everyone, "When I saw this lady, a man was returning a balloon, saying it was deflated. And he wasn't the only one returning balloons today. The balloons deflated right after being sold. I think there's something wrong here."
"Yes! I was wondering why so many people were returning balloons. So I took them back and stopped selling them. But then they exploded."
Beatrix quickly added. As a small vendor, she was older but quick-witted.
"I get it! Those people must have swapped my balloons for ones filled with hydrogen!"
Her words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples of excitement.
"If that's the case, deflated balloons would be hard to refill completely, making them look deflated and a reason for returns," one officer murmured.
"Then this is a terrorist attack! There were so many people in the square. If she had walked into a crowded area, more people would have been hurt!"
Someone immediately added.
With this conclusion, the police became agitated.
If it were just a case of an illegal vendor, today's situation, without harming others, would at most result in a fine and detention.
But now, it was clear there was a bigger conspiracy behind it.
This matter had to be thoroughly investigated.
Since Diana and Billy were victims, the police didn't keep them long and turned to ask Beatrix for more details.
Outside the police station, the two walked in silence.
Diana was wearing Billy's jacket.
Seeing he was only in a sweater, she immediately reached to take off the jacket, but he stopped her hand.
"I'm not cold. You keep it on."
His voice was gentle and calm, like the soothing sound of a cello, easing her anxious heart.
"Thanks, Billy." Diana paused, her tone sincere.
"It's nothing. You don't need to thank me." He smiled slightly as he spoke.
Then, silence fell between them again.
Diana felt awkward. Since the birthday party, this was the first time they had met, and she didn't know what to say.
Suddenly, Billy spoke, "How have you been? Is Snowy behaving?"
With him starting the conversation, Diana quickly replied, "I've been good, and Snowy is very well-behaved. I'll have someone bring it to you soon. By the way, how have you been?"
She looked directly at Billy, her tone softening.
Her gentle gaze and caring words overlapped with his memories, and Billy almost lost control of his emotions.
He looked away in a bit of a panic and replied, "I'm fine."
The sudden cessation of the Percy Group's actions against the Richardson Group had become a mystery in the industry.
But Billy knew it was because Diana had pleaded on his behalf.
When he learned the truth, he felt both relieved and ridiculous.
He was such a useless man. He had once confronted Charles, saying he would take Diana away someday.
But now, he had to rely on Diana to keep the Richardson Group running.
The huge psychological gap left him depressed for days.
Vance also fell ill because of him, and this time it wasn't an act; he was genuinely sick.
Reality had dealt Billy a heavy blow, telling him all his previous efforts were in vain.
He could never surpass Charles.
He was exhausted, but he also felt sorry for Diana.
If no one was willing to help her, how would she escape from Charles?
"I'm sorry, Diana," Billy suddenly said, his eyes full of sadness, "I might not be able to help you anymore. I'm getting married."
Diana's eyes widened, but she quickly regained her composure.
She never expected anyone to save her, so there was no disappointment.
So in Billy's eyes, she was only momentarily shocked before returning to normal, her tone very calm, "It's okay. I'm doing well. Congratulations on your wedding."
"No! I'm not happy. I don't want to get married, but I have to. My father is sick, and the Richardson Group has been severely damaged. It's my fault! I'm such a failure. I can't protect the Richardson Group or help you."
Billy's tone became agitated.
He was utterly dejected, his gentle and kind exterior hiding a soul shattered by torment.
Suddenly, his hands were held.
The warm, soft touch spread from his palms.
Diana's eyes were firm as she spoke, "It's not your fault. You've done great. If you keep blaming yourself, I'll feel guilty too. I really don't blame you. Thank you for everything you've done for me."
Her words calmed his restless heart.
Billy's eyes reddened, and a tear fell onto Diana's hand as his eyelashes trembled.
It was warm.
"I'm sorry." He murmured, pulling Diana into his arms.
He was so tall that Diana had to tilt her head up, her fingers awkwardly suspended in the air.
His neck was damp and warm, probably from his tears.
She sighed softly and helplessly hugged Billy back.
One hand gently patted his back, like comforting a child.
"It's okay. It's really not your fault."
They held each other quietly, like small animals huddling for warmth in a snowy forest.
However, not far away, a silver Maybach was parked by the roadside.
The scene was witnessed by someone inside the car.
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