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?

me as the implications settled in, and the

blur.

steadied me. "Feeling

her off, trying to shake the

handle it on our own," Leonard interrupted, his tone flat as he

I can take care of this without the

a chance," Penelope shot back, hands planted on her hips. "The other party is involved in spreading explicit videos to tarnish her reputation. The police can't

you, the law has a long reach. The Harmon

Don't get in the way of my investigation," she insisted, pushing past him,

conduct an investigation alone; that's

in the air, momentarily stumping Penelope, but she quickly shook it off and turned her focus back

and just want to ask her some questions. Whoever's spreading

wanting to discourage the fire in

I turned to leave with Emma and Penelope, Leonard called

impatient glare. "Leonard, your wife is on the verge of being ruined! You'd better find some evidence; trying to

store, diving into Emma's car as if it were a lifeboat

seas.

me, a flicker of nervous energy

it.

stand how Leonard acts. He clearly doesn't care about you; he's such

let out a loud cough.

me. I know you're principled; don't let these people pull your strings," she

any evidence. But I cant tell you that your instincts

Harmon family was adept at covering their tracks, leaving Lily as

atmosphere felt off. Suddenly, someone's phone blared, cutting through the murmur with Lily's furious voice. I instinctively glanced over