Chapter 184
Rain was focused, pouring herself into her work at the office, but there were moments when she had to step out, like today, for a routine meeting with the Violent Crimes Unit. As soon as the meeting concluded, she gathered her things, ready to leave, when Prosecutor Ana Miller from the White-Collar Crime Unit caught her eye and smirked.
“I’m surprised to see you working with all the scandal swirling around you,” Ana mocked, her voice loud enough to draw attention.
Rain smiled, calm and composed. “I don’t see why I shouldn’t come to work just because of it p>
Ana’s smirk deepened. “Right. It’s interesting how you’re still using Clayton instead of Lancaster. It makes me wonder if the rumours are true after all p>
Rain noticed the lingering eyes of those still in the room, but she remained unfazed. With a casual shrug, she responded, “Let’s stick to discussing work-related matters, Prosecutor Miller. I don’t believe we’re close enough for me to explain anything about my personal life.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned and added, “See you around,” before walking out.
Ana’s expression twisted with anger. “What an arrogant woman! Who does she think she is? I can’t wait for the board to summon her and address this scandal. She’s going to ruin the prosecution’s credibility at this rate p>
Rain heard Ana’s final insult before the door closed behind her. She sighed, knowing it was just a matter of time before the Board of Prosecutors summoned her to address the situation.
“I should’ve updated my status yesterday,” she muttered under her breath. She had planned to do it today, but Dina had already made a scene and created a scandal for her.
As she made her way down the hall, she saw Henry who seemed to be waiting for someone with her back leaning on the wall. “So, is it true? Is your marriage a sham?” he asked with a teasing smirk.
Rain rolled her eyes, her lips twitching in annoyance. “Aren’t you turning into a gossipmonger p>
“Correction, I’m not a gossipmonger—just a curious man wanting to know whether my colleague is caught up in a sham marriage or not. It’s a simple yes or no question, really. And the fact that you’re not flat-out denying it tells me all I need to know.” Henry grinned, clearly enjoying her discomfort.
Rain bit her inner cheek. She wasn’t someone who could lie easily, a trait that often felt ironic given the stereotypes about lawyers.
With a raised eyebrow, she finally said, “I don’t see why I should validate anything to someone I’m not close to. And for the record—I’m a happily married woman, so stop bugging me about it!” Her tone was firm.
Rain turned and continued walking, with Henry falling into step beside her. Just as they were about to enter their office, the secretary of the Chief Prosecutor stepped out from the door.
“There you are, Prosecutor Clayton. Please come with me. The Board of Prosecutors would like to talk to you,” the secretary announced.
Rain simply nodded, a sense of inevitability settling over her as she followed the secretary.
“Good luck, and come back unscathed!” Henry called after her with a grin.
Rain rolled her eyes, muttering, “Seriously, this man p>
The secretary led her into the conference room of the prosecution office. As Rain entered, the air felt heavy with judgment. The room was filled with a panel of senior prosecutors, their expressions stern and unreadable, waiting to address the scandal that had engulfed her.
Rumours of a fraudulent marriage between her and Alexander Lancaster, along with claims of impersonation during the marriage registration, had spread quickly. The Bureau of Civil Affairs had also called for an explanation, as their office was being dragged into the mess.
Rain took a seat at the center of the long table, feeling the weight of their gazes. She scanned the room, recognizing a mixture of emotions among her peers. Some wore expressions of sympathy, while others looked poised to tear her apart with criticism.
’Hmm, this doesn’t look good,’ she thought, keeping her composure as she braced herself for what was to come.
The lead prosecutor, an older man, cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses. “Ms. Clayton,” he began, his voice echoing in the room. “As you’re aware, the validity of your marriage is under scrutiny. We need to address the claims that someone impersonated you and Mr. Lancaster during the registration process p>
Before she could respond, another prosecutor, chimed in, her tone dripping with skepticism. “This situation reflects poorly on the integrity of our office, Prosecutor Clayton. How can we trust you to uphold the law when your personal life is marred by such scandal p>
Rain felt her stomach twist at the accusation but remained silent. She could feel the eyes of the panel members boring into her, waiting for a defense that wouldn’t come.
“It’s alarming that someone could so easily impersonate you and marry Mr. Lancaster,” another senior prosecutor continued. “We need to understand how this happened and what measures you’ve taken to rectify this situation p>
Another female prosecutor, leaned forward, her expression unforgiving. “What kind of message does this send about our office? A prosecutor married under false pretenses? How can we believe you can handle your responsibilities when you can’t even manage your personal affairs p>
Rain clenched her fists, fighting against the rising tide of frustration and humiliation. She had worked too hard to reach where she was right now to let this scandal define her. Yet, the weight of their words pressed down on her.
The panel continued to voice their concerns, their criticisms flying thick and fast. “It’s a disgrace,” one said. “Your credibility is at stake here, Prosecutor. We need to know how you intend to address this and restore confidence in our office p>
Rain’s colleagues deliberated her fate without a pause, their stern voices filling the room. The representative from the Bureau of Civil Affairs, seated to the right, leaned forward and cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.
“This situation has also severely impacted our office,” he began, his tone clipped. “The allegations of fraudulent marriage and impersonation are not just a personal matter, Prosecutor Clayton. The Bureau of Civil Affairs has been receiving complaints and demands for an investigation into the legitimacy of your marriage. We have a reputation to uphold as well, and we expect this to be resolved quickly. The public perception of our competence is at risk p>
Another voice chimed in from across the table, a senior prosecutor who had been eyeing Rain critically throughout the meeting. “It’s not just about your marriage, Ms. Clayton. This affects the entire prosecution office. We cannot afford to appear as if we’re giving you preferential treatment p>
After what felt like an eternity, the Chief Prosecutor leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing. “We will be making a recommendation regarding your position here, Ms. Clayton. The severity of this issue cannot be underestimated. Would you like to say anything in your defense p>
’Finally!’ Rain thought, feeling a mix of frustration and relief. They hadn’t even given her the chance to explain herself before bombarding her with accusations and criticisms. She was just about to speak when the door to the conference hall suddenly swung open.