Chapter 108
Chapter 108
Is what she said true?” Clayton’s voice turned icy, chilling the air around them. The polished gentleman vanished, replaced by a storm of fury and
bitterness.
Carson calmly lifted his hand, prying apart Clayton’s fingers gripping his collar one by one. His movements were relaxed, like performing a familiar minor surgery. A contemptuous sneer escaped his nostrils.
He said, “Don’t you have any idea what kind of woman your wife is? Yet you listen to a homewrecker who clawed her way up by dirty means.
“Did you buy your lawyer’s license? A lawyer should rely on solid evidence when seeking proof, not baseless wild guesses.”
Carson looked at Clayton with utter disappointment, feeling that being his brother for years was the worst decision of his life.
Clayton’s fingers were loosened with a gentle pry, and he let go. He considered himself a competent lawyer, but when it came to Audrey and Valerie’s matters, he seemed to lose all control. He felt lost and without answers.
More and more people gathered outside the door, some even mischievously filming with their phones.
“Can such a clueless person even be a lawyer? Can he win cases?”
“Someone with such poor character must be defending scumbags. Totally shameless!”
“Calling him shameless insults the word ‘shameless‘ itself!”
“I think I’ve seen him online–he’s the lawyer who handled the Ashwood Mental Hospital case, right?”
“Ashwood Mental Hospital? The correction center where kids were beaten to death? The abuser only got a few years? He must be their dark protector!”
The murmurs grew angrier. Some tried to push inside, others tried to retreat, People shoved and jostled; someone got stepped on and cursed loudly.
The female officer quickly ordered the crowd to disperse and restore order, but the people, consumed by fury, ignored her cries and shouted at Clayton, demanding an explanation.
Clayton felt panic for the first time and instinctively took a few steps back.
Valerie, afraid of being implicated, turned and hugged Cheryl, putting distance between them and Clayton.
Clayton watched as the mother and daughter recoiled from him as if he were poison. His heart twisted in agony. He had given them everything–yet now, at the brink of his downfall, they couldn’t distance themselves fast enough.
Back when the law firm was struggling, Audrey didn’t complain but instead helped him promote and gain recognition. One event after another, the more he compared, the more he realized how good Audrey had been.
Clayton turned to look at Audrey. Carson was already shielding her with his body in a safe position. Because of his doctor’s identity, the angry crowd
outside did not take it out on him.
As Audrey was protected by another man, Clayton’s jealousy churned his stomach with acid.
He should’ve trusted Audrey, and his best friend top. But seeing them standing side by side, whispering together, was just… unbearable.
Clayton really wanted to separate them. Just as he moved closer, his phone vibrated in his pocket, so he had to step
window to answer it.
“Mr. Patel, I’ve arrived. When can you come?” The voice came from the other side of the line.
“Sorry, I’m tied up with something urgent.” Clayton glanced at the ward door. If he stepped out, he’d probably get beaten for no reason. “Let’s reschedule.”
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10:17 Mon, 2 Jun
Chapter 108
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Two officers couldn’t control the situation, so the female cop called for nearby auxiliary police. It took half an hour to fully disperse the crowd. The female officer told Clayton to leave the hospital to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Clayton walked to Audrey’s side, wanting to say something, but Carson blocked his view completely. In the end, he said nothing, left the ward, and took the stairs quickly downstairs.
Once he confirmed it was safe, Clayton redialed the call. “Are you still at the café? I can come over now.”
In the ward, Audrey approached Luna. “Have you been hungry lately?”
Luna shook her head. She hadn’t eaten any treats from the kind aunt, but she wasn’t hungry.
Every day, Grandma came to record her meals and check her health. Though Grandma and Mom still gave her cold looks, they no longer hurt or pinch
her.
Suddenly, Valerie grabbed Luna in her arms, glaring at Audrey suspiciously. “No matter how much you try to win my daughter over, Clayton won’t
remarry you.”
“Clayton’s not here. Stop pretending,” Audrey sneered.
Valerie hurriedly glanced at the female cop, thinking she wouldn’t interfere with personal matters because Luna was involved.
Instinctively, she straightened her back. “Doesn’t matter what I did–Clayton belongs to me now. Audrey, no matter how you try to mess with me, I’m not as stupid as you were, handing him over with a divorce.”
Audrey nodded. “The man you’re desperate for is worthless in my eyes!”
“You’re delusional,” Valerie sneered. “You chased after Clayton just to get residency in Ironhaven. You even agreed to split expenses 50/50 after marriage -never seen anyone so dumb.
“You married Clayton, he not only made a prenuptial agreement but didn’t even give you much money. He gave me 300 thousand dollars, and when we hold the wedding banquet, another 300 thousand dollars. What do you have to compare with me?”
Audrey waited for her to finish, then smiled and nodded. “Hope you cling to him like a vine and never let go.” Her voice was calm and cool–it wasn’t spite; she genuinely hoped Valerie and Clayton stayed stuck together.
Valerie felt her provocation had failed and was suffocating with frustration.
Audrey looked at the female officer, “If you can’t properly arrange care for Luna, I will involve the media to supervise and follow up in real time.”
“No way.” Valerie refused outright. If the media tracked the case, her whereabouts would be exposed. If Lucas found her, he would kill her.
Seeing the officer look at her, Valerie quickly explained, “Luna is still young. Even if she’s not autistic, the domestic violence caused psychological trauma. It’s not appropriate for her to be exposed to the public.”
Even the policewoman agreed Luna shouldn’t be exposed to the public. She was too young–one negative comment could cause lasting damage.
But without media supervision, the police have too much work and no energy or authority to care for Luna continuously. The officer looked at Audrey. “What do you think would be a proper arrangement?
“My daughter’s business doesn’t need an outsider’s interference.” Valerie hated Audrey’s meddling and wanted to kick her out of the ward immediately.
Carson noticed Audrey’s brows furrowed and immediately spoke, “Clayton’s firm is in crisis and has no energy to c Patterson is also ill and needs care. Luna is indeed a problem.
or the family recently. Mrs.
“Clayton and I are friends. How about I take care of Luna temporarily until you arrange your family affairs? I also accept supervision; community workers can visit my home anytime to check.”
Carson beamed at Audrey. He had “Look at me, aren’t I amazing? Praise me!” written all over his smug face.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
