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"Sienna's feelings for you are clear to both of us. Whether you want to fire her or not is none of my business. Don't pin this blame on me; I can't bear such a heavy accusation!"
After saying that, I pushed Howard away and strode out of the restaurant.
Back home, the more I thought about it, the angrier I got. Just thinking about Sienna's endless antics annoyed me.
My phone rang, and when I picked it up, it was Detective Erik from last time.
"Ms. Brown, regarding your kidnapping case, we have identified the mastermind behind it. When would you be available to come to our station?"
I immediately perked up.
"Okay, I'll come over right away."
I've always had doubts about this kidnapping. It was strange; the kidnappers seemed to aim to ruin my reputation. If that's the case, the suspects are quite limited.
Alicia, Jessica, and Sienna are the prime suspects.
But now that the Wilson family is calm and Sienna is still working, it means the police didn't catch any of the three.
I took a cab and quickly arrived at the police station.
As soon as Erik saw me, he led me to his office.
"We've found out that the mastermind behind this is the rival involved in your father's car accident. He confessed everything, saying he wanted to take compromising photos of you for blackmail."
Leaving the police station, I was still puzzled. It was strange; if they wanted to blackmail, why ruin my reputation first?
If they wanted money, shouldn't they have contacted Howard immediately?
Why wait?
There must be something else going on.
Thinking about Alicia's previous actions, I realized I had underestimated her. She managed to forge various things and prepare everything in a short time, indicating she had capable people behind her.
Finding a scapegoat for a kidnapping wouldn't result in a long sentence.
For the Wilson family or the Cooper family, it's not difficult.
Sitting in the car on my way home, I felt a bit despondent. Even though I have no concerns now, I'm still no match for them.
Even if I use the law, it's still hard to bring them to justice.
It seems I need to revise my plan.
When I got home, I immediately noticed Howard's shoes. I didn't expect him to come home early.
I heard sounds from the kitchen. Howard peeked out when he heard the door open.
"Honey, you're back. Wash your hands and get ready for dinner."
I just glanced at Howard indifferently and then turned to the bedroom.
I was exhausted and just wanted to rest.
Lying on the bed, I slowly closed my eyes.
But I didn't sleep well.
In my dream, I saw my parents' helplessness and regret before they died, my two deceased children, and Sienna in a wedding dress surrounding Howard.
One thing after another, like a nightmare, trapped me.
I tried to run forward, but I couldn't escape.
"No, I can't, I absolutely can't stop!"
I don't know how long it took, but I finally woke up from the nightmare.
Gasping for breath, I felt utterly weak.
"Kathie, you're finally awake!"
Howard was sitting beside me, looking at me with concern.
His eyes were dark with fatigue, clearly showing he hadn't rested well either.
"What happened to me?"