Chapter 166: Take Them All Away

It wasn't until Christopher greeted one of the police officers that everyone returned to reality.

"Roland?"

The arresting officer, a dashing man, rose, handcuffing the bewildered Javier. With a hearty laugh, he greeted, "Christopher, long time no see."

He then scanned Isabella with sharp eyes, offering a curt nod. Isabella, initially admiring his poster-worthy appearance, reconsidered upon seeing his familiarity with Christopher. She recognized him: Roland Ford, a close friend of Alexander's and a university classmate of Alexander and Eleanor. Roland had shipped Alexander and Isabella together and knew the truth about their marriage. This explained his coldness towards her; she surmised he’d stopped visiting the Quirk manor after the wedding, believing the Quirks had forced Alexander into it.

Christopher felt awkward, surprised by Isabella's insight and Roland's presence.

"Why are you here?" Christopher asked.

"Didn't you call the police?" Roland gestured towards his phone.

Christopher, startled, checked his own. Earlier, he’d casually mentioned to everyone that Isabella had informed him the evidence was on Javier's phone, leading to Alexander's plan: catch Javier off guard, seize his phone, and call the police.

Coincidentally, Roland had just finished a case when Alexander contacted him directly. Alexander subtly suggested Javier was playing innocent, but they couldn't openly accuse him, so they asked Roland to investigate, with the sole instruction to secure Javier's phone without harming anyone. Trusting Alexander's judgment, Roland quickly identified Javier as the suspect.

Javier, foolishly resisting arrest before anything happened, nearly made himself a fugitive. Christopher played along.

"Ah, my apologies. I heard you were going to call the police, so I drafted a message to help Ms. Swanson"

"Damn! Christopher, you're a genius!" Isabella exclaimed. "Everything will be fine once we have a little chat, right?"

Feeling guilty, Christopher accepted the praise, silently apologizing to Alexander for taking the credit. Turning to the stunned onlookers, he asked, "Since the police are here, will you file a report, Ms. Swanson?"

Scarlett, still shaken, and always respectful towards the police, quickly explained the events. "So, the photos were leaked from your phone?" Roland asked Javier directly.

Javier, now aware of the situation, resisted. "It was an accident. Why are you arresting me?"

Freya wanted to intervene, distressed at seeing her son taken away.

"You're the prime suspect," Roland declared, taking Javier's phone.

"What are you doing!" Javier shrieked.

"The prime suspect?" Freya exclaimed.

"In these cases, the perpetrator often knows the victim," Roland explained. "His claim of losing his phone is just his story. If we find a reason for him needing a large sum of money quickly—bad habits, financial disputes…"

"Does gambling count?" Danielle interjected.

Javier's secret, thought hidden, was exposed. "You… what did you say?" he stammered, glaring at Scarlett.

Scarlett was shocked, but Danielle, innocently, said, "When the police ask, we cooperate. If you don't want something known, don't do it. Besides, I hear rumors in the industry." This was also a subtle declaration that Scarlett hadn't told her about Javier's gambling to prevent future problems.

"I didn't!" Javier mumbled, unable to meet his mother's gaze.

"He gambles. I can vouch for that," Scarlett stated, feeling the weight of everyone's support.

Javier was incredulous; Scarlett, usually obedient, shouldn't have broken their confidence. She watched him, sorrowfully remembering their past.

"He once deceived me out of ten million and gambled it away," Scarlett revealed.

The coincidences now made sense. Before anyone reacted, Freya tried to slap Javier; Roland skillfully intervened, letting her vent her anger.

"Was it you? You jerk! What have you done?" Freya raged.

Javier, bloodied and sobbing, was led away.

"Ms. Swanson, we'll handle the photos and videos," the officer assured her, "protecting your safety and reputation."

Overwhelmed, Scarlett cried. She’d braced herself for the worst, only to have everything resolved unexpectedly. After completing the paperwork, Roland asked, "Anything else? Like reclaiming that ten million?"

Before Scarlett could answer, Freya said, "We'll return her the money."

Freya's compassion made Scarlett feel indebted. Freya couldn't bear it. "Don't blame yourself. We wronged you. You're a good kid. It's my fault for not raising my son properly."

Freya understood the gravity of Javier's actions. "Handle the case based on your investigation. I won't interfere."

"Will you be able to leave the hospital for the police station tomorrow, Ms. Swanson?" Roland asked.

Scarlett was about to agree when Isabella interrupted, "Does that mean the live stream is canceled?"

Christopher, noticing Roland's displeasure, interjected, "That might be too much to ask of Scarlett."

Freya intervened, "I'll accompany you. Don't give up this opportunity."

Scarlett, resolute, agreed to go. Roland agreed to help. Scarlett reported everything, including suing her mother and uncle.

Roland, witnessing the shocked Sienna and Bartholomeo, said, "Quite a busy day. I'll need more officers." He immediately started contacting people.

Sienna and Bartholomeo started berating Scarlett, but Roland rebuked them, "Enough! Another word is considered a threat to the victim."

They cowered. Danielle, surprisingly enthusiastic about seeing Roland off, left Christopher wondering about her motives. He initially thought she was interested in Roland, but realized she was likely asking him for a guest appearance in their play.