Chapter 28

Cordelia seemed feather light as she laid her hand on Pauling, but only Pauline knew the true strength behind it. It was any fron grip that left her struggling in vain to break fren

With a glare Paulina snapped, “This is a matter of my own family stay out of

No sooner had the words left her mouth than the pressure on her shoulder Intensified, a sharp pain shooting through her bones, forcing her to release her hold on Merry

Merry, seizing the moment, ducked behind Cordelia, the one everyone knew could throw a mean punch

Paulina moved to grab her again, but Latham stepped forward to mediate “Paulina, let’s talk this out. We’re here to fix things, not to get physical. Honestly, thin isn’t an dire an expulsion!”

The theft was a serious accusation for an adult. A reprimand would be letting them off easy Vet Latham felt a pang of sympathy for Merry. If she were taken away now, her life would be ruined.

He positioned himself between Cordelia and Paulina, fearing that Paulina might lash out at the frail looking Cordelia, who, despite her delicate appearance, was known for her sense and sensibility

Paulina tried to push past Latham. “Mr. Latham, go away. Don’t speak for Merry. How many times has she been caught up in trouble? I’ve washed my hands of her, considered her no daughter of mine, but this time she dares to smear Leila’s name. I won’t let it slidel From the get–go, she’s been nothing but trouble, leading Leila astray!”

Latham countered frantically, “Please be rational here…”

Their squabble was cut short when Cordelia spoke up, her voice cold and clear, “So, you’ve decided Merry is guilty?”

Paulina hesitated, then nodded firmly.

Cordelia responded with a single chilling suggestion, “Then we have no choice but to call the cops.”

Silence fell upon the office::

Paulina looked incredulously at Cordelia, then at Merry. “Call the cops? Do you realize what will happen to Merry? She’s an adult. Theft could land her in jail!”

a look that was both bitter and scornful. If her parents were all siding with Leila, convinced of her quilt,

cheek burned from a slap, but the heart she

from the time it was slipped into her desk until it fell out. If we call the police, a fingerprint comparison will reveal the true

this, Leila, who had been sobbing silently, froze.

Cordelia’s penetrating gaze, and

Leila but addressed Merry, “Are

stood tall, defiant.

was framing Leila, I would’ve called them myself!

for

They hadn’t spoken in over two years… yet, just this morning. Paulina had reminded her to eat

Cordelia pulled out her phone

panicked, “No,

to look at

turmoil, she spoke, “Mom, let’s drop it. I don’t want Merry to go to jail. She may be a mess, but she’s

Even after all you’ve done, she’s thinking of you. Why can’t you be

Merry remained silent.

this, okay? The money’s still there. Mr. Latham,

from someone who excels at

panic and forced laughter. Turning away, Cordella said firmly, I’m calling the police.”

with that, she pressed

held her back. “Let her be, Leila. If

her choice.”

began to

blurted out, “It was me! I

room as everyone turned to

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