Chapter 65: Police Report
After hanging up, Audrey called the Omni Group board secretary. “Schedule a meeting with the other shareholders. I have an important matter to discuss regarding Dennis Grady’s shareholder status.”
Soon, the entire New York high society was buzzing. Not only was Dennis Grady being sued for divorce by his wife, but it was revealed he had used his position as an Omni Group shareholder to "pimp" for clients and take massive kickbacks. Audrey leveraged her family connections and teamed up with several victims’ families to file a direct report with the New York Southern District Attorney’s Office.
Simultaneously, the Omni Group board held an emergency meeting, suspending Dennis’s shareholder duties and launching an internal investigation on the grounds of “moral turpitude and damaging corporate reputation.”
Damian sat in his office, his face terrifyingly dark as he read the overwhelming news on his phone. The Group’s stock had fallen for two consecutive days, and the pressure from the board was mounting—all because of that idiot Dennis.
He slammed his phone on the desk. “Find out! Find out who exposed Dennis!”
Sienna, standing nearby, carefully suggested, “Damian, could it be… Evelyn?”
Damian's eyes narrowed. Yes, it must be her. No one else hated Dennis as much as Evelyn. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
“Connect me to the police. I want to file a report that Evelyn was abducted by that woman, Sophie, and is now missing.”
Sienna’s eyes lit up. “Evelyn has gone too far. First, secretly attending the design review, now this damage to the Group!” She added, “And that Sophie. She must have access to internal Group information. She probably put Evelyn up to this!”
Damian sneered. “They’ll both soon learn how badly things go for those who cross me.”
That afternoon, the New York Police Department’s Fifth Precinct received Damian’s report. As Evelyn’s legal husband, Damian claimed his wife had been "abducted" and was unreachable, suggesting illegal detention. The police found the case suspicious but, given Damian’s influence, they opened an investigation.
...
The jarring sound of the doorbell interrupted Evelyn and Sophie's takeout dinner at the apartment.
Opening the door, Evelyn found two serious-looking police officers. “Are you Ms. Evelyn Green and Ms. Sophie Davies?” one officer asked, showing his badge.
“Yes… we are. What’s the matter?” Sophie asked nervously.
“We received a report from Mr. Green stating his wife, Evelyn Green, was abducted by Ms. Sophie Davies and has not returned. We require you to come to the station to assist with the investigation.”
Evelyn's face instantly went white. Damian… he’s using this despicable tactic! He was treating her like an accessory without independent rights, trying to forcibly take her back under the guise of the law!
“Officers, you’re mistaken! I was not abducted by anyone; I left voluntarily!” Evelyn tried to explain.
“Madam, we understand your feelings. But your husband has filed a report. Per procedure, we must ask you to come in for questioning,” the officer said firmly. “Please cooperate.”
...
Inside the NYPD Fifth Precinct. Evelyn and Sophie sat in an interrogation room, facing the officers’ questions.
“Mrs. Green, your husband said you haven’t been home for several days and haven’t made contact. He is worried for your safety. Is this true?”
Evelyn was calm. “My marriage to Damian Green still exists, but we are currently separated. I have the right to choose where I reside. That’s not illegal, is it?”
The officer frowned. “But Mr. Green claims Ms. Davies forcibly took you away.”
Sophie slammed her hand on the table in outrage. “Bullshit! When did I forcibly take her? We’re friends! She came with me voluntarily!”
“Ms. Davies, watch your language,” the other officer warned. To them, this was just another high-society domestic spat.
“Mr. Green is on his way,” one officer put down his pad. “He said he will personally escort you home.”
Home? That place was a cage to her. Evelyn’s heart sank.
Just as the tension peaked, the interrogation room door opened. A man in a sharp suit walked in. He addressed the two officers politely. “Officers, I am Carl Howard, the lawyer commissioned by Mr. Ryan Lawrence.”
“My client has posted bail for Mrs. Green and Ms. Davies. Please release them immediately.”
The two officers exchanged glances. “But…”
“But what?” Carl interrupted, pulling documents from his briefcase. “Mrs. Green is not missing, nor has she been restrained by anyone. She simply chose to stay with a friend, which is entirely legal. As for Mr. Damian Green’s report, it is, at best, a domestic dispute and does not constitute a criminal case.”
He paused, his voice turning firm. “If you insist on detaining them, I will have to consider it an abuse of authority. In that case, I will file a formal complaint with the New York City Police Commissioner’s office.”
The officers looked at each other and finally conceded. “Fine. Mrs. Green, Ms. Davies, you are free to go. Please keep your phones on in case further investigation requires it.”
Outside the station, a black Maybach was waiting. The window rolled down, revealing Ryan in the back seat. Evelyn walked over, and before she could speak, he pulled her into the car.
Sophie gave Evelyn a knowing wink and said, “You two talk. I’ll grab a cab.” She then walked away.
Inside the car, Ryan released her wrist but didn't pull away. He simply looked at her, his eyes showing a trace of weariness and concern.
“You know,” he murmured, “when someone told me during a meeting that Damian had filed a police report against you, I nearly charged down to the precinct myself.”
Evelyn was stunned. “Why… why are you helping me?”
“Because I told you, you belong to me. I will protect you, no matter the cost.” Ryan raised his hand, gently brushing the back of his fingers against her cheek.
Evelyn’s eyes welled up. “Thank you for your help.”
Seeing her red eyes, Ryan sighed. “If you want, I will settle my affairs quickly and take you away.”