Chapter 14 Police Mediation
Declan yelled, "Aria, come on! He started it! All I said was your bowling skills sucked, and he punched me in the face. Do I look like someone who gets pushed around? Of course, I fought back!" His left eye was swollen, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, looking worse than Eugene.
Aria blushed and gently patted Eugene's chest. "Eugene, is that true? You did it for me? Don't be so reckless next time. Even if it's for me, I don't want to see you get hurt." She felt both touched and proud. Her boyfriend loved and protected her so much; she felt like the luckiest woman in the world!
Eugene glared at Declan, relieved he hadn't told the truth. He wrapped an arm around Aria and said softly, "I don't care if he disrespects me, but you're a lady. I won't let him disrespect you."
The display of affection in the police station made the officer taking notes roll his eyes. Were they filming a romance movie here?
The truth Eugene dared not reveal was that he hit Declan for Jennifer. Declan had sneered, "Eugene, didn't you break up with Jennifer? Why do you care who she's with? You and your sweet Aria can be happy, and I'll pursue Jennifer. Thanks to you, I have a chance. I've liked Jennifer for years."
Though Eugene and Jennifer had broken up, he still considered her his. Declan's words enraged him, and the previous gaming grudge added fuel to the fire. They fought fiercely until they ended up at the police station, where Eugene regained his senses.
Aria must not know the real reason! Declan's lie helped him, but Declan's matchmaking was for Jennifer! Declan seemed impulsive but was quite cunning.
Jennifer knew the story was a cover but didn't think the fight was over her. She just wanted to leave quickly. It was her first time at a police station, and she was the instigator. If Marlowe found out, she'd be worried sick.
Soon, the lawyers arrived, and with both Eugene and Declan having their own agendas, they quickly reached a settlement. Jennifer tried to sneak away, but Declan clung to her, whining, "Eugene has his girlfriend to comfort him. Are you going to leave me alone? I need someone to take me to the hospital. If I get a scar on my handsome face, how will I find a wife? Will you take responsibility?"
Jennifer sighed, "Alright, I'll go with you."
As they were signing the agreement, a commotion erupted at the police station entrance. A group of people entered, including Francis, who was there to assist with an investigation after a disturbance at the hospital. He noticed a young man holding Jennifer's hand, looking injured and affectionate.
"Dr. Carter, your hospital needs better security. A patient's family brought a weapon. If we hadn't intervened, things could've been serious," a policeman warned.
Francis nodded politely. "I'll make sure to emphasize that to our security team."
"Alright, just sign here."
As Francis signed, he casually asked, "What happened with those young people over there?"
"Those? A love triangle turned into a brawl. Young people, quick to anger, causing trouble for us."
Francis twirled the pen and glanced at Jennifer again. She hadn't noticed him. Dressed in a champagne-colored silk blouse and knee-length skirt, she looked quite professional. But the guy beside her seemed pretty young, maybe not even an adult.
When the paperwork was done, the police announced they could leave. Jennifer urged Declan to hurry. As she looked up, she saw Francis watching her with interest. Her breath caught. Why him?
She hadn't contacted Francis since returning his bag, and David's biopsy had gone smoothly. She thought they'd have no further connection, but now he saw her in this embarrassing situation. She had to pass by him to leave, so she kept her head down and followed Declan.
Francis didn't let her off, saying as she passed, "Ms. Brown, you must be quite charming. It's only been a few days, and men are already fighting over you, even ending up at the police station."
Jennifer looked at him sharply, feeling wronged. "It wasn't because of me."
Francis's smile was mocking, clearly not believing her. Declan curiously asked, "Jennifer, who is this?"
Aria jogged over and introduced, "This is Dr. Francis Carter, director of Riverside General Hospital." She turned to Francis, "Dr. Carter, this is my boyfriend Eugene. I've been wanting to introduce you, but I didn't expect it to happen here."
The Clark family had deep ties with Francis's hospital, and Aria hoped Eugene could gain his approval. If Eugene could secure a partnership with the Carter Group's numerous investments, his career would soar, and her father would no longer look down on Eugene's less affluent background.
Eugene forced a smile, though his injuries diminished its effect. He hadn't told Aria he'd met Francis before and likely left a poor impression.
Francis smiled politely and nodded.
Taking the opportunity, Jennifer quickly pulled Declan away, feeling guilty. Declan had heard of Francis; his father had warned him never to cross Francis. Only today did he see Francis in person. Once in the car, Declan casually asked, "Did you offend Francis?"
Jennifer hesitated, making an excuse, "My dad's being treated at his hospital. I just don't want to upset him."
Declan wisely dropped the subject. At the hospital, he insisted Jennifer treat his wounds, claiming the nurse was too rough.
Jennifer shook her head. "Don't be silly. I'm not as skilled as the nurse." Declan's round, droopy eyes made him look pitiful, like a small animal. She had to pat his head to comfort him. By the time she finished and he drove her home, it was getting dark.
As she got out, Jennifer said seriously, "Thanks for today, but don't be so impulsive again. It's not worth it." She knew the fight with Eugene was likely about her.
Declan grabbed her hand. "Jennifer, I know you might think I'm immature, but I'll grow up quickly. If you're still single in three years, can I pursue you?"
Jennifer looked down, her voice heavy. "My family is going through a lot right now. I can't think about that. I'm sorry."
Declan suddenly smiled. "It's okay. Take care of your family first. Remember, you can always ask me for help!" She wasn't considering him, but she wasn't considering anyone else either, which meant he still had a chance! He watched her until she went inside before driving away.