Chapter 291

"Officer Lawson, what do you think?" Thea asked, staring at Samuel. Jamie's mentor, a veteran police officer named Lawson, smiled, finding Thea's question ridiculous. "Do you think our police force isn't strong enough and needs your help to uncover the truth? Ms. Rowland, you're a criminal now. You have no right to negotiate with us."

Thea nodded. "The evidence is conclusive, and all physical evidence points to me. If I'm not mistaken, workers will soon come forward to testify." (Duncan and Emmalie's actions had made their plan seemingly flawless.)

"Closing the case now is the easiest solution for the police. But Officer Lawson, is this truly your intention?" Thea pursed her lips, scrutinizing Samuel and Jamie. Jamie, a young man with the fervor of a driven individual, wore his uniform neatly. His eyes lit up. "Ms. Rowland, do you meanthis might be a business war? Someone is sabotaging you."

Thea remained silent. Samuel's acceptance of Jamie, a second-generation heir, as his student suggested he wasn't afraid of trouble. Thea didn't fully understand Samuel, but she knew Jamie well; a student often reflects their teacher's characteristics.

Samuel chuckled. "Ms. Rowland, how do you propose we cooperate? I want to ensure justice prevails, but this isn't solely my decision. You're involved in a major case; a safe exit is impossible. Public opinion alone is enough to condemn you."

"I don't want to leave," Thea admitted, aware of her predicament. This request was a tall order for Samuel and Jamie. Even without fatalities, the numerous injuries from the mountain collapse made complete exoneration impossible. All she could do was fight to clear her name. "Officer Lawson, I saw a group of people acting suspiciously at the scene. I suspect they were sent to clean up the evidence."

Jamie furiously scribbled notes. Samuel's eyes widened. "Surveillance cameras in the western suburbs were damaged by the collapse. Ms. Rowland, do you have any clues? For example, do you remember anything about their appearance or build?"

Thea was prepared. "They wore police uniforms. The leader had a scar on the back of his hand—I don't know the exact location, but his entire hand was wounded."

Samuel received a call, stepped out, then returned, his gaze intense. "We've apprehended him. Ms. Rowland, you're free to leave, but you must cooperate fully with the investigation and keep your phone on 24/7."

Thea was surprised by the police's swift action. She was led from the interrogation room, dazed. Seeing Nicolas at the end of the corridor dispelled her doubts. She wasn't surprised by his presence, but she was inexplicably nervous. "Did you catch him?"

After a grueling night, Thea was muddy, a stark contrast to Nicolas's impeccable suit. But Nicolas never looked down on her. He draped his jacket over her shoulders, pulling her close. "I'm here to take you home. We caught him, and found gunpowder residue on him, perfectly matching the soil from the western suburbs."

This evidence secured her release. The case's impact was massive; without Nicolas's evidence, her release would have been impossible. Even Samuel seemed troubled by the arrests, but Nicolas had acted swiftly. This wasn't solely due to his influence; he had been diligently monitoring Thea's situation. "Let's go home," he said.

Thea lowered her eyes. "Nicolas, why do I feel like you're always there when I need you? You're making me overly reliant." She took his hand. She wasn't outwardly emotional, but with Nicolas, she could be. Even after seven years with Jake, she'd never felt this loved, this secure. She felt lucky to have met Nicolas after breaking up with Jake.

Nicolas saw her expression. "Then continue to rely on me," he said, striding forward. Duncan's attack on Thea had backfired; Nicolas had crippled more than half of his overseas businesses.

When Thea left the station, sunlight warmed her face. Darwin drove them home. In the car, Nicolas held Thea close. "This isn't your fault. Blame the conspirators for their disregard for human life."

He understood Thea; her armor hid a soft heart. The sight of injured workers remained a nightmare.

"It really wasn't my fault?" Thea whispered, her eyes tired, but unable to close them. "If I'd realized the mine's importance to Sparkle Rocks and improved security…"

Nicolas hugged her tighter. "They targeted you. Even if it wasn't the western suburbs, they would have chosen another location. Thea, remember, I'll face anything with you."

Darwin, through the rearview mirror, witnessed Nicolas's unwavering focus. He'd worked for Nicolas for years; he only showed this patience with Thea. He thought, Hendrix is truly smitten. Nicolas had acted quickly, fearing for Thea's well-being at the station. He was confident; even if Thea hadn't done anything, he would have ensured her release.