Chapter 23
Space had originally planned to slip some low-quality drugs into the drinks of the people in the room, but after hearing Sloan’s words, she changed her mind. She slowly removed her hat and spoke, her tone filled with suspicion. “Mr. Sidley, are you willing to take responsibility for what you just said?”
Slim was stunned to see Grace in person. His expression instantly changed, filled with apprehension. “Grace! How dare you show up in front of me!”
örer glanced around the room and then spoke again. “I’ve already called the police. Mr. Sidley claimed that Hendricks played with me all night last night. However, I have no memory of it, so I suspect Hendricks drugged me. Since Mr. Sidley heard the sounds and is so certain, I should be able to act as my own witness, right, Mr. Sidley?”
Sloan Tempe’s face reddened with embarrassment. The room was filled with wealthy heirs, all influential figures with strict family discipline. Moreover, they were all legitimate heirs, and if things went wrong, they could be severely punished. Calling the police would be a huge disgrace.
“Who told you to call the police? Grace, are you trying to stir things up?” Furious, Sloan lunged at her, but at that moment, several police officers pushed the door open, their voices serious. “Who called the police?”
The young heirs in the room shrank back, afraid they might be implicated, knowing that if their families found out, they’d be made to kneel for an entire night. Grace’s eyes reddened, and she quickly raised her hand. “I called the police, officer. Someone said I was drugged by Hendricks last night, but I have no memory of it. I suspect he used drugs. Mr. Sidley said he heard everything, so he can testify, right, Mr. Sidley?”
Sloan’s face turned a deeper shade of red, and he clenched his fists tightly as he struggled to breathe. The police officers focused their attention on Grace. She had lowered her head, and they didn’t think she was lying. The officers then turned to Sloan before finally gesturing for both of them. “You come with us to the police station. And Hendricks, who is he? He needs to step forward and come with us, too.”
Drugging someone was no trivial matter, especially with several witnesses present. Velvet Eclipse was a popular spot, and as soon as the police opened the private room’s door, a crowd gathered outside, watching.
All eyes were on Sloan. He was used to being the one admired, never the one looked down upon. His lips trembled as he realized Grace had blown this situation completely out of proportion. Did she have no sense of propriety? She had called the police and made a scene. A woman in this kind of situation was supposed to remain silent. But Grace had chosen a different path. Since he claimed she’d been drugged, she called upon him as her witness. And now, Grace was only adding fuel to the fire.
“Mr. Sidley, the police are here. Why don’t you repeat what you just said? I know you’re close with Hendricks, and you probably don’t want to create a rift, but if we work together to send him to jail, he’ll never be able to cause problems for you again.”
“Grace!” he yelled. Sloan raised his hand to slap her, but the police immediately shielded Grace, their expressions darkening. “Oh? You actually have the audacity to strike the victim in front of us? That’s an additional charge!” one of the officers said.
With a quick motion, silver handcuffs were slapped onto Sloan’s wrist. Never had Sloan been so humiliated. Panic set in as he instinctively tried to explain, but Grace covered her face and began crying. “Mr. Sidley, doesn’t my reputation matter to you? Why are you not believing me? Ask the others here.”
Are you refusing to tell the truth now? Everyone in the room heard you, officer. It distanced themselves from Sloan. The officers’ eyes shifted to the dozen or so people sitting around. When their gazes met Grace’s, they quickly looked away, their expressions making it clear they had heard the same thing.
“Skan did say that.”
“Deali, we all heard it.”
If they denied it, with Grace now accusing them, the police would surely contact their families, and they would all be in trouble. So, everyone quickly looked at the few who spoke up with a grateful smile.
“Thank you, you’re really good people. You’re not afraid of the der Camily’s influence and are brave enough to testify for someone like me. I’m so touched.” Her words were earnestly meant for Shoari.
If Shan continued hanging out with these so-called friends, he would always remember the sting of being betrayed today. Aktan’s expression darkened, his eyes burning with anger as he glared at the group. The group quickly looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
The officers disregarded the rest of the room. They grabbed Sloan and said, “You’re coming with us. We’ll get the full story at the station.” “I’m not going! Let go! Do you know who I am?” Sloan barked.