The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 21

Before Jaylan could react, the other end of the line went dead. He furrowed his brows, still trying to wrap his head around the situation, when his phone rang again.

“Boss, we’re in deep shit, the voice on the other end of the line said. “The girl we arrested today, she’s got a complicated background. The bigwigs already know about it. They’ve made their decision. If we don’t let her go, we’re gonna be in a world of trouble. You better get here ASAP”

Jaylan was dumbstruck.

The bigwigs knew about it? What the hell was going on? Wasn’t it just a petty theft case?

Jaylan took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. “So what if she’s well–connected? We’re supposed to be fair and just. We didn’t frame anyone. As a suspect, it’s her duty to cooperate with the investigation.”

“Damn suspect! We’ve already contacted your mom. She said she didn’t lose her bracelet.” The voice on the other end informed him. “Also, Ms. Hawthorn isn’t just a tenant of Tranquil Estates. She’s the owner. She bought a place there not long ago at triple the market price.”

“What?” Jaylan exclaimed. The bracelet isn’t lost?” A dreadful thought occurred to him, and his face turned dark.

“Herman is pissed off. I’m calling you on the sly. You better get your ass here.”

After hanging up, Jaylan stormed out of his room, storming over to where Coral was

“Slap!”

Coral was chatting with Arabella when she was suddenly slapped across the face. She covered her cheek and stared at Jaylan in disbelief. “Jaylan, why did you hit me?”

Jaylan glared at her, his face livid. Tell me the truth, did mom really lose her bracelet?”

He had always found his sister to be obedient and sensible, so when she said someone had stolen their mom’s bracelet, he didn’t question it. And when he got back, their mom wasn’t home, so he didn’t ask further.

Coral blinked. “It really was lost.”

“Slap!”

is this how I raised you?

“You

her foolish expression, Jaylan was beyond

of what Herman had said on the phone, he grabbed Coral’s arm. “Come with me to clear things up. I’m warning you, if you dare

by Jaylan. Arabella, who was left behind, looked on in

Police station.

Herman, red in the face and blowing his top. The officers around

for a moment before walking

trouble!” Herman barked the moment he saw Jaylan. “Do you think this is your own house? That you can do whatever you want? Jaylan, is this how you

speechless by the onslaught.

Herman glared at him. “What are you still doing here? Go apologize to Ms. Hawthorn. She was brought here because of you, and

the door to see Vivienne sitting there, her face expressionless. He cleared his throat and forced a smile. “Ms. Hawthorn, I apologize. I made a mistake.

Vivienne’s powerful background, her gaze alone was enough to make

to Vivienne at all. But seeing Jaylan’s stern face, she reluctantly spoke, T’m sorry, Ms. Hawthorn. I misunderstood

Jaylan had told her to say

I innocent now?” Vivienne asked in a

guilty. Jaylan quickly responded. “We will compensate for

Vivienne

at a loss for words.

you a satisfactory solution to this incident… We’re all rather busy. Would you mind going home now?” If Vivienne didn’t leave, it would have been

the chair, smiling. “What solution

Herman said after a moment, “Ms. Lockwood will be detained and investigated for false

negligence, and the

smiled slightly. “We’re all busy, so I won’t be

that, Vivienne stood up, took a look at Coral, then turned and exited the room. Coral

let out a sigh of relief,

the entrance of the