Chapter 440
Frank, wanting to avoid being seen with Marcia, had paid his respects at Wilkinson Manor the day before and made an excuse not to attend the main event. Since the Atwater family hadn’t formally split the households, Carmela’s presence was sufficient representation.
When Carmela saw the police heading their way, she followed, her face turning grim as she overheard the officer’s words from a short distance.
That fool. What had she done now? Causing a scene in Cresthaven, of all places, and right in front of the Wilkinsons.
Marcia’s face went pale, and she instinctively scanned the crowd for Maya. Maya had promised to help her, but now the police were here, and she was nowhere in sight. She hadn’t even explained how she planned to help.
From the backyard, Suzanne heard the commotion and had a maid wheel her over. “What’s happening?” she asked Laurel.
“The hit-and-run driver from Elissa’s accident confessed,” Laurel explained. She had received the update just half an hour ago. The police, aware that Marcia was at the manor, had called Laurel first, asking if they should wait until after the party to avoid disrupting Old Mr. Wilkinson’s celebration. Laurel told them to come immediately.
It was only then that Elissa realized the “intentional injury case” was her car crash.
She shot Marcia a cold smile. “You must have been so disappointed to see me standing here in one piece.” No wonder Marcia had been so shocked to see her earlier; she must have thought Elissa was lying unconscious in a hospital bed.
Marcia’s hands trembled. Knowing how protective the Wilkinsons were of Elissa, and that Carmela wouldn’t risk offending them after already crossing the Murphys, she was trapped. “I She was speechless, managing only to stammer a denial to the police. “What intentional injury case? I don’t know anything about it p>
The lead officer replied calmly, “Ms. Carson, we wouldn’t be here without substantial evidence. Whether you know about it or not, you can clarify everything once you cooperate with our investigation at the station p>
With no other options, Marcia turned to Carmela in a panic. “Mom, I-I really have nothing to do with this p>
“The police have made themselves clear,” Carmela said, immediately distancing herself. She knew the police wouldn’t have shown up mid-party without the Wilkinsons’ permission. “Just cooperate with their investigation. If you’re truly innocent, you won’t be wrongly accused p>
But inwardly, she was cursing Marcia. Every single time, her
schemes backfired spectaculet
This time, even if Marcia were carrying a golden child, there was nothing she could do to help stre had dared to rescue her from Matriarch Paige Murphy because the old woman’s power had waned. But openly offending the Wilkinson family now would be suicide for the Atwaters.
Carmela then addressed Suzanne, putting on a show of integrity. “Mrs. Wilkinson, please rest assured, the Atwater family always sides with reason not relatives. If she is indeed involved, we will not say a word in her defense.” The implication was clear: do what you must. The Atwater family wouldn’t hold a grudge.
Suzanne’s tone was flat. “Even if you did have something to say, the case would
proceed through the proper legal channels.” Whether you like it or not, the
Wilkinsons will get justice for Elissa. Who cares what the Atwaters think.
Carmela’s attempt at diplomacy had failed, and she looked slightly embarrassed. “Yes, yes, of course. Everything must be handled according to the law p>
“Mom Marcia grew more desperate and turned to Elissa. “Elissa, for the sake of the three years we spent as sisters-in-law, please, help me p>
Before she could finish, Elissa cut her off coolly. “The police and Mrs. Wilkinson have already made it clear how this will be handled.” There was no affection between them, only a history of animosity.
Seeing that the situation was final, the officer gestured to Marcia. “Ms. Carson, if you please p>
Marcia’s knees went weak. She had
been foolish, thinking that attacking Elissa outside of Vistapeak City would be foolproof. She had
forgotten about the Wilkinsons. She never imagined Frank would be at the scene, giving the driver no chance to escape. Otherwise, things would never have reached this point. She knew that once she went with them today, even if she avoided prison, the consequences would be severe. A criminal record would shadow the rest of her life.