Chapter 300

It seemed Juan would escape punishment. “Please come with us to the police station,” said one officer, his tone softer, but this was not the outcome Juan desired. Joe interjected, “Didn’t your chief explain the situation?” The officer, unmoved, nodded. “He did, but we still need the three of you to come with us for a statement.”

Their insistence prevailed, and Juan looked at Marion. Was Marion behind this? Debra was also surprised. She didn’t know Marion’s influence had already permeated Seamar City. In her previous life, Marion had only established himself there three years later. She wondered how he had gained such clout so quickly.

“We are just doing our job. Please don’t make this difficult for us, Mr. Nichols,” the officer reiterated, gesturing for them to follow. A trip to the police station seemed inevitable. Juan gave Marion a cold glance. “Mr. Huston, well played.”

“Likewise,” Marion replied, escorting Debra from the hotel. Two police officers flanked Juan, shielding him from the media frenzy as they exited the building.

The reporters’ questions were relentless, each more provocative than the last: “Mr. Nichols, is it true you kidnapped your wife and attempted rape?” “Mr. Nichols, Ms. Frazier mentioned divorce at the funeral. Did you have a disagreement over this?” “Mr. Nichols, there are rumors you have a child. Is that true? Are you trying to salvage your marriage?”

Marion helped Debra into the police car. She asked, “Did you do this?” Marion nodded. “Just a small punishment for a big lesson.” The Nichols family was notorious for their obsession with reputation, especially Melody, who valued family honor above all else. This scandal would be a bitter pill for her to swallow.

“I didn’t expect your influence to spread so quickly,” Debra said, turning away. Marion’s expression softened. “Are you still mad?”

“It’s not exactly anger. It’s just the unpleasant feeling of being played.”

“I said I’d take responsibility for Cathryn. Her father helped me once, and now that he’s gone, I’ve promised to look after her. Anything beyond that isn’t my concern.”

“She has deep feelings for you, and you sound so heartless.”

“Who can blame me when my heart is already promised to someone else?”

Debra rolled her eyes at his melodramatic confession. “Did Randy teach you that?”

Marion mused, “It does sound too sappy, doesn’t it?”

Debra laughed. “She sees you as her fiancé. With your flirtatious nature, you must have quite a few past flings.”

Marion curled his lips. “Now I smell jealousy.”

Debra averted her gaze, but Marion gently turned her face back. He whispered, “But I like seeing you jealous. It shows you care at least a little.”