Chapter 470 Grace Goes to Jail
As the police officers approached, Grace's resolve crumbled, and she fell to the floor in despair. Shaking her head vehemently, she was overtaken by panic. "No, I can't go to jail, I won't..."
Sebastian's gaze upon her was icy, devoid of any warmth. "I might have overlooked your past misdeeds, but attacking Grandpa was unforgivable. Even as Elise's daughter, we cannot condone endangering our grandfather's life."
Desperately, Grace clung to his trouser leg, pleading, "I've learned my lesson, truly. I'm all that Elise has. If I'm gone, she'll be alone. Can you bear to leave her like that?"
Ariel and Jeremy exchanged a silent look, momentarily touched by her plea.
They had always shared a special bond with Elise, being particularly close to her among the siblings. Riley, as the eldest grandchild, had shouldered the family's expectations from a young age, his upbringing marked by strict discipline. Following the tragic loss of their parents, Elise had stepped in to manage their daily lives, while Shane oversaw their education. Sebastian, known for his youthful escapades, had always been particularly close to Elise, almost inseparable during their childhood.
Their connection to Elise was profound.
Yet, Riley's decision remained firm, his voice reflecting unwavering conviction, "Were Elise here today, witnessing her daughter conspire against her own father, she would undoubtedly insist on justice, ensuring you faced the consequences of your actions."
Grace felt as if she had been plunged into despair. "You can't do this to me, you just can't..."
Her protests were in vain as Riley signaled the officers, who promptly escorted her away.
"I'm Grace Koch, your cousin, Elise's daughter... You can't do this to me, you just can't..." Her cries echoed down the hospital halls, gradually diminishing until silence prevailed.
Turning to Patricia, Riley's expression softened, his voice laden with remorse as he said, "I apologize, Patricia. This is our failure as a family; our lack of guidance led to your suffering."
Patricia's gaze lingered on the still form of Shane. "I'll manage... But Grandpa, he's the one who's truly suffered. The betrayal he must have felt at Grace's hand... His vulnerability was a direct result of his trust in her."
Riley's expression darkened with resolve. "The past is immutable, but this time, the Koch family will stand firm, ensuring justice prevails."
Patricia merely nodded, her thoughts unspoken in the solemn atmosphere.
The truth was laid bare.
Riley and Sebastian remained by Shane's side, while Ariel and Jeremy were tasked with accompanying Patricia and Martin back to their accommodation.
The night's revelations had left Jeremy reeling, the reality of the situation only sinking in as he settled into the car, his emotions manifesting in a sharp pinch to his thigh.
Ariel glanced at him, puzzled. "What's that about? Some form of self-reproach?"
Jeremy was engulfed in a tumult of thoughts, but one question loomed largest. "Why would Grace target Grandpa? His kindness to her was boundless. What could she possibly gain from his death? Was it merely to frame Patricia?"
The question hung heavy, not just in Jeremy's mind but also with Patricia and Martin. The motive seemed unfathomable.
Jeremy mused, "Jealousy alone can't justify such an act against Grandpa. It's sheer cruelty. She must be the most heartless person I've ever known."
He had encountered a variety of women in his life, but never one who acted so spitefully as to harm her own grandfather.
"Thank goodness for our extensive connections in the States. Had we been even slightly delayed, Kyle would have fled the country, turning our search into a proverbial needle in a haystack scenario."
Throughout the conversation, Patricia remained silent, her chin resting on her hands as she gazed contemplatively out of the car window.
...
Grace found herself incarcerated. Although the evidence was overwhelming and laid out before her, she firmly refused to confess. She even recanted her previous confession made in the hospital, alleging coercion and threats had forced her admission. She portrayed Kyle as a mere pawn, paid to incriminate her.
Her adamant refusal to accept responsibility, coupled with her counteraccusations, significantly complicated the case. Shane's continued unconscious state further hindered their ability to formally charge Grace. Aware of this, Grace was unwavering in her silence.
After considerable deliberation, Patricia resolved to confront Grace in jail, driven by a need for answers. Arranged by Riley, their meeting took place in the visiting area.
Grace's appearance had deteriorated; her complexion was sallow, dark circles under her eyes hinted at sleepless nights, and her lips were chapped. Yet, she maintained a semblance of composure, her prison uniform tidy, her hair fashioned into a neat top knot, lending her a semblance of normalcy.
Grace cast a wary glance at Patricia and preemptively dismissed her. "I know what you're about to say, and I'm not confessing."
Patricia's response was devoid of emotion. "Your confession, or lack thereof, is irrelevant to me. I'm here to understand why. What is it about me that you despise so much?"
Grace's expression momentarily betrayed surprise.
Patricia continued, probing deeper, "Our first confrontation was unprovoked; Martin and I were not involved at that point. What's the source of your animosity? Why the extreme lengths to harm me directly?"
The intensity of Grace's animosity seemed disproportionate, unfounded even. Patricia and Martin had always been discreet, keeping their distance in public to avoid raising suspicions.
When Grace remained mute, Patricia pressed further, "Grandpa cherished you, yet you conspired against him. Had he uncovered some damning secret?"
Grace's silence persisted, her gaze fixed on Patricia, a hint of satisfaction in her demeanor at Patricia's evident frustration.
Patricia's patience was wearing thin, her anger palpable at Grace's taunting visage.
"Grace," Patricia cautioned, "your silence won't render me helpless."
Challenging Patricia's resolve, Grace arched an eyebrow, responding, "Oh, the curiosity..."
Her words hung in the air, a deliberate provocation designed to test Patricia's composure, her smugness suggesting she felt in control, despite her incarceration.
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