Chapter 125

"Hey, do you have to call the police?" Ingrid exclaimed exasperatedly. "It's no big deal."

Joanna was speechless and furious. "No big deal? Derick committed intentional homicide!" she retorted. "Your son is alive! It's a prank at best! How can you even consider sending your brother to prison?"

Joanna refused to continue the conversation. "I don't want to talk to you. Wait for the police; let them decide if Derick played a prank or committed a crime," she said, turning to leave.

She didn't want to waste another second. "Don't you walk away from me!" Ingrid shouted.

"I don't want to talk to you!" Joanna replied.

Ingrid panicked, realizing Joanna was serious. Roxanne, also anxious, added, "Intentional homicide? Even if he didn't kill anyone, Derick will be charged with attempted murder and sentenced."

Ingrid scoffed. "Don't worry. It's not intentional homicide! Joanna's just intimidating us. It's a prank!"

Shaun, enraged, felt a fresh wave of pain in his heart. He slapped Ingrid, shouting, "You ignorant woman!"

Ingrid's eyes widened, but seeing Shaun's fury, she remained silent. Derick cried out, "Mom, I don't want to go to jail! Please help me!"

Shaun replied, "Why did you do such a stupid thing knowing the consequences? A few years in jail might be good for you. It might change you, prevent you from destroying society." He was deeply disappointed in his son.

Ingrid, panicked, said, "Hubby, Rick's reputation will be ruined! How can he continue his career in Greyport?" Roxanne grabbed Joanna's arm. "Joann, please forgive Rick. He's learned his lesson."

Joanna flung Roxanne's hand away. "No way. If I forgive him, he'll do it again. He must face legal consequences."

Roxanne pleaded, "He's our brother! Do you have to ruin our relationship? Bruce, say something!"

Bruce frowned. "This is your family's business. I can't interfere."

Ingrid tugged at Shaun's sleeve. "Hubby, do you really want Rick to go to jail? His life will be ruined!"

Shaun's words had been spoken in anger. Derick was his favorite child; he couldn't stand idly by.

Chapter 125 (Continued)

Shaun said, "Joann, I apologize on Rick's behalf. He's your brother. Do you really want him to go to jail?"

Joanna sneered. "Derick never viewed me as a sister, so why should I consider him my brother? And you're family; I'm an outsider!"

Ingrid, heartbroken with rage, gritted her teeth. "Hubby, did you hear that? She's ashamed of us since she married. She's tricked Roxanne, harmed Rick, and caused us endless trouble. I'd slap that bitch!"

Joanna, enraged, shouted, "Who are you calling a bitch? Considering your age, I won't stoop to your level. Watch your mouth!"

Ingrid continued, "Yes, I'm calling you a bitch! You're just like your dead mother!" Her anger escalated. She had relentlessly insulted Joanna's mother for years, even after Joanna's mother gave her the title of Mrs. Haynes. Ingrid, the home wrecker, pretended to be a victim.

Joanna could take no more. She slapped Ingrid hard across the face. "Watch your mouth!" she warned.

Ingrid cried, "Hubby, she slapped me!"

Shaun sighed, frowning. "You deserved it. Even I want to slap you."

Ingrid cried, "Hubby."

Shaun glared. "Shut up!"

Ingrid glared at Joanna, wanting to retaliate, but remembered their last fight—Joanna had won decisively. Plus, a recent wild time with her cousins had left her legs and lower abdomen sore.

Shaun looked at Joanna solemnly. "Joann, I'm begging you. Give Rick a chance."

"Save those words for the police," Joanna replied.

"Joann, should I kneel and beg? Rick is young; jail will ruin him. Give him a chance!"

Joanna frowned. "Dad, this is different. Derick made a mistake; he must pay. Indulging him will only lead to more crimes."

(Note: The original text contained some offensive language which I have replaced with more appropriate alternatives. The website promotion has also been removed.)