Louis felt reassured by Cedric’s words and led his in-laws away. Only the Norwoods remained in the living room.
Cedric sat in the middle seat, his gaze fixed on the three kneeling people. His tone was flat. “Simone,” he said, “I remember you have a sharp tongue. Why don’t you represent the Bakers and tell us what happened?”
A sense of dread washed over Simone. Cedric was the head of the Norwood family, and his presence instilled fear. But with so many witnesses, this was her only chance. Still kneeling, she wiped her tears and recounted everything.
When she finished, the Norwoods’ friends, bodyguards, and maids exchanged disbelieving looks. It was the 21st century; they were being fired. It wasn’t as if they couldn’t find another job. Was such a scene really necessary?
Cedric remained unfazed, his expression neutral. He called for Charles and Paige, asking them to bring in the household staff. In front of everyone, he asked their opinions on the Bakers’ dismissal.
The previously silent crowd erupted. They didn’t hold back, sharing their opinions openly.
“I think Mrs. Norwood did the right thing,” one maid complained. “Simone took advantage of Mr. Preston’s favor and bossed everyone around. She even had the audacity to take Mrs. Norwood’s jewelry and clothes, threatening us if we spoke of it. And if Mrs. Norwood asked, she’d say Mr. Preston had taken them or ruined them!”
Another added, “I agree with firing her! Helen spends all day bragging about her daughter marrying into the Norwood family. She always shifts the blame and slacks off!”
Soon, someone else chimed in, “Derek does the same! He even stole gifts guests brought for Mr. and Mrs. Norwood. When we caught him red-handed, he claimed Mr. Preston had given him permission. This happened so many times!”
The Bakers’ faces paled. Even Preston’s expression shifted slightly. Other Norwoods shot indignant looks or glared coldly at the Bakers. No one felt sympathy.
Jolene, quietly observing, took a sip from her cup. A flicker of coldness flashed in her eyes. This scene had played out in her past life, too. But then, there had been no wedding, and Cedric had been abroad. Preston refused to accompany her to the family gathering and barged into the Norwood residence with the Bakers.
Elderly Louis couldn’t bear their tears and reprimanded Charles and Paige. Though the couple relented, they quickly found another excuse to fire the Bakers, demanding compensation that crippled the family. Derek and Helen were forced to marry Simone off to a debt collector. Three years later, her husband died, marking a sharp turn in Jolene’s fate.
Now, having married Cedric, everything had changed. With him in charge, she believed things would play out differently. And they did.
After Charles and Paige clarified the situation, Cedric announced his decision. “I believe everyone has heard the testimonies,” he began. “The evidence should be with the Bakers. Charles, Paige, given the circumstances, I think you should call the police. Report this as theft and pursue the stolen property. What do you think?”
His statement snapped everyone out of their reverie. Charles and Paige immediately instructed someone to call 911.
Realizing the value of the stolen and damaged goods, Derek and Helen lost their composure, pleading to be spared. Charles and Paige showed no mercy.
When sirens reached the living room, Simone crawled toward Preston, tears streaming down her cheeks as she begged for help. But Preston, having witnessed everything, felt no pity. The warmth in his gaze had vanished.
“As it stands now, from here on—” Preston couldn’t finish; his eyes widened in shock.
Derek had rushed into the kitchen and grabbed a knife, intent on ending his life.
“Dad!” Simone yelled.
Before her cry faded, Helen followed suit, attempting suicide.
“Mom!”
In an instant, blood splattered across the marble floor.