Chapter 25

"Travis, have you really thought this through?"

Travis shrugged. "I've always been sure about my choices."

Joshua pointed at Travis with a resigned look, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Chief Johnson really knows you well."

"Tate and Ewan are putting the squeeze on the narcotics division."

"Ethan's dealing drugs is a fact, and their sons' transactions with the café are undeniable too."

Travis's voice turned icy. "They can't just walk away from this."

"But their connections could make it all disappear."

Joshua sighed. "Chief Johnson and I can only buy you three days."

"Three days, huh." Travis's eyes sharpened. "That's enough."

After giving all the instructions, Joshua turned and walked out.

Travis grabbed his coat and headed outside.

"Kelvin, Kian, come with me."

"Go to Campbell Corporation and bring Henry back. Once he's here, contact Elaine for a hair test."

"Yes, sir!"

All the officers sprang into action.

At this moment, in a villa area of Hillcrest.

Two middle-aged men sat on the couch, their faces grim and silent.

In front of them stood two young men in their twenties.

The ashtray on the coffee table was overflowing with cigar butts.

"Dad, we..."

Nathan Evans spoke cautiously, his face a bit uneasy.

Henry, standing beside him, looked even worse, pale as a ghost.

His eyes were sunken, and his right hand kept scratching his left arm, his body trembling slightly.

"Look at you two. I usually don't say much, but how could you get mixed up with drug dealers?"

Hayes Campbell glared at Henry, his voice full of anger.

Nathan's father, Juan Evans, held back the furious Hayes. "Now's not the time for this."

"First, we need to figure out how to fix this. Henry killed someone."

Hayes looked at Henry with disappointment.

"Killed someone? So what? It's just a woman."

Henry said nonchalantly.

A sharp slap echoed.

Juan hadn't even seen when Hayes stood up.

Henry clutched his face, glaring at Hayes with hatred.

"Hayes, what are you doing?"

Juan looked helpless.

Henry, still holding his face, shot Hayes a fierce look and ran upstairs with Nathan.

Hayes sat back on the couch, rubbing his forehead. "This kid has caused such a big mess!"

"Alright, let's think about how to fix this."

"A woman died, so what? We can't just send our own kid to jail."

Hayes glanced at Juan. "You make it sound simple. Have you seen his condition?"

"Drugs, murder! What else is he capable of?"

"Hayes, there's something I need to say."

Juan looked at Hayes and spoke softly. "The only solution right now is to turn Henry in."

Hayes raised his head, his eyes wide with anger. "Juan, say that again."

"I only have one son. His mother died early. I can't just send my own son to prison."

Juan sighed. "It's the best solution right now."

"Tate and Ewan probably think the same."

"Why?"

Juan sighed again. "Henry's drug use, Philip and Russell must know about your son's involvement in Aurora's death."

"Do you think they'll turn their own sons in?"

"Nathan can't be the scapegoat because he has no reason. Henry's drug use is easy for the police to trace, so Henry is the best choice."

Hayes's eyes were vacant, the weight of worry clouding his thoughts.

Suddenly, the phone rang.

Caller ID: Tate.

With a bitter smile, Hayes showed the screen to Juan.

Juan gestured for silence, and Hayes answered the call.

"Mr. Campbell."

"Calling me this late, what's up?"

Hayes leaned back on the couch, resigned.

"Just wanted to ask for some parenting advice."

"My kid's been causing some trouble lately."

Hayes's eyes were bloodshot, his right hand clenched into a fist, trying to keep his voice steady.

"You're joking. I'm no expert in parenting."

"Really? I heard Henry's been seeing someone. That girl's name is Aurora, right?"

Hayes gritted his teeth, his eyes bloodshot. "Since you know, let's cut the crap."

"Hahaha, let's be straightforward then."

Tate's tone shifted. "Turn Henry in."

"We'll all be safe. That's also Ewan's idea."

Hayes felt like he aged twenty years in an instant.

His clenched fist slowly relaxed.

His voice became hoarse. "Can you give me some time to think?"

"Sure, half an hour. I'll wait for your call."

After hanging up, Juan patted Hayes's shoulder.

"We can't fight them."

"Henry is young. He didn't participate in drug dealing. As long as he doesn't admit it, he'll be out of rehab in two or three years."

"With Tate and Ewan's connections, covering up Aurora's death won't be a problem."

"We might as well maximize our benefits."

Juan's seemingly comforting words were all leading up to this point.

Hayes leaned back on the couch, silent.

Given the current situation, it's only a matter of time before Henry is implicated.

With Tate and Ewan's help, this indeed seemed like the best solution.

Hayes's eyes were red. "Let's do it your way."

He dialed Tate's number. "Let's discuss the terms."

"Looks like Mr. Campbell has come around."

"The city is planning to develop the abandoned pharmaceutical factory in the suburbs. I can give the project to your company, Mr. Campbell."

"I can also guarantee Henry's safety."

"Just make sure you keep your word," Hayes said and hung up.

He called Henry and Juan to him.

Hayes's face was grim as he looked at the trembling Henry. "Remember what I'm about to say."

"Everything was done behind their backs, but you never participated in drug dealing."

Henry's face turned even paler. "Dad..."

"Remember!" Hayes shouted. "No matter what they ask, you must stick to this story."

Henry's face was ashen.

"Do you understand?"

"I understand," Henry said, trembling.

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the door.

Hayes took a deep breath and looked at Henry. "Don't worry, you'll be out soon."

He opened the door.

Travis, Kelvin, and Kian stood at the door with an arrest warrant.

"Mr. Campbell." Travis smiled. "Mr. Evans, didn't expect to see you here too. Saves us some trouble."

"Please cooperate."

Travis waved his hand lightly, and Kelvin and Kian took out handcuffs and cuffed Henry and Nathan.