Chapter 86 Lines Are Drawn
Wills's eyes narrowed, hurt evident in his expression. He stood frozen, watching Amanda embrace Rowan.
Amanda slowly pulled away from the hug, her eyes still fixed on him. "I couldn't get the news off social media for now but I will. You can trust me on that" Rowan said, ignorant of Wills's position behind him.
"Mhmmn" Amanda nodded. "Do you have somewhere to stay or you want to come with me?" Rowan asked, ignoring Johnny's besture that the question was a wrong idea.
"No…thank you. I will go with him" Amanda responded, pointing to Wills. Rowan and Johnny turned to see the person she pointed to.
"Oh, Detective. How have you been?" Rowan said awkwardly.
"Wills, Rowan got me bail. I can't believe it." She wore a mixture of anxiousness and gratitude on her face.
Wills, caught off guard, managed a tight smile. "That's... great, Amanda." He turned to Rowan, "thank you very much. I have tried to do that but I'm part of the case so my hands are tied."
"It's alright. I'm sorry for the stress. Wilson is out of his mind" Rowan said, aware of the tension. He extended his hand toward Wills. "Hold on tight and take care of her. We will get through this." He said before walking away.
"See you around," Johnny said before following Rowan.
"Let's get you out of here" Wills said but didn't wait for Amanda before heading out. It was obvious he was raging.
As Rowan and Johnny made their way out of the police station, they were met by a swarm of reporters eager for a statement. Microphones were thrust towards Rowan and cameras started rolling.
"Just ignore" Johnny stated. "You have done enough for the media today. There is more to say, later"
Rowan nodded, ignoring the series of questions the press was throwing at him as Johnny helped him navigate the crowd and walked to his car.
However, he halted when he heard a question a reporter asked him. "Is it true that Amanda killed Mabel because you cheated on her with Mabel?"
"Wait..what?" Rowan exclaimed.
Rowan's eyes widened in disbelief at the outrageous question. He shook his head, responding firmly, "That's absolutely false. There's no truth to that accusation. Amanda didn't kill anyone and I never cheated on her"
"So what do you have to say about your brother's accusations?" Another reporter asked.
"Wilson is out of his mind. He is still grieving and I had my share of that this morning. If you stand in front of him today I can bet he would accuse you for Mabel's death. His accusation was baseless and out of personal grudge"
"Can you tell us why you broke up with Amanda Roberts? A reporter asked and before he could respond another asked again, "I heard she was your P.A, did she seduce you?"
Johnny stepped in, guiding Rowan away from the persistent reporters. "We're not entertaining any more questions at the moment. We will provide a detailed statement later."
Rowan held his stand even though Johnny was trying to get him out of there. "Contrary to popular opinion, I didn't break up with Amanda, she did and that was because I fcked up. If there is anything I could do to take that back, I would be doing that right now."
His answer shocked everyone, including Johnny. The rest of the reporters went silent while he walked away with Johnny. By the time they reached the car, the murmurs had risen.
"What the hell was that?" Johnny asked in the car.
"Rowan leaned back in his car seat, a heavy sigh escaping him. "Amanda deserves better than the rumors tarnishing her name."
"Is that why you made yourself guilty, right to the media?" Johnny asked, furious.
"That should change the directives on the news so.." Rowan said but was interrupted.
"So what? You better be prepared to see the headlines of the news by the time they are done rewriting your stupid story" Johnny said, his anger evident.
"Come on man, we can handle the media fallout later." Rowan responded. Let's focus on getting through this mess. She needs all the help she can get"
Johnny didn't respond, he started the car and drove off.
Aniya rushed in to meet Wilson eating. She was angry and restless. "Here you are, have you seen the news?"
Wilson glanced up from his meal, an arrogant smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, the news. I've been eagerly waiting for you to commend my skills"
Aniya slammed her hands on the table, frustration evident in her voice. "You call that skills, you dumb ass"
Wilson laughed mockingly. "Dumb ass or not, I've managed to stir up quite the storm, haven't I?"
Aniya gritted her teeth, trying to contain her anger. "You don't get it, do you? You are no longer the victim but the villain." She removed her phone from her bag to show him the news headline.
"Take a look!" She exclaimed.
Wills collected the phone and he screamed when he saw the content. "What! Amanda was released? How is that possible?"
Aniya scoffed, her frustration evident. "Your precious brother declared that he didn't break up with Amanda; she ended things because he messed up. He publicly defended her, making you look like a vengeful liar."
"He didn't do that. Rowan would not do something that silly." Wilson exclaimed with disbelief.
Aniya scrolled the screen and then showed him other news on her phone. "See this too.
Wilson's expression darkened when he saw the headline, "The Real Villain Revealed - story of a jealous brother" he read it out loud. "This bastard!" He yelled, pushing the plates on the table away.
"This is not the time to vent your anger on innocent plates. Rowan has just rendered you powerless, you have to fight back, Wilson." Aniya said, adding to his anger.
"I won't let him ruin what I've started. Never" Wilson screamed. "Rowan can play the hero all he wants but if the police won't get me what I want, then I will get what I want myself.
Aniya leaned in, her voice sharp. " I have a perfect idea." Wilson moved closer and listened instantly while Aniya whispered into his ears. His eyes widened as he listened.