Chapter 557 Withdrawal of the Lawsuit?
"What the hell happened?"
Edward and Evelyn exchanged a knowing glance.
"Just now, Elbert and Calvin took him out of the police station. And get this, they brought a bunch of reporters with them! Calvin had the nerve to clear Randy's name in front of the media, saying he was innocent and it was all a setup, a misunderstanding!" Bart's voice grew more furious with each word, his throat straining.
"No way! How is that even possible?"
Evelyn sat up in bed, causing Edward to turn pale with fear. He quickly pushed her back down. "Evelyn! Don't move too much, be careful of the IV!"
"How could Randy possibly get out of the station?"
Evelyn grabbed the phone, shouting anxiously at Bart, "Edward and I had everything arranged, and Charlie knew about it too. He cares about Jennifer. How could he let the Alexander family manipulate the system? Why didn't he stop it?"
"Mrs. Wellington, please, try to stay calm."
Bart's voice was dry with worry. "I'm still looking into the details. Please, you and Mr. Wellington, wait for my update!"
As soon as the call ended, Evelyn couldn't hold back any longer and prepared to contact Peter.
However, as if by some telepathic connection, another call came through on Edward's phone.
Evelyn stared at the screen, her heart pounding, biting her lip.
"Evelyn, who is it?" Edward asked, seeing her downcast expression.
"It's Landon."
Edward pressed his lips together, then spoke gently, "Evelyn, answer it. Don't let Landon worry anymore."
Thinking of how her brothers had always tried to control her, Evelyn felt uncomfortable. She answered the call with a less-than-friendly tone.
"If you're calling to take me back, don't bother. If it's something else, make it quick."
On the other end, Landon's expression stiffened, a sharp pain piercing his heart.
Evelyn used to be sweet and affectionate with him, even over the phone, calling him "Landon" in a soft, endearing voice.
But now, their relationship had become strained. The more he tried to protect her, the further he pushed her away.
"Evelyn, Ulysses has told us everything about your situation."
Landon's voice remained gentle. "If being with him makes you feel safe and happy, I won't stop you anymore."
"Landon..." Evelyn was taken aback, her breath catching.
"Evelyn, you were right to be angry. I failed to protect you and blamed myself. To ease my conscience, I tried to shield you, even if it meant taking away your right to love someone."
Landon let out a bitter laugh. "These past few days, I've been asking myself what I truly want."
"What I want... is for you to find real happiness. And that happiness shouldn't be forced upon you or measured by anyone else."
"True love means giving you what you want, including your freedom. So, I should let go."
Evelyn's heart trembled, a wave of sadness washing over her. "Landon..."
Edward, standing nearby, was also moved to tears by Landon's heartfelt words.
"Aaron and the others, I'll work on convincing them. As for Dad..."
Landon paused, trying to sound casual. "As long as you're truly happy, he'll come around eventually. So, Edward, you know what to do next, right?"
"I know. Don't worry." Edward's voice was hoarse as he pulled Evelyn into his arms. "Evelyn is my everything. I'll protect her with my life."
A few words, deeply etched in their hearts.
Nothing more needed to be said.
The siblings had reached an understanding.
To Evelyn, Landon was as important as Edward. She didn't want to be angry with him; she was just fighting against family pressure.
"Landon, how did that scumbag Randy get bailed out? Why didn't Charlie stop it?" Evelyn was frantic with worry.
"I actually called about that."
Landon took a deep breath, gritting his teeth. "Joyce, considering Jennifer's reputation and our family's honor, discussed it with Dad and decided to drop the charges."
"Drop the charges?" Evelyn and Edward were stunned!
"Otherwise, how could Randy get out of the police station?"
Landon's voice was filled with frustration. "The Alexander family also bribed several major media outlets, preparing numerous articles to paint Randy as a victim."
"Even if we fight back, with the charges dropped, there's nothing we can do legally."
"Is Charlie senile? He's sacrificing his daughter's dignity for pride? Our family doesn't live off reputation alone!"
Evelyn's shoulders shook with anger. "Joyce is gentle and weak; this must be Charlie's idea! She wouldn't dare go against him!"
"Evelyn, you're wrong this time."
Landon sighed helplessly. "It was Joyce and Jennifer who suggested it. Dad was initially strongly opposed, wanting to fight the Alexander family to the end. But Joyce insisted, and it was the worst argument I've ever seen between her and Dad."
"So, Dad had no choice but to go along with Joyce and Jennifer's decision."
Evelyn, already feverish, felt even more faint with anger.
"Jennifer is our family's daughter, still unmarried. If this gets out, even if she's the victim, it will damage her reputation. Being in the spotlight and judged by others is unbearable. And now, with the toxic online environment, people are especially harsh on women. If this scandal breaks, Jennifer will be the one most hurt, not that bastard."
Edward gently stroked her back, calmly analyzing the situation. "Evelyn, don't be mad at them. This choice was made after careful consideration."
"Those online moralists are nothing but noisy flies! And those self-important high society types, who cares what they think? Our family is powerful; even the Prime Minister shows us respect. Who would dare look down on Jennifer?" Evelyn's eyes blazed with fury.
Landon remained silent, knowing Evelyn was too angry to be consoled.
Edward, however, patiently and gently said, "Evelyn, you're right, but you missed a crucial point. Not everyone is as fearless as you, and not everyone is as strong."
Evelyn was taken aback, lowering her eyes, clenching her fists. "You're right. But this can't end here. Randy and the entire Alexander family must pay!"
"If the law can't punish them, we will."
Edward's eyes narrowed, a cold smile forming on his lips. "Taking matters into our own hands might be easier."
Evelyn closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to calm down. "Landon, go to my room. On my computer, there's a file on Helen's husband's corruption and abuse of power."
Edward and Landon were both shocked!
During those two days of being confined, Evelyn had been fighting the Alexander family, dealing with family conflicts, and mourning her separation from her lover. Yet she still had the energy to gather this information!
"Not only that, I've also been investigating Helen. She's not innocent either."
Edward rested his chin on her head, gently nuzzling her. "I support you."
Meanwhile, William was in shock upon hearing about the dropped charges. He knelt by Jennifer's bed, holding her sweaty hand tightly. "I can be your lawyer, I can fight the Alexander family for you! We can win this case! Why are we backing down? We must fight them to the end!"
"William, I'm sorry..."
Jennifer curled up on the bed, tears streaming down her face. "I know you mean well, but I'm sorry."
The more she apologized, the more William's heart ached. His girl had done nothing wrong. The ones at fault were the Alexander family and that beast Randy!
"William, let this go... Don't stand up for me anymore."
Jennifer, tears in her eyes, shook her head. "I'm still my father's daughter. The Alexander family can't do anything to me. But if they target you, what will you do? What if they go after your family? And even though Randy didn't succeed, if this scandal blows up, how will your family see me?"
"Jennifer." William's voice broke, his heart shattering.
At that moment, he realized Jennifer wasn't afraid of being in the spotlight or public opinion. She was afraid of being looked down upon by the Flynn family, afraid of not making a good impression on them.
"William, ever since I was little... I've wanted to marry you. Even now, I still want to take your last name."
Jennifer gently touched his beloved face. "I know your family doesn't like me. If I can't stand before them with a clean slate, they'll never accept me. And you'll be caught in the middle."
Caught in the middle. She didn't know that last night, Evelyn had said the same thing. Both sisters were too understanding, too considerate of their loved ones. They constantly suppressed their own feelings, almost lowering themselves to the ground. But Evelyn had found her way out. When would Jennifer's suffering end?
William's throat tightened, and he pulled his beloved girl into his arms, holding her tightly. "If you want, we can get a marriage license anytime." His arms tightened, as if trying to merge her into his being, making a solemn vow. "You will be my only wife."
Jennifer closed her eyes, moved. She didn't know what the future held, but at least in this moment, she felt it was worth it.
Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Susan's slightly urgent voice came from outside.
"William, are you in there? Can you come out for a moment?"
William hesitated, then got up and walked to the door, opening it.
"Susan, you need me?" His eyes were still red.
Susan glanced inside, then pulled William out, closing the door behind them.
William sensed something was wrong and quickly asked, "Susan, what's going on?"
"Come downstairs and see for yourself."
Susan's eyes were filled with worry, her voice low. "Your mother and Landon are here."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
