Chapter183 Stealing Trade Secrets
Screech.
The chair legs scraped across the floor with a piercing noise.
Miranda stood up abruptly. The force nearly knocked over her coffee cup.
She gripped her phone until her knuckles turned white. Her voice shook uncontrollably. "Castillo, what did you say? What happened to my brother?"
On the other end of the line, Castillo sounded frantic.
"Miranda, stay calm and listen to me!" Castillo took a deep breath. "I was negotiating a construction deal today and ran into some people from the Lancaster Group. They said the police just went into the office and took your brother away."
"The charge is theft of major trade secrets. They walked him out in handcuffs!"
Miranda felt like her head was exploding. Her ears rang. For a second, she thought she was hallucinating.
Stealing trade secrets?
That was impossible.
Her brother was the rightful heir to the Lancaster Group. He was the one who worked hardest for the company. Why would he steal his own secrets?
"No. That is absolutely impossible." Miranda muttered. Her face went pale.
This was a setup.
"I don't believe it either, but the police have evidence. Someone filed a report under their real name, and the evidence is solid." Castillo sounded just as worried.
"Castillo, I have to go. I’m going to the company to check on him."
Miranda hung up, grabbed her car keys, and sprinted out of the office.
"President, about the contract details..." Lisa started to walk in, but a gust of wind brushed past her. She only saw her boss’s stumbling, frantic figure running away.
When Miranda got into the driver’s seat, her hands shook so much it took three tries just to buckle her seatbelt.
The engine roared as she sped onto the main road.
The world outside the window blurred. Miranda’s eyes were terrifyingly red.
Just two days ago, she had refused her father’s demand to sign a pardon. Now, her brother was in trouble.
There were no coincidences like this in the world.
Dominic.
She spat the name out with pure hatred.
To save his illegitimate daughter Ariana from prison, he was willing to destroy his own son. He was willing to ruin her brother’s reputation and future.
How could he be so cruel?
"Brother, please be okay. Please."
Miranda bit her lip hard. She didn't stop until she tasted the metallic tang of blood in her mouth. She forced herself to stay focused.
At the City Police Station.
Officers were hurrying through the hallways.
Miranda found the officer on duty and flashed her ID with trembling hands. "I’m Christian’s family. I need to see him! I’m his sister!"
"Christian?" The officer checked the computer and looked up. "White-collar crime. He’s being interrogated. He’s just a suspect for now. Follow me."
The interrogation room door was heavy and soundproof.
As it opened, a blast of cold air hit her.
Miranda immediately saw Christian sitting in a metal chair.
His suit was wrinkled. His usually calm and gentle face looked exhausted. His hands were locked to the table with cold, silver handcuffs.
Hearing the door, Christian looked up.
Their eyes met.
Miranda’s tears fell instantly.
Since they were children, her brother had been invincible in her eyes. He was the mountain that protected her from every storm.
She had never seen him look so broken.
"Brother!"
Miranda rushed over and grabbed the back of his chair. Her voice was thick with sobs. "How could he do this to you? Was it Dad? Did he do this?"
Christian looked at his sister’s red eyes. A bitter smile touched his lips.
He didn’t answer directly, but the bloodshot eyes filled with disappointment and heartbreak said everything.
His voice was hoarse. "Miranda, I didn’t think he would go this far for Ariana."
"He doesn't deserve to be our father!" Miranda shook with rage. Large tears splashed onto the floor.
Christian was calmer than her. He looked at her and reached out as much as the handcuffs allowed, placing his hand over hers on the table.
The warmth of his palm gave her a sense of stability despite the cold steel between them.
"Miranda, listen to me."
Christian’s gaze was firm. "No matter what Dad says to you, no matter how he threatens you, do not agree to anything. Especially about Ariana. Do not give in."
"But what about you?" Miranda looked at the handcuffs. Her heart ached. "What will happen to you in here? This is a serious crime. If they convict you, you’ll go to prison!"
"I’m not afraid."
Christian shook his head. "I didn't do it. He isn't powerful enough to control the entire police force. This place runs on evidence. As long as I don't confess, they can only hold me for a while. Once they investigate, they’ll have to let me go."
"But..."
"No buts." Christian interrupted. "Miranda, if you compromise just to save me and let Ariana go, then what was the point of everything we fought for?"
Miranda looked into his eyes. The light in them was faint, but it burned with stubborn pride.
She opened her mouth, but her throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton. She couldn't make a sound.
After a long silence.
She wiped her tears and nodded heavily.
"Okay. I’ll do what you say."
"Brother, don't worry. I will find the best lawyer. I will prove you are innocent."
The visiting time ended quickly.
An officer walked over and spoke robotically. "Time is up. Please leave."
Miranda looked back three times as she walked out.
As the heavy door slowly closed, hiding her brother from view, her strength vanished.
The white lights in the hallway were blinding and cold.
Miranda leaned against the wall for a moment before forcing herself to walk out with heavy steps.
Her figure looked thin and lonely. Her back was straight, but she looked completely isolated.
Up on the second-floor balcony.
Clifton stood with one hand in his pocket, wearing his crisp tactical gear.
He was headed to the Chief’s office when he caught a glimpse of a figure in the lobby below.
His feet stopped.
Even from behind, he could recognize Miranda instantly.
Her head was down. Her shoulders were shaking slightly as if she was trying to hold back a breakdown.
Clifton’s deep, cold eyes narrowed. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Was she crying?
He watched her until she disappeared through the police station entrance and into the bright sunlight outside.
"Captain?"
His subordinate called out, confused. "The Chief is waiting for you."
Clifton hid his emotions and regained his usual cold, distant expression. He took a long stride forward. "Let's go."
In the Chief’s office.
After finishing the business regarding the system upgrade, Clifton spoke as if he were just making small talk. "Did something happen with the Lancasters?"