Chapter 116
Tessa had never seen anyone so formidable. She shuddered and froze on the spot. She wondered, ‘W–Who is this guy? He is so terrifying
Suddenly, a pink–clad figure stirred at the end of the corridor, Adrienne immediately spotted Meredith’s furtive figure and called out, “Meredith?”
Meredith froze when called out, and instantly all eyes turned toward her.
Meredith looked visibly nervous. After a moment’s hesitation, she finally stepped forward and asked in a shaky voice, “I–Is Jasmine fine?”
Aiden’s piercing gaze fixed on Meredith, sending chills down her spine. Instinctively, she took a step back, itching to bolt.
Lennox, following closely behind Aiden, immediately noticed Meredith’s expression was off. He stated calmly, “Looks like she knew about the suicide plan all along.”
ནི་
His words instantly drew over a dozen pairs of scrutinizing eyes onto Meredith.
Meredith had always been timid. Now, under the collective gaze, her trembling body jerked back. She nearly spun around and bolted.
Lennox reacted instantly, grabbing Meredith before she could make a run for it.
Meredith trembled violently, stammering, “N–No. It has nothing to do with me. I swear I don’t know anything.”
The officer strode over to her, his voice sharp. “Huh? If you really didn’t know anything, wouldn’t you just say ‘I don’t know‘? So what exactly do you mean by ‘it has nothing to do with you“?”
Meredith was just an ordinary citizen with a natural wariness of police officers. The moment she saw two officers coming her way, instinctive fear gripped
her.
But what terrified her most was the man beside Valerie. His gaze was inescapable. She felt utterly exposed as if she were being watched by a demon.
Meredith blurted out, her voice trembling and choked with sobs. “I–I swear, I didn’t know it would turn out like this. S–She said she was just putting on a show, that she’d time it right–light it before curfew, so when Valerie and Adrienne came back, they’d find her faint.
“And then everything would have escalated. She swore nothing would actually happen to her. That’s why I didn’t do anything. It’s not my fault. It’s not on me. It has nothing to do with me.”
But now, it was obvious that Jasmine had really messed up.
Tessa shouted hysterically, “Why would she do that? No, that’s impossible. You must be lying. She’s always been such a good girl.
“How could she possibly do something so outrageous? Why would you say such things? Why don’t you be an honest girl?”
The counselor quickly stepped forward and gently restrained Tessa, saying, “Please calm down first and hear Meredith out.”
Meredith, already petrified by all the stares and the presence of two police officers, grew even more frantic when Tessa started yelling at her.
She burst out, her voice shaking, “No. I’m telling the truth. After that scandal broke out on the campus forum this afternoon, Jasmine’s boyfriend dumped her.
“No matter how desperately she begged, he wouldn’t budge. Finally, Jasmine said if he really broke up with her, she’d rather die than live without him.”
Meredith continued, her voice trembling, “This afternoon, she told me her boyfriend didn’t believe she’d actually go through with it. She was determined to prove him wrong.
“Honestly, I was shocked, but she seemed so confident. She said she’d make sure someone heard her. And Adrienne is always in the dorm at night, so I thought tonight would be the same. That’s why I didn’t intervene, but-”
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Chapter 116
Her face went pale as she whispered, “I never imagined it would really happen?
The moment Meredith realized Jasmine had really messed up and was now fighting for her life in the emergency room, her blood ran cold
If Jasmine really dies, what would that make me?‘ she wondered. ‘Would I be considered an accessory to her death?‘
Meredith burst into tears, her voice breaking as she sobbed, “I didn’t mean to. I really didn’t.
“If you want to blame someone, blame Valerie and Adrienne.
Tessa covered her mouth, sobbing hysterically. She wailed, “Why
ey’d just come back to the dorm earlier, none of this would’ve happened.”
uldn’t you have come back sooner?”
Elbert scoffed, “Are you out of your mind? They’re all adults. Whether they go back to the dorm or not is their own business.
“Now your daughter made her own choices and you expect them to
e responsible? Seriously? Maybe you should have your brain examined.”
Tessa wailed even louder, “Isn’t it obvious? They’re all college students, so why was my daughter the only one stuck in the dorm while the others were out gallivanting?
“If only they’d come back earlier, this tragedy would never have happened.”
As she spoke, she suddenly felt an intense, almost burning gaze on her. Turning around, she saw that terrifying young man.
Aiden’s gaze was mocking and impatient, but it soon shifted to Valerie, lingering on her swollen cheek. His eyes darkened as he declared coldly, “Anyone who hurts you will pay dearly.”
All the classmates turned to look, suddenly bombarded with his deep love and instantly filled with envy. ‘Sure enough, Valerie’s husband really dotes on her,‘ they all thought.
Valerie barely noticed the stares around her. Hearing his words, she was instantly reminded of his almost pathological possessiveness toward her.
Valerie thought, ‘Of course. Jasmine’s mom actually dared to hit me. Aiden’s definitely going to be furious, and he’ll make her pay for it.
‘No one was ever allowed to lay a finger on what was his, whether he wanted it or not. Besides, I’m still his wife. How dare she hit me like this.‘
Aiden said coldly, “Let’s go home.”
Valerie hesitated, then gently pulled her hand away from Aiden.
want to stay with my friend. She’s a bit shaken up tonight.”
Turning back to Adrienne, Valerie said, “The dorm’s off–limits tonight. Why don’t you come crash at my place?”
Adrienne was still in shock from tonight’s ordeal, her mind numb. When she heard this, she blinked in disbelief, a little flattered. “Me? Are you sure?! don’t think that’s appropriate.”
Valerie said gently, “Don’t worry. Just crash at my place tonight.”
‘Crash at her place tonight?‘ Adrienne wondered. Her mind was already filled with images of all kinds of luxurious mansions. She had to admit, the idea was incredibly tempting.
But then, suddenly catching sight of the walking freezer beside her, she was jolted back to reality and waved her hands frantically. “No thanks.
“I still need to write my updates and grab my laptop from the dorm. Plus, I have an early class tomorrow. I’ll just find a hotel nearby.”
Valerie immediately offered, “Want me to stay with you? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, really fine.” Adrienne nodded quickly. “Don’t worry about me. Just head back, okay?”
“Are you really okay?” Valerie asked, still looking a little worried.
12:17 Thu, 12 Jun GA
Chapter 116
Adrienne nodded quickly, instinctively glancing at the intimidating mah beside her.
‘Like I have a choice. Who in their right mind would dare compete with a domineering rich guy like him?‘ she thought to herself.
Valerie saw Adrienne’s expression, glanced at Aiden, and relented. “Alright then, if you insist.”
As they were about to leave, Aiden’s sharp gaze suddenly swept across the crowd and fixed on Tessa with predatory intensity. In a cold, commanding tone, he ordered, “Remember her face.”
Lennox nodded respectfully. “Yes, sir.”
Aiden quickly led Valerie away, while Lennox paused, glanced back at Tessa, then, with an impassive expression, pulled up her file on his tablet and recited coldly, “Tessa Duncan, of Roseain, Towae Town, Suaebay, born July 1970-”
AD
