CHAPTER 63
In the interrogation room.
After Arianna truthfully recounted her version of events, the police began their questioning.
"Did you steal the thousand-year ginseng?" the policeman asked, his tone neutral.
Arianna firmly responded, "I did not."
"Then why was the thousand-year ginseng found in your bag?"
Arianna chuckled softly. "Isn't it your job to investigate that? To convict someone, you need both physical evidence and witness testimony. You have the physical evidence, but where is the witness?"
Arianna casually took a sip of water before continuing, "Did anyone actually see me put the thousand-year ginseng in my bag?"
The policeman was momentarily at a loss for words. He had never encountered a suspect so composed and defiant.
Regaining his composure, he replied, "We've dispatched someone to review the surveillance footage. We'll know the truth soon enough. When that happens, I wonder how long you'll maintain your stubbornness!"
About ten minutes later, a knock on the door preceded the entrance of another policeman.
"We've reviewed the store's surveillance footage," he announced. "Unfortunately, the spot where the ginseng was taken is a blind spot, so the cameras didn't capture the thief in action."
Arianna wasn't surprised by this revelation. Knowing Piper and Violet's meticulous planning, she realized they would have accounted for every detail, ensuring no easy way out for her.
This was far from child's play; it was a calculated scheme designed to entrap her completely.
Ironically, Arianna found herself musing about how an elegant woman like Violet could raise such an arrogant daughter like Piper. It seemed that Violet’s refinement was merely a facade. After all, the saying "like mother, like daughter" appeared to hold true.
The policeman suddenly slapped the table, his patience waning.
"No wonder you're so calm. You must have known about the blind spot in the surveillance, which is why you weren't caught in the act! Do you really think you can evade the long arm of the law? I'll ask you one last time. Did you steal the thousand-year ginseng? If you admit it now, we might consider your cooperation and grant you a lighter sentence. However, if you continue to deny it, the consequences will be severe!"
If Arianna admitted to the theft, it would only dig her into a deeper hole.
"I'll say this one last time: I didn't steal anything!" Arianna declared, enunciating each word with unwavering conviction.
"Fine," the policeman replied with a grim expression. "Since you're refusing to acknowledge your mistake, we'll hold you in custody. You'd better take this time to reflect on your actions!"
Custody? Under normal circumstances, lacking sufficient evidence would allow for release on bail. But now, they intended to hold her without any solid proof.
It was clear that Violet's strategy went beyond mere accusations. This was her calculated, lethal move, designed to entrap Arianna completely.
Once she stepped into the detention facility, Arianna knew she'd be at their mercy, with nowhere to turn. They'd have free rein to do as they pleased.
But Arianna refused to let things slide.
Instead of foolishly requesting bail, Arianna bit her lower lip and adopted a pitiful expression.
"Sir, while I have no objection to how you're handling things, could I possibly make a phone call to my family? My grandmother is waiting for me at home for dinner. She's elderly, and if she can't reach me, she'll be terribly worried."
The policeman's reprimand was swift.
"If you were truly concerned about your family, you shouldn't have resorted to stealing," he admonished. Nonetheless, he didn't outright deny Arianna's request.
"You have five minutes. Make it quick!" the policeman instructed sternly.
"Thank you, sir!" Arianna replied gratefully.
Taking the phone handed to her by the policeman, Arianna dialed Rochelle's number immediately.
However, Rochelle didn't pick up. Despite several attempts, each call went unanswered, eventually ending in automatic disconnection.
Arianna couldn't help but wonder what Rochelle could be preoccupied with.
With no other option, Arianna left Rochelle a voicemail, hoping she would receive it soon. The uncertainty of when Rochelle would see the message weighed heavily on Arianna's mind. If Rochelle was away on another business trip, there might be no one to come to Arianna's aid.
.
Thus, Arianna found herself in need of a backup plan.
As she pondered her options, Arianna realized that aside from Rochelle, there was only Grandma...
Arianna hesitated. She didn't want to burden Grandma King with worry, knowing he would likely delegate the matter to Xander.
But if Xander suspected Arianna of using Grandma King to enlist his help, it could complicate things further.
In the end, it seemed Xander was Arianna's only recourse.
Even though they had an agreement, it was solely for the sake of maintaining appearances in front of Grandma King. If she wasn't in the picture, Xander might not feel obligated to intervene in Arianna's predicament. In fact, he might even revel in her misfortune.
As Arianna hesitated, the policeman's abrupt reminder jolted her back to reality.
"You have one minute left. Wrap it up!" he urged.
With time running out, Arianna knew she had to act quickly. Taking a deep breath, she swiftly dialed the number she had committed to memory.
It was a gamble, but Arianna had no other choice but to try her luck.
