Chapter 263

A terrifying look appeared on his face. He had been at a meeting yesterday and was already exhausted. Once he received the call about Claire, he rushed to Ashford and bailed her out. That was when he finally learned the full extent of the situation. When he heard why Claire and Tina had been arrested and held at the police station, he wondered if he had heard right.

He was told they were involved in a murder case. The corpse had been found buried in the orchard, and Claire was implicated. It happened five years ago, back when he was studying abroad. He had no idea what went on at home, and no one had mentioned a thing when he returned.

Despite knowing Tina was an arrogant, spoiled brat—he thought the worst she had done was act crazy over Lake—now he was being told she might have killed someone while still in high school.

“Tell me the truth, both of you. Is it true what happened to that boy?” he hissed through clenched teeth. He walked toward her hospital bed. His elegant face, weighed down by exhaustion, barely contained his fury.

The mom went silent at his question. Claire was too afraid to meet his gaze. Tina pressed her lips together. A flicker of guilt appeared in her lowered eyes.

Austin understood everything in an instant. “Oh my God…” His vision blurred. He looked up and let out a deep sigh. At that moment, he felt so helpless that he laughed at how pathetic the situation was.

Tina snorted and said without a pause, “It’s not like I did it on purpose. It was an accident. He was being disobedient. If he’d just listened to me, I wouldn’t—” A deafening slap struck her face before she could finish speaking.

“Do you realize that you’ve killed someone? This is murder! It’s someone’s life we’re talking about! Do you think this is some kind of game? You arrogant, selfish brat! Do you know how many times we had to clean up after your messes?”

“And now you’re dragging Mom into this? What now? You think she can take care of it like she always has? The accomplice to a murderer is criminally liable! You want her to go to jail with you at her age?” he growled.

Tina clutched her cheek and cried. She felt wronged, and tears poured down her face. “Austin! Y—You hit me! How dare you hit your little sister?” she asked, choking on her sobs.

“I wish I could kill you right now,” he said through gritted teeth.

Claire pulled Tina into her arms and tried to reassure her. “Don’t cry, my sweet girl. Your brother’s just angry, that’s all. He wouldn’t turn his back on you.” As she comforted her, she turned to Austin and said, “Now, don’t get mad. I’ve already talked to Officer Cooper. He said as long as the corpse is gone, there’s no evidence. You can’t claim a missing person is dead without a body.”

She added, “Whatever Jade says won’t matter. Officer Cooper will help us erase the recordings. So everything will be…”

“You bribed a police officer?” Austin asked, stunned.

“Officer Cooper was the one who helped us back then. He’s extremely reliable. And no matter what Vespera or that unsavory Jade tries next, I’ll have them locked up if they dare cross us,” Claire said proudly. A gleam of malice flashed in her eyes.

Antin stared at her. “Do you even know who bailed Vespera out?”

Theseus and Claire looked confused at first. But when they saw how serious he was, panic set in. He locked eyes with them and said, “It was Dondaic. He bailed them out. In fact, he was already at the station.” He continued, “And do you know where he went? He went straight into the chief police officer’s office.” Their faces went pale.

“That can’t be! Tombole didn’t hold Tina responsible when she stabbed Idim. He didn’t lift a finger when we made that bitch sign the release agreement. He readily left her to fend for herself!” Claire blurted, a glint flickering beneath her eyes.

“Dominic is a cunning old fox. And you thought you had him figured out?” Ausilio scoffed. “I told you to leave Vespera alone. Why won’t you listen to me?”

Tina was trembling with fear, but still refused to admit she was wrong. “How what it? Dominic helped her? All he can do is protect Vespera. The corpse isn’t even in the…”

“Yes, you’re right, the corpse is gone,” Claire interjected, trying to regain control of the situation.

Austin stared at them coldly. “Then I ask you this. Where did the corpse go?”