Chapter 28 28
"It is clear that you've harbored jealousy toward Miss Brooke Turner." the interrogating officer stated once more. In an attempt to draw the truth from her through provocation. He saw how her expression had changed to that of anger after the words left his lips.
"I am not jealous of that... that bitch in any way," Georgina snapped. The moment the words escaped her lips, she realized her mistake. She had betrayed herself yet again.
The officer's expression grew more assured at her outburst. as though he'd been waiting for precisely that reaction. He proceeded to spread additional photographs across the table's surface.
"I believe these prove my point and disprove yours," he said deliberately.
Georgina stared at the photographs for several minutes without uttering a word. The officer maintained his patience. Observing how she would respond to the evidence before her.
The images depicted Brooke. In certain photographs, Brooke's eyes had been scratched out. Others showed her entire head defaced, while some bore large red 'X' marks across them.
"I'm certain you recognize these. They're yours. They clearly demonstrate that whoever created these holds deep-seated hatred toward this person." the officer explained.
Georgina scoffed, though internally she trembled at that moment. "This proves absolutely nothing."
"Is that so?" the officer asked with amusement. "Then perhaps I should inform you that we possess video footage from that night at the hotel. It shows you purchasing the hotel room. Furthermore, we've located all those teenage boys you compensated to be rough with you. And guess what?" The officer leaned closer.
"Every single one confessed to what actually transpired. So I suppose your story is the one that doesn't hold up. Unlike theirs."
"Now, the decision rests with you. Will you make this simple for everyone, or must we proceed the difficult way?" he pressed further.
Georgina sat in silence. Her gaze drifted across the photographs scattered on the table. Eventually, she shifted her attention toward the one-way mirror. They might have been alone in the interrogation room with just one officer. But she understood they were being observed from the adjacent room.
Georgina rose from her chair and approached the mirror. She placed her palms against its cold surface.
"Nathan... Nathan, please, I'm begging you. Please forgive me. It was a terrible mistake, but it won't happen again. In fact, I'll leave. I'll leave Silverbrook and never return. Please, Nathan," Georgina continued pleading even though she couldn't see anyone. She began to sob as tears streamed down her face.
The officer stood and exited the room.
"I know you're listening, Nathan. Please just release my father and me. I've been a loyal friend to you. I never meant you any harm.
"I've been the friend who listened to you and understood your struggles. You should be able to forgive me, if only for that reason," she continued pleading through her tears.
After an hour of the same desperate appeals, the officer returned to the interrogation room. He found Georgina still pleading in the mirror. He shook his head before speaking.
"Miss Parks, you're wasting your time there. Mr. Leo departed from the station over an hour ago."
Georgina wiped her tears as she glanced between the mirror and the officer. She sniffled.
"What?" she asked.
"There's no point in begging. After all, you're guilty. Besides, Nathan has no involvement in your case anymore. It's entirely in the hands of the law," the officer stated.
"The prosecutor will file charges against you. With all the evidence we've gathered, you're definitely going to prison, Miss Parks."
"Oh no!" Georgina cried as she slumped to the floor. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.
Several Days Later
Evan and his daughter, Georgina, had been imprisoned. This was thanks to Matt's father's assistance. However, Evan's sentence proved less severe than his daughter's. But he couldn't escape Nathan's vengeance through other means.
Nathan ensured he investigated everything the Parks possessed, particularly regarding business matters. It emerged that Evan hadn't been paying his taxes. Because of that, the debt had accumulated substantially. His mansion in Silverbrook was seized as a result.
Additional illegal activities he'd engaged in were also exposed. The information spread through the media. causing his business associates to sever their ties.
Nathan also declared a business ban against the Parks. Consequently, no one desired any association with them. It mirrored what Nathan's father had done to them previously, but this time the scope was far wider. The ban extended beyond Silverbrook alone. It reached other states where the Leos maintained partnerships.
No private attorney was willing to represent him upon learning who opposed him. He was forced to settle for a public defender, who had virtually no chance of winning any case on his behalf.
Nathan had been provoked to anger in a way he'd never experienced before. The Parks had truly gotten under his skin. He retaliated using every resource available. He showed no restraint whatsoever.
Nevertheless, he wasn't entirely satisfied with the consequences of his actions against them. It was evident he was displeased with them, but he felt even more anger toward himself.
Meanwhile, he attempted to immerse himself in office work. He now lived and worked within the office building without returning home. He hoped to numb himself through work and deprive himself of sleep.
He avoided his parents. He now understood the truth about Keren/Georgina. That knowledge made him feel guilty about what had occurred between him and Brooke. He didn't know how to face his father. He also avoided his friends because they had opposed the divorce as well.
His assistant proved quite understanding throughout these difficult days. He made every effort to avoid mentioning Keren Williams or Georgina Parks. He recognized his boss was in a dark place presently.
Nathan needed to forgive himself first, and then perhaps he would find the courage to face others.