Chapter 20: Reversal, Now It's Her Turn to Call the Police
"How could you possibly have evidence?"
Sabrina's eyes widened with panic. She clearly knew who Byron was.
Quickly regaining her composure, she sneered at Emily while reaching out to snatch the USB drive from her hand.
Emily was ready, dodging Sabrina's grasp and handing the USB drive to the nearby female police officer.
"This is the truth caught on camera."
As long as the content was in her favor, it was fine.
Hayden pointed at Emily with a cold expression, shouting, "When did you record this? Since when did you become so sneaky?"
Emily smirked, "I recorded it to protect myself. If that makes me sneaky, then what do you call plotting against me, bullying my friends, and even forging evidence?"
"Emily, how can you say that to Hayden? We tried to reason with you at the time. If you had evidence, why didn't you present it earlier?"
Bianca spoke with a hurt expression.
In the end, it was always her fault.
Emily didn't bother to argue with Bianca.
She turned to the female police officer and said, "The video on the USB drive shows Byron was the one who started trouble with my friend. I tried to leave with my friend, but they stopped us. We fought back and injured him. That should count as self-defense, right?"
The police officer nodded, "We'll have a conclusion after watching the video. The law won't wrong an innocent person."
Emily nodded. She had met this police officer before; she was a good person.
Seeing Emily so confident, Sabrina couldn't help but worry.
She argued, "Even if Byron didn't intend to hurt you, he's the one lying in a hospital bed now while you're fine. That counts as excessive self-defense!"
Excessive self-defense could still lead to sentencing.
Aiden felt relieved when he heard Emily had evidence. At least the Johnson family's reputation was intact, and they even had leverage to negotiate with Isaac. But Sabrina's reminder made his heart sink again.
Aiden walked up to Emily and whispered, "Mrs. Reyes has a point. You should listen to me and try to sit down with the Reyes family to discuss this."
Emily knew he didn't trust her.
"Byron is fine, so it can't be excessive self-defense," Emily said fearlessly.
Bianca noticed Aiden and Emily whispering and her eyes flashed.
Could Aiden still be worried about Emily?
She tugged on Hayden's sleeve, softly saying, "Hayden, what should we do? Even though Emily has evidence, Byron's injuries are severe. If her evidence angers the Johnson family, it could be worse. Maybe you could persuade her; she probably won't listen to me."
Hayden sneered, "She deserves it for not listening."
He even mocked Emily harshly, "Emily, I'm kindly warning you to take back the evidence, or you'll face even harsher punishment."
"Save your fake kindness; I don't need it!"
Emily retorted coldly.
Hayden's face turned red with anger, "Aiden, you see how ungrateful she is. Stop helping her."
He glanced at Emily, seemingly anticipating her fate.
The police officer needed time to verify the video's authenticity.
While waiting, Emily's phone rang.
It was Aaron calling.
"Hello?"
"Emily, the patient you treated called. They said there were some issues after the herbal bath and wanted you to check on them. Are you available?"
Emily glanced at the female officer, who seemed to have confirmed the video's authenticity.
"I'm at the police station right now, not available. Tell them I'll come by later."
"The video is authentic, and it does show self-defense," the police officer confirmed. "But we still need Byron's injury report. If his injuries are severe and the Reyes family insists on pressing charges for excessive self-defense, it could be bad for you. I suggest you try to negotiate with them."
The officer knew the Reyes family's influence, especially since they had already hired a lawyer. Seeing Emily's family not supporting her and her young age, the officer was genuinely concerned for her.
Emily appreciated the officer's kindness. She smiled and thanked her, "Thank you, but I won't compromise."
Moreover, Emily added, "I acted in self-defense. Byron's injuries are superficial. He's just pretending to be sick. You should have the injury report soon, right?"
She had seen Isaac take a call earlier, his face turning grim. The Reyes family might be considering leaving.
Emily spoke confidently. The police officer felt Emily was naive and wanted to say more, but Isaac suddenly spoke to Aiden, "Aiden, in the spirit of cooperation between our families, we can let this go. But since your Johnson family member injured Byron, she must personally apologize to him. Only then will this matter be settled."
Aiden was surprised by Isaac's sudden change of heart. But his tone was that of an elder speaking to a younger, indicating a genuine desire to negotiate. Resolving this peacefully was best for the Johnson family.
He immediately smiled and agreed, "Of course, Mr. Isaac Reyes. Even if you hadn't said it, I would have made Emily personally apologize to Mr. Byron Reyes."
Aiden pulled Emily over, "Quickly, thank Mr. Reyes and promise to apologize to Mr. Byron Reyes."
Bianca was shocked to hear this. She couldn't understand why the Reyes family suddenly relented. How could they let Emily off so easily?
She hurriedly urged, "Emily, this is a good thing. Quickly thank Mr. Reyes for his generosity and agree."
Isaac looked at Emily with a superior gaze, as if she were a mere insect. Sabrina sneered, challenging Emily with her eyes. Everyone seemed to be pressuring her.
Emily suddenly laughed, "What, now everyone wants to decide for me? Too bad, I'm an adult. I can make my own decisions. I'm not the obedient, submissive Emily I used to be."
"Emily, you've become bold. You think you're grown up and capable now? Or have you always been pretending?" Hayden scolded coldly.
Aiden frowned, wanting to persuade her again. But Emily turned to the police officer, "I want to file a report. Byron and his men bullied my friend and me. Bianca and Hayden were accomplices."
"You dare file a report, you bitch! I'll kill you!" Sabrina, enraged, lunged at Emily.
Isaac, maintaining decorum at the police station, quickly restrained Sabrina. His face was dark and menacing as he coldly addressed Aiden, "Your Johnson family has raised a fine daughter. Let's see what she can do to us."
Isaac then handed the matter to the lawyer, "Handle the follow-up." Without another glance at Aiden and the others, he left with Sabrina.
Aiden hadn't expected Emily to say that. In a fit of rage, he slapped Emily hard across the face, "Emily, you've disappointed me. I was thinking of you."
The police officer hadn't reacted yet when the slap landed. Emily's head was knocked to the side, blood dripping from her mouth. The force of Aiden's slap was evident.