Chapter 180

Chapter 180

"Can you manage at home alone with that hand?" Yvaine looked anxiously at Eugenie's bandaged hand, her concern evident.

After Nicholas returned, facing invitations from both him and Yvaine, Eugenie firmly stated she was going back to the Medici Villa, making those around her especially apprehensive.

Eugenie nodded confidently. "Don't worry. I only injured one hand—I still have another to manage."

Seeing her insistence, Yvaine wanted to continue persuading when Nicholas sighed. "Don't bother. No one can change her mind once she's decided. Don't worry—with me here, no one will dare touch her."

Only then did Yvaine give up trying to persuade her, instructing Nicholas, "If you can't handle it, you can find me. Her phone has my contact info—I trust that won't be difficult for you."

Nicholas glanced at Eugenie and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You think she can take me on?"

Before Yvaine could respond, Eugenie, bristling at being underestimated, lifted her foot and stomped hard on his. "Still think I can't take you on?"

He endured the pain stoically. "It doesn't hurt at all."

Seeing their interaction, Yvaine finally realized she was the third wheel and quietly stepped away."I'm leaving first. Don't be stubborn. Contact me if anything happens, okay?"

Seeing her reluctance, Eugenie stepped forward to hug her. "I know what you're worried about. Since I'm going back, I naturally have my reasons. Don't worry—I'll protect myself well."

Yvaine sighed without saying more. "Take good care of her, okay?" This was directed at Nicholas.

Nicholas gave her a reassuring look. "I know. I won't let you down."

After repeated confirmations, Yvaine left with frequent glances over her shoulder.

On the way to take Eugenie back to the Medici Villa, learning she was working tomorrow, Nicholas made a suggestion. "With your hand injured, don't drive. I'll take you to and from work every day. If you don't agree, I'll turn around right now and take you to my place—I'll take care of you myself."

Eugenie looked at him incredulously. "Are you crazy? Your place has none of my things—why would I go there?"

Nicholas remained very calm. "Don't worry about that. As long as you need it, I can get anything for you."

So domineering. Eugenie tried a more tactful approach. "Your place and mine aren't in the same direction. Do you know how much time it'll take to pick me up?"

Nicholas gave the same response. "Don't worry about that. I'm happy to do it. Besides, how do you know I only have one property?"

Seeing his mind was made up, Eugenie stopped trying to dissuade him. "I'll listen to you. Sorry to trouble you during this time."

Hearing her agree, Nicholas's lips curved in a pleased arc. "“Between us, let’s not talk about trouble. Chasing after you is something I’m willing to do.”
Eugenie's fingertips unconsciously curled. She turned her head to look at the scenery outside. Returning to the Medici Villa area, she saw several police cars with flashing lights.

Had they discovered something? As soon as the car stopped, Eugenie couldn't wait to open the door and get out. “Nicholas couldn’t stop her in time, so he followed close behind.”

Eugenie walked forward a few steps and discovered the police were targeting her home. Seeing a police officer coming out, she approached to understand the situation. "Excuse me, have you discovered something?"

With professional composure, the officer didn't answer. "Sorry, the case is still under investigation. We can't disclose specific details yet. May I ask your relationship to this family?"

Nicholas stepped forward hearing this question and explained for her. "I'm the one who filed the report last night. She's the owner of this house and also the victim."

Understanding the basic situation, the officer's attitude toward Eugenie softened. "We traced the source of the illegal drug back to this family.We're not yet clear on specifically who. At first, the people inside refused to open the door—it took us some time to get in. If you have time, please come to the station to provide a statement."

Hearing "refused to open the door", they must have had a guilty conscience. Eugenie shifted her gaze to the open doorway in the distance, wondering who would ultimately be brought out.

"I'll find time tomorrow." Eugenie nodded cooperatively.

Nicholas saw her with her head down and proactively stepped forward to be her support, pressing her into his embrace. Eugenie nuzzled his shoulder, her eyes bright as she looked at him. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Soon, commotion came from the doorway—noisy sounds mixed with crying. Police brought someone out. When they got closer, it became clear the person was actually Kenna.

No one but her—she was clearly the scapegoat, bearing all of this alone.

As soon as Kenna came out, she noticed Eugenie and Nicholas in the yard. Especially seeing Eugenie completely unharmed, her mentality collapsed. "Eugenie, why are you with Nicholas? Why can you still stand there perfectly fine?"

No one paid any attention to her hysteria. Nicholas didn’t even look at her. Once she was stuffed into the police car, that piercing voice came to an abrupt stop.

From Eugenie's understanding of Kenna, she didn't have the capability to arrange this plan. Everyone there that night was suspicious. It seemed necessary to go see her.

"You should go back. You still need to pick me up tomorrow to give a statement." The police car outside disappeared. Eugenie issued an order to leave.

Nicholas was uneasy. "I'll accompany you inside."

"The scene that follows might not be pleasant. I don't want you to see it. Trust me—I can handle it well."

Under Eugenie's insistence, Nicholas didn't persist further. "I'll give you half an hour. If you don't report you're safe, I'm charging in to find you."

"Half an hour is enough."

After Eugenie sent Nicholas back to his car, she turned to enter her own battlefield.

Returning home and pushing open the door, a glass shattered at her feet, accompanied by Ewan's roar. "Since you're fine, why didn't you come back earlier to put your family at ease?"

Eugenie avoided the pile of glass shards, coldly laughing as she walked toward the living room. "At ease? I want to ask you—what kind of intentions lie beneath your presentable exteriors?"

Bianca wiped away her tears, crying inconsolably beside them. "How can you think of us this way? We're all your family—naturally everything is for your own good."

At this point, Eugenie no longer needed to save face for them. "If it's such a good thing, why not let your daughter do it?"

Bianca stammered, unable to speak. Opal came down from upstairs, her face dark as water. "After listening for so long, I understand the situation. But no matter how serious the matter, close the door and solve it within the family. Don't air dirty laundry in public."

Ewan was scolded speechless. Opal suddenly turned her gaze to her. "Tomorrow when you go to the police station, tell them it was a misunderstanding. Bring Kenna back first."

Victor had been anxious before, but seeing his grandmother's attitude, he suddenly seemed to have backing. With much more confidence, he spoke to Eugenie righteously. "Grandma's right. This is all a misunderstanding. Bring Kenna back tomorrow."

Eugenie looked at him with a half-smile. "Why should I listen to you? This matter not only needs to be investigated—it needs to be investigated thoroughly."