Chapter 197
197 Midnight Trial
The matriarch had already refused Taylor’s first request–refusing again wasn’t her style.
But tonight, she was acting out of character.
“She should listen too. She just returned–it’s best she learns to tell truth from deception.”
Then she added to Samson, “Speak quickly. Don’t waste the children’s rest time.”
Samson stepped forward immediately.
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“Yes, Madam. After investigating, I discovered that the garage incident was caused by a newly hired servant.”
“I’ve already had him detained.”
“Bring him in!”
At his words, the doors opened again.
Two bodyguards marched a man inside and threw him to the floor.
The man grunted from the impact and looked up-
Right at Scarlett.
Scarlett glanced down instinctively, curious about the dramatic setup.
Her expression shifted in surprise.
It was Oliver.
“That’s him–Oliver,” Samson announced. “I reviewed the hidden camera footage. He was the one who tampered with the garage.”
“And it wasn’t just the Madam who couldn’t leave this morning. Mr. Grayson and his wife were also delayed -and furious.”
With that, he gave Oliver a harsh kick.
“Well? Explain why you locked the garage!”
Oliver said nothing.
He just stared at Scarlett, guilt written all over his face.
Taylor stepped subtly in front of her, blocking the stare.
Samson, enraged by the silence, kicked him again.
“If you won’t talk, then I will.”
“Madam, the investigation suggests that Oliver did this to atone for his past treatment of Ms. Scarlett. He wanted to please her.”
“You know Ms. Aurora and Ms. Scarlett were competitors today. If Ms. Aurora were late, Scarlett would’ve
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had one less strong opponent without lifting a finger.”
Scarlett’s eyes glinted with a cold smile.
So that was the angle.”
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She glanced at Aurora,
Clever–finding a sneaky and underhanded way to frame her. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Fɪndηovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
“Grandma, this is ridiculous,” Taylor yawned. “Scarlett just won the championship. Why would she go to such trouble?”
“This guy never liked her. Maybe he’s framing her.”
“Why not toss him in the dungeon for a few rounds? He’ll spill the truth then.”
Oliver trembled.
His eyes lifted in disbelief.
But when he realized Scarlett wasn’t even looking at him, his face turned ghostly pale.
Something seemed to dawn on him.
He gave a bitter smile and lowered his head.
Not another word.
Samson quickly interjected.
“Sir, Ms. Scarlett’s abilities are undeniable. But before any competition, who can guarantee a win?”
Taylor’s relaxed expression dropped instantly.
The drowsy glaze in his eyes iced over like frost on glass.
“Samson, what exactly are you trying to say?”
Samson lowered his head, voice heavy.
He clearly feared Taylor’s pressure.
“I…”
“Speak plainly!” the matriarch snapped, slamming the table. “No more stalling!”
Samson finally gathered the nerve.
“Yes, Madam. After questioning, Oliver admitted he wanted to help Ms. Scarlett by eliminating her strongest competitor. We live in the outskirts–taxis are hard to come by. If the garage cars can’t get out, someone might miss their event.”
“If Ms. Aurora were late, as vice–captain of Jalindale’s team, the whole squad would be disqualified. Everyone knows Jalindale’s team is the strongest. Without her, Ms. Scarlett would’ve had one less major
threat.”
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“It wasn’t a clever plan–but it had a high chance of working. Except…”
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He sighed.
rouble
“Ms. Aurora has a habit–she doesn’t like to trouble the staff. So every morning, she leaves early and catches the garbage truck. That truck doesn’t go through the garage, so she slipped through.”
Aurora’s tears flowed steadily.
Her big, pitiful eyes overflowed with grievance–but no hint of blame.
Sweet, well–behaved, understanding.
It broke the matriarch’s heart.
She personally reached over to wipe Aurora’s tears.
“The Lane family always handles matters fairly. I’ll make sure you get justice.”
Aurora quickly shook her head.
“No, please. I live here because I want to take care of you in my parents‘ place. I’d already decided–after your birthday celebration, I was going to move into the campus dorms.”
The matriarch’s expression turned stormy.
“As long as I’m alive, no one will drive you out.”
Taylor gave a sharp, sarcastic snort.
“Grandma, you mean we tried to kick her out, so we ordered Oliver to pull this stunt?”
The matriarch turned to him, her tone cold.
“You’re the one I want to stay. Her mother was my niece–I raised her myself. Looking at Aurora is like seeing her mother again.”
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