Love's Bitter Edge (Eva and Leonard)

107

Chapter 107 Fired

Penelope wasn't very tall, but the badge on her chest gave her an undeniable air of authority, like she was ready to confront any injustice that dared to cross her path. Leonard scowled, releasing my arm. "Officer, I just wanted to talk to her."

"Talk about what? Because from where I'm standing, it looks more like you're about to escalate a domestic dispute."

Emma and I exchanged glances, both of us finding Penelope's fierce stance strangely comforting.

Leonard stepped closer, irritation radiating off him. "Officer, is the police really going to interfere with a simple conversation between a husband and wife?"

"Your wife? Oh, I almost forgot! I thought Ms. Jane, the one you were seen hugging at the police station, was your wife!"

Her voice rang out, loud enough to draw the attention of nearby shoppers. It was as if she hadn't noticed the audience, raising her voice just a touch more.

"How come I never see you standing up for her at the police station? Now you want to have a chat? A talk about divorce, maybe? Or are you trying to prove her innocence? The cyber police can spot that video as a fake in an instant-don't tell me the tech team at Harmon Group can't do the same?"

Maybe Penelope was just a cynical little cop, but right now, she was sparking with energy, like a firecracker ready to go off.

Leonard stood there, momentarily dumbfounded, clearly unprepared for her sharp inquiries.

"Officer Crowe, is there something you need?" I quickly pulled Penelope aside, desperate to ease the mounting tension.

She shot me a confused glance. "Aren't you going to report what's happening online?"

"Harmon Group has already filed a report, haven't they?"

Penelope leveled a cold stare at Leonard, her expression saying what words couldn't. So, he hadn't actually called the police; he'd only sent a lawyer's letter? Was that just for appearances, a way to soothe public outrage?

washed over me as the implications

blur.

steadied me. "Feeling

the fog in

Leonard interrupted, his tone flat as he

I can take care of this without the police

planted on her hips. "The other party is

a long reach. The Harmon family doesn't just sweep things under the

to gather information. Don't get in the way of my investigation," she insisted, pushing past him, but

investigation

air, momentarily stumping Penelope, but she

friends with Eva and just want to ask her some questions. Whoever's spreading these rumors

to discourage the fire

I turned to leave with Emma and Penelope, Leonard called out

ruined! You'd better

out of the furniture store, diving into Emma's car as if it were

seas.

a flicker of nervous energy in her eyes. "I was

it.

acts. He clearly

a loud cough. Penelope quickly licked her lips and reached

you should give it to me. I know you're principled; don't let these people pull your strings," she said, her tone earnest. She didn't shut the door, her gaze locked onto mine, searching for a

evidence. But I cant tell you

family was adept at covering

returned to the office, the atmosphere felt off. Suddenly, someone's phone blared, cutting through the murmur with Lily's furious voice. I