Chapter 37
She continued, trembling slightly. “If you really don’t like me, I can stay away from you. I promise. I’m just so scared… if I died, my parents and Blake would be so heartbroken.”
“Don’t talk nonsense,” Blake said, stroking her hair. “Nothing’s going to happen to you.”
Claire’s lower lip quivered. “Blake, what did I do wrong? Why does Anna hate me so much she wants me dead?”
Blake’s expression darkened as he turned to me. “Apologize to Claire. Now.”
I looked directly at Claire. “Do you want me to apologize?”
She blinked slowly, like a doll. “If you did something to hurt me… I could accept your apology.”
“If I did something?” I repeated. “You’re basically saying I’m a would–be murderer.”
Blake stepped between us. “Apologize, and I’ll protect you from what’s coming.”
I could feel my anger rising. “Protect me? Or just protect the Wright family’s reputation?”
“Is there a difference? You are Mrs. Wright, after all,” Blake replied coldly.
“Fine. I’ll apologize.”
For just a moment, I caught something else – a flicker of triumph in Claire’s eyes.
That single look confirmed what I’d suspected. This wasn’t random. This was planned.
I moved toward the bed. Claire probably thought I was finally going to apologize out of fear. So
when I grabbed her arm and yanked her off the bed, pulling her to the floor, her expression was
priceless.
She collapsed, gasping in pain, unable to make a sound. Seeing her like that brought me a sense of relief, and I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. “You said I deliberately hurt her, but now I’ve really done it. Go ahead, take me to the police station.”
I leaned close to her ear. “Let me quote your brother: if you don’t want people to know what you’ve done, you shouldn’t have done it in the first place.”
With that, I straightened up and walked to the door, pulling it open. William and Caroline stood just outside, their faces full of concern.
“William, Caroline,” I said formally, the words thick in my throat. “I’m sorry, but you don’t need to intervene anymore. Blake and I are finished. Our marriage is over. But you’ll always be my family,”
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Chapter 37
Then I turned to James. “I’m ready to go with you now.”
Behind me, chaos erupted. Claire’s exaggerated sobs mingled with Caroline’s shocked exclamations and Blake’s angry voice.
Before stepping into the police station, I pulled out my phone and called Emily. After dragging Seth and Henry into enough of my mess, my best friend was the only person I could turn to now.
“They’re doing what?” Emily’s voice exploded through the speaker after I explained Blake and Claire’s plan to charge me with assault. “That manipulative witch and her lapdog stepbrother want to put you in jail? On what evidence?”
I sighed, watching uniformed officers pass through the station doors. “I need legal help, Em. What about your friend Layla?”
“God, I wish. She’s neck–deep in a homicide case–hasn’t slept in three days.” Emily’s frustration was palpable. “But listen, I’ll figure something out. Just wait for me, dear.”
“Okay,” I replied.
The fluorescent lights of the police station buzzed overhead as I sat across from James. I’d already given my statement, categorically denying any involvement with the attack on Claire.
I want to file counter–charges against Blake and Claire Wright for false accusations and defamation,” I stated firmly.
James looked uncomfortable. “Mrs. Wright, are you serious? Perhaps tomorrow I could personally accompany you to meet with Mr. Wright and mediate-”
“When your investigation proves I had nothing to do with the attack on Claire,” I interrupted, “that’s when I’ll make them face the consequences.”
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