Chapter 648 Protect Saskia?
Sarah finally reacted.
"Yes, yes, yes—you're not angry. It's all my fault!" Ryder nodded quickly, relief washing over him that she'd finally spoken.
Sarah rolled her eyes. "We'll discuss that later. What I want to know is what you're planning to do next."
"About what?"
"About Alfonso's death." Her expression hardened. "The Weaver family won't let this go. According to what I forced out of Donna, Saskia's experience is genuinely tragic. But these were ultimately her own choices, Ryder. She needs to take responsibility for her actions."
"So you think we should let her go to prison?" Ryder asked, his voice tight.
Sarah nodded. "She's the prime suspect in the death of a Weaver family member. This will escalate quickly. Even with that video evidence, she can't handle this alone. Against a family like the Weavers, prison is virtually guaranteed."
"And your point is?" Ryder's jaw clenched.
"How can you not understand what I'm saying?" Sarah's knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. "Yes, you've grown capable—you even took down the Young family. But that involved considerable luck and having concrete evidence of their crimes. We all nearly died in that confrontation! You haven't forgotten that, have you?"
"I haven't," Ryder acknowledged.
"Alfonso was from Patricia Edwards' favored branch of the family. They won't let Saskia walk free." Sarah's voice softened slightly. "Protecting her means making an enemy of the Weaver family."
She knew her husband well—knew his tendency toward reckless nobility. That's why she felt compelled to warn him against doing something foolish.
"I can't follow your advice on this," Ryder said firmly. "I owe her. I'll do everything I can to keep her out of prison."
Sarah shook her head. "Her motive is clear, Ryder. The police will easily connect her to Alfonso's death with even a basic investigation. If it's a crime, she should face legal consequences."
"Everything you're saying makes sense," Ryder sighed heavily. "But you know once I've made a decision, I don't change my mind."
"Is she really worth all this trouble?" Sarah asked quietly.
"This isn't about her!" Ryder insisted. "I'm doing this to be at peace with my conscience. If I didn't, you'd probably call me cold-hearted!"
Sarah gave a bitter smile. "That's true enough. Fine, do what you want." Her eyes narrowed. "But Ryder, let me be crystal clear—you're my husband now. If you dare have another woman on the side, I'll—"
"You'll what?"
"I'll cut it off! Then divorce you!" Sarah declared, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
Ryder glanced down at his crotch, feeling a chill run through him.
He cleared his throat and mustered his courage. "So, um, tonight, why don't you inspect the goods? Make sure everything's clean and has only been inside you?"
Sarah pretended not to hear him, though her ears turned bright red.
Seeing her reaction, Ryder felt a little smug. Apparently, the trick with proper women was to throw in the occasional risqué joke—guaranteed to make them flustered.
---
Soon they arrived at their villa, but Ryder's fantasies about "nighttime activities" evaporated as Sarah completely ignored him.
With no other option, he took a shower and afterward decided he needed to call the Weaver family.
Through Anthony, he obtained Patricia's phone number and called the head of the main Weaver family branch.
Despite the late hour, Patricia answered immediately.
She wasn't resting—she was standing outside the morgue where Alfonso's body lay.
Owen, Oliver, and others were also present, their faces grim in the harsh fluorescent light.
Alfonso's death had hit Patricia hard. She had invested heavily in his development, grooming him to be Oliver's right-hand man.
Now her influence within the family had diminished significantly. How could she compete with Dylan now?
Moreover, no one in the Weaver family believed Alfonso had accidentally fallen to his death. The Weaver family was certain that Saskia had deliberately killed him.
Based on their investigation, they knew Alfonso had drugged and raped Saskia, forced her to have an abortion, and that Saskia had once worked at that hotel.
They easily deduced that Alfonso's death was premeditated murder—Saskia had ample motive.
The family had unanimously decided to ensure Saskia would face the harshest legal consequences.
Just as Patricia was about to announce their resolution, she received Ryder's call.
"Ms. Edwards, or perhaps I should call you Patricia in private," Ryder began smoothly. "This is Ryder."
Patricia paused. "Ryder? The chairman of Maple Group? The Johnson family's son-in-law?"
"That's me."
Her tone softened considerably. "You made quite an impression at the wedding. The younger generation is truly impressive!"
"I hope you don't hold it against me for disrupting their ceremony."
"Not at all. They were already legally married—the ceremony was merely a formality."
Ryder took a deep breath. "I'm glad to hear that. However, regarding what I'm about to discuss, I hope you and the Weaver family can be understanding."
Patricia's brow furrowed slightly. "Does this have something to do with Alfonso's death?"
"I should emphasize that Alfonso, Saskia, and I were university classmates," Ryder explained carefully. "Back then, Saskia was my girlfriend. So with that context, I think you understand what I'm getting at."
Patricia's tone shifted instantly, ice replacing the warmth. "So you're suggesting Alfonso deserved to die, and you want to protect Saskia?"
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