Chapter 531
Sienna’s gaze was crystal clear, meeting the furious glares of Eleanor and Helena without giving them an inch to breathe.
“The two of you keep preaching about how innocent and kind Celeste was, swearing to defend her peace to the death.
But if she’s truly innocent and honorable, why fear a proper inspection?
You’re blocking this so desperately, fighting tooth and nail. Is it out of love, or is it because you’re terrified the truth will come out, exposing the filth you’ve been hiding from the world p>
For a moment, the faces of both women cycled through shades of green and pale white.
They stood there with their mouths open, unable to utter a single word in defense, choking on their own panic in complete humiliation.
Sienna didn’t wait for them to respond.
She turned to the police. “Captain Rhodes, investigating a case is the duty of law enforcement, and exhuming the ashes is a procedural necessity.
You notified the family out of courtesy, not to ask for their permission.
Before the law, no one has the right to obstruct justice p>
Captain Rhodes nodded, seizing the opening perfectly. “Ladies, Dr. Sloan is absolutely right.
The police conduct investigations without being swayed by personal emotions.
Obstructing evidence collection and interfering with official duties is a violation of the law. Please step aside and don’t make this worse p>
The stakes were now glaringly obvious.
Helena and Eleanor were clearly terrified. They exchanged a panicked look.
But they knew deep down they absolutely could not move.
Once the contents of that urn were exposed, no one would escape the fallout.
Steeling her resolve, Helena whipped around and threw her arms wide, shielding the tombstone with her body.
Eleanor also refused to budge, looking ready to fight to the bitter end.
Sienna watched their desperate final struggle, a flash of mockery passing through her eyes.
She already knew the answer.
The harder they fought, the more frantic and tense they became, the more it proved that this grave was built on a massive lie.
They were terrified to let the grave be opened. Terrified to let the ashes be tested.
Because the moment the truth went public, they, and perhaps the entire Sterling family, would go down with it.
Luna scoffed out loud, her eyes full of disdain. “If those were really Geleste’s ashes, and you had nothing to hide, why the hysterical barricade?
Let’s call it what it is—a guilty conscience. You’re terrified of the truth coming out p>
Thea pushed up her glasses, her demeanor completely calm. “It’s just the desperate thrashing of cornered animals.
With the law and official protocol standing right here, the two of them can’t possibly stop the police.
Any further struggle will just turn them into a bigger laughingstock p>
Seeing the time ticking away, Captain Rhodes had no intention of delaying further.
He raised a hand, signaling the officers behind him to advance. “Proceed with the collection p>
The bodyguards still refused to move, instinctively casting their eyes toward the black Cullinan parked nearby.
Jarred hadn’t said a single word since stepping out of the car.
He stood leaning against the hood, arms crossed over his chest projecting an overwhelming aura that commanded the entire scene.
His dark eyes cut through the crowd, past the furious faces of his mother and grandmother, landing squarely on Sienna.
His gaze was deep, like he was watching a cat that had finally bared its claws.
There was appreciation, a hint of helplessness, and a razor-thin layer of amusement in his eyes.
Captain Rhodes followed the bodyguards’ line of sight. “Captain Sterling, what do you think p>
Time and time again, whenever Celeste was involved, he had always protected her unconditionally.
Even in the face of public outrage and complete irrationality, he had always found a way to shield her.
Everyone assumed today would be no different.
But to the absolute shock of everyone present p>