Chapter 456
457 The Price of Freedom
457 The Price of Freedom
Elsie didn’t want Owen to go to prison–especially not for something like rape.
She couldn’t rely on Paul, she hadn’t even healed from her injuries yet, Morgan was a worthless playboy . and their mother was in custody. If Owen went down too, she’d be left completely alone.
The situation reached another stalemate. Yunice couldn’t be bothered to persuade him, and Elsie didn’t dare try again.
Owen, meanwhile, was feeling the squeeze. His expression grew more and more strained.
He’d originally planned to play hardball–to pressure Yunice into begging Wyatt for help, to use power to wipe this whole thing clean.
But Yunice held grudges, and she wasn’t under his thumb anymore. He couldn’t bend her with kindness or threats.
As for Wyatt? He wouldn’t even give him the time of day.
Owen’s stubborn pride slowly deflated. His confidence wavered, and he looked for an excuse to back down.
He glanced at Elsie, hoping she’d give him a way out–a reason to fold without losing face.
She’d said one thing that stuck: as long as you’re still free , there’s always a way to come back.
So what if he married Peggy?
He could always divorce her later. It wasn’t like she could chain him down for life.
Once she was in the Saunders family, he’d have, a hundred ways to make her leave.
After a few minutes of silence, Owen finally spoke, voice cold: “I didn’t do anything, and I’m not admitting guilt. But I can’t bear the thought of Elsie being left all alone. You may be her sister, but you’ve got resentment in your heart. Once I’m gone, you’ll definitely take it out on her. I won’t allow that to happen.”
It was a weak excuse, but it gave him the out he needed.
He turned from Yunice in frustration and looked to Elsie. “Elsie, Owen only trusts you now. Go negotiate a settlement with Peggy.”
Elsie furrowed her brow but nodded heavily. “Alright.”
She marched toward Peggy with renewed fire. Yunice followed at a slow, unhurried pace.
Owen shouted after her, “Stop right there! You stay put and don’t mess this up!”
Yunice glanced back at him through the bars, eyes glittering with amusement.
If you’ve got the guts , come stop me yourself .
Owen gripped the bars, grinding his teeth in silence.
13
MODX-1
457 The Price of Freedom
Elsie strutted up to Peggy, high and mighty. “We’ve agreed to settle. Withdraw the charges right now at let my brother out. Otherwise, even if you got down on your knees and begged, he wouldn’t marry you
Peggy shot her a sideways look. “Who do you think you are? You think you get to decide what your brother dors?”
“What, your family doesn’t have anyone else? Where’s his mom? I want to hear it from her.”
Marriage was a serious thing–it had to be approved by the elders.
Elsie’s face went red. “You think someone like you deserves to meet my mom?”
Peggy scoffed. “No need to get riled up. I won’t settle unless your family’s decision–maker steps forward.
“You-!” Elsie was completely stuck.
Just then, Yunice stepped forward and said calmly, “Will you talk to me?”
Before Peggy could respond, Elsie snapped, “She won’t even talk to me–what makes you think you’ll succeed?”
Yunice answered evenly, “I don’t have much to offer. Just the venue for the wedding. Maybe help with the guest list…”
Both Peggy and Elsie turned to look at her.
Peggy’s response was instant. “What kind of venue?”
Yunice smiled. “Only the top wedding venue in Silverburch. You know the one.”
Peggy’s eyes lit up. “You mean Silverburch Grand?”
Yunice nodded. “No big deal.”
Peggy’s rigid posture finally softened. Her eyes gleamed with greedy delight. She turned to Elsie. “What are you offering?”
When Elsie stayed silent, Peggy sneered. “Don’t tell me you’ve got nothing. That says a lot about your status in the Saunders family.”
dismissed Elsie entirely and turned to Yunice, beaming. “Let’s put it in writing. A proper agreement, so no one can back out later.”
Peggy
Yunice said, “Fine by me.”
As the two of them sat down and drafted a formal agreement, Elsie could only stand off to the side and watch.
Soon, Peggy formally dropped the charges. Owen came out of the police station rubbing his wrists and grimacing.
Up ahead, Peggy clung to Yunice’s arm like an old friend. “You and your husband have to be my maid of honor and best man. That would be such a power move.”
Married couples can’t be in the wedding party.
“No biggie.” Peggy said breezily. “You’re my sister–in–law now–we’ll be seeing a lot of each other. Can’t wait to have afternoon tea with all the other rich ladies!”