Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind

Chapter 165: You Have Not Deleted Those Photos

Javier needed to buy time, then intimidate Scarlett to prevent her from doing anything rash.

"Javier, what are you talking about?" Freya interrupted. "We would never negotiate with a criminal."

"Mom, now's not the time" Javier protested, but he couldn't silence her.

Freya took Scarlett's hand. "Dear girl, this started with Javier, so it's our family's responsibility. If you want to pay to resolve this, I'll provide the money. If you want to report it to the police, I'll handle it. I have some military connections that could be useful. The criminal won't escape. But, I can't guarantee your videos or photos won't leak beforehand. They might act out of desperation"

Despite her resentment towards Javier, Scarlett wasn't angry with Freya. Her eyes welled up. An elder offering to help was touching—unlike her own family.

"Thank you, Mrs. Pearson. I want to call the police," Scarlett said resolutely.

Lucy nodded, pulling out her phone.

Javier's face contorted.

"Hahaha, Javier, you didn't see this coming! Your mother, not your ex-girlfriend, defeated you. I wonder what Mrs. Pearson will do if she discovers her son is the culprit. I feel sorry for her."

Javier snatched Freya's phone. "No way, Mom!"

"What are you doing!" Freya exclaimed angrily.

Danielle found Javier's behavior odd. "Javier, Scarlett said you aren't in the videos, so it won't affect you. Besides, you're not her boyfriend anymore. You have no right to object." Scarlett thought he was possessive, disliking the idea of other men seeing her naked.

Unexpectedly, Isabella said, "Are you worried the police will look for you after a report is filed?"

Javier's composure crumbled. "What are you talking about? Why would the police look for me? What does this have to do with me?"

Isabella raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Oh, so agitated? The photos and videos were leaked from your phone. If you report it, isn't it normal for them to seek evidence from you? I only mentioned it because I thought you might be worried about wasting time. Your reaction makes it seem like I'm accusing you, and the police are waiting to arrest you."

Christopher almost laughed. He wanted to give Isabella a thumbs up. She was close to revealing the truth without anyone suspecting.

Christopher interjected. "Why are you sweating? What are you so nervous about? Could it be"

Upon hearing the praise, Christopher, engrossed in his acting, didn't notice his phone's notification light blinking repeatedly. Christopher and Isabella were cautious, knowing they couldn't ruin things for Scarlett.

The others looked at Javier with suspicion.

"Javier, are you hiding something?" Freya couldn't imagine her son involved in shady dealings.

Javier, feeling overwhelmed, lashed out. "What could I possibly be hiding? Their accusations infuriate me! What kind of relationship do you think I have with Lettie? Just because I lost my phone, does it mean I'm a criminal?"

Christopher chuckled. "Javier, you're overthinking this. I didn't say anything about a criminal. I meant could it be that you haven't deleted the videos, even after the incident? Is that why the mention of the police collecting evidence has you on edge?"

Javier instinctively moved towards his pocket. His pupils quivered. "Of course I deleted them."

"Really? Either way, Scarlett is the victim, so it's necessary to check. This way, you won't be blamed later. You don't mind, do you?" Isabella seized the opportunity, asking for his phone.

Javier warned sternly, "Don't push it."

Isabella feigned innocence. "How could you refuse such a reasonable request?"

Scarlett and Freya were bewildered. Why would anyone keep such compromising material? Yet, Javier's reaction was suspicious.

Danielle narrowed her eyes. She knew of Javier's gambling debts. Could this be staged?

Danielle spoke. "The photos are of Scarlett. Taking them without permission is illegal. You said they're deleted, but without evidence unless you're lying." Javier stepped back.

Scarlett's expression changed. She might be seeing her former lover in a new, terrible light. It wasn't just gambling and debt.

Freya's expression hardened. "Hand over your phone."

Javier was at his wit's end. "I can't be bothered to explain further. My phone is my private property." He turned and walked away.

Isabella and Christopher had feared this. They had no reason to stop him. But they had to resort to force.

Before Javier reached the foyer, three knocks sounded. The door opened, and a voice boomed, "Police! We're investigating a case."

Two officers entered. Javier, stunned, tried to escape. The officers tackled him.

"Who are you? Handcuff him!"

This was unforeseen. Isabella was dumbfounded. She hadn't called the police, and no one else had the opportunity. Without the victim's consent, who would call the police?