Chapter 175: You Really Are a Disappointing Son
The Quirk family, upon hearing Javier's inner thoughts, realized the entertainment industry was on the verge of a major upheaval. Arrests, bans, contract terminations, and suspended productions were imminent. The implicated artists might reveal even more individuals, promising a hectic period for industry staff and a potential cleansing of illicit activities. All this stemmed from a seemingly innocuous stage play featuring a retired detection dogโwho could have predicted such a chain of events?
"There's an entertainment company under Quirk Group," David frowned. "What about their artists?"
Christopher chuckled. "No wonder Alex was in such a good mood this morning."
Selena asked, "Could it be that there were no issues?"
Christopher replied, "Who knows? Alex might see this as an opportunity to eliminate the bad apples, benefiting future development."
Just then, Isabella announced, "There's news!"
Everyone checked their phones. The top trending search was an official announcement regarding Javier's arrest from the previous night. Drug trafficking charges were confirmed, resulting in a multi-year prison sentence. His motiveโrepaying gambling debtsโled to the discovery of an underground casino and implicated several industry colleagues. This revelation dispelled earlier rumors.
Online comments included:
- "He claimed obsessive loveโutterly disgusting!"
- "His circle pressuring someone into marriage is chilling. Easy mark?"
- "Heartbreaking to see love and marriage used for manipulation."
- "Their failed schemes led to traps. Terrified of men!"
- "Many good men exist. Let's not be sexist."
- "Women, stay away from gamblers and shady men. Don't try to save them."
- "I remember Javier saying his elders were military heroesand he ended up"
At the police station, Javier cried, "Mom, save me! I didn't mean for this to get so serious! I don't want to go to jail! Please, pull some strings!"
Before he could finish, Freya slapped him. The police didn't intervene.
"How dare you mention family?" Freya's eyes burned with grief and disappointment. "Have you considered your grandparents, our family's reputation?"
Javier was stunned. He had considered them, which is why he'd never admitted to the fraud. Why couldn't his mother understand?
"Your deceased father would wish he never had a son like you!" Freya's anger erupted.
Javier glared, hatred in his eyes. "I turned out this way because of you! Do you know why I gambled? Because of you! Your strictness, forbidding me from doing this or that, drove me to it. I just wanted to relax! If it weren't for your reputation, for not wanting to disappoint you, I wouldn't have denied the fraud. To cover it up, I hid the drugs. It's all because of you! You're a failed mother! You're the last person who has the right to criticize me!"
His outburst caused the police to frown. Freya stumbled back, nearly falling. She had been strict, yes, fearing mistakes in raising him alone. She'd presented a tough exterior, but she deeply loved and respected him, even supporting his rapping career despite her preferences for the military or acting. Yet, he blamed her.
Roland intervened, his expression serious. "Adults take responsibility for their actions! At your age, you're a failed son needing your mother to worry about you! You're the last person to criticize her!"
Isabella (had she been present) would have applauded. Why could Javier criticize his mother, but not vice versa? Should the title "mother" bear all the blame?
Javier's face flushed and paled. As the police led him away, he trembled, pleading with Freya. But she was heartbroken. Perhaps she had failed.
As Javier was taken away, they passed Linda's cell. Hearing his cries, she shouted, "This is a mistake! My godson wouldn't traffic drugs! Let him go!"
The police, impatient, responded, "Madam Pearson, your issues aren't resolved. Stop worrying about others! Why did you take him to that supermarket studio? Did you know about the transaction?"
Linda, repeatedly questioned, caused a scene upon learning of Javier's arrest. "You're treating me like a criminal! My father owns Pearson Group! I won't say another word. Get my lawyer! I'll file a complaint!"
Her defiance angered the police. Expecting her parents and a lawyer, she was surprised to see a young woman instead.
The smartly dressed woman identified herself as Stephanie Nox, Linda's estranged biological daughter. She'd learned of the scandal upon returning to visit her grandparents, prompting her intervention.
Linda, unaware of Javier's drug trafficking, was implicated by her suspicious behavior. She wouldn't be leaving the station today.
"Stay here. I'll arrange a lawyer," Stephanie said coldly.
Linda, seemingly resentful, demanded, "Why are you here? To see me humiliated? Revenge?"
Stephanie sneered, "Revenge? You're not worth it. If it weren't for our grandparents, I wouldn't care. I just never expected"