Chapter 73
“Arianna, that’s their private business,” Natalie said, cutting her off.
She saw Alexander’s face harden. In his eyes, she and Arianna were probably just bullies ganging up on Camila. Besides, in the current situation, she couldn’t care less about the house.
Standing behind Alexander, his assistant Aaron Lee glanced at him, feeling a bit anxious on his behalf. Why didn’t Alexander just explain that he’d sold the house to Ms. White at a discount, as a favor?
“Is it that you don’t want to know, or you just don’t care?” Alexander finally spoke, his eyes locked on Natalie.
“Does it make a difference?” Natalie replied, lifting her chin slightly, her eyes devoid of any emotion.
The investigation was complete. The female officer motioned for her colleagues to escort Elena out. “Miss, please cooperate with us p>
Elena panicked, grabbing frantically at Camila’s pant leg. “Camila, you can’t abandon me! That bracelet p>
“Elena!” Camila cut her off, her expression shifting. “You made a mistake. You should apologize to Ms. Watson and beg for her forgiveness p>
Elena immediately turned to Natalie, bowing repeatedly from her knees. “I’m sorry, Ms. Watson! I was wrong to accuse you! I’m so sorry p>
In this situation, Natalie was the victim. If she chose not to press charges, the police would likely let Elena off with a warning.
“Alex, please talk to Ms. Watson,” Camila pleaded with Alexander again. “Ask her not to press charges against Elena. Her life isn’t easy; her entire family depends on her. If she goes to jail, what will they do p>
Alexander’s lips tightened. After a moment of silence, he asked the officer, “If this goes to court, how long would the process take p>
“Following standard procedure, from investigation to filing charges to the trial, it would take some time. It also depends on the court’s schedule, but at least a month p>
Alexander nodded, then turned his gaze to Natalie a few seconds later.
“Drop it p>
Natalie’s brows furrowed. Her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and disbelief, which quickly hardened into scorn. “And if I refuse p>
“Pursuing this won’t do you any good,” Alexander stated flatly.
Natalie’s heart went cold. Was it because this involved Camila? Elena’s outburst
had hinted at a deeper plot, and she was sure Alexander had understood that as well. It seemed that no matter who was right or wrong, he would not allow any harm to come to the woman he cared about.
“Mr. Ramirez, are you trying to use
your power to pressure me p>
Natalie’s gaze was clear and
unyielding. Tổ you
5 you, nay reputation insignificant, practically worthless. But have a responsibility to myself.
I will see this through to the end p>
Turning to the officer, she said firmly, “I will not forgive her. Please proceed according to the law p>
“Understood. We will handle this impartially p>
Two officers forcibly pulled Elena to her feet and started leading her toward the door.
“Camila p>
Camila grew desperate. “Alex, can’t you help Elena, for Bruce’s sake and for mine p>
Natalie gestured for Arianna to gather their things. They were preparing to follow the police to the station to give their statements.
Suddenly, Alexander stepped forward and grabbed Natalie’s arm, pulling her aside.
“You absolutely have to press charges?” he demanded.
“And you absolutely have to stop me?” Natalie shot back, her gaze turning sharp. Her free hand clenched into a tight fist, her nails digging into her palm but she felt no pain. She was the victim here yet his attitude made it seem as if she were the perpetrator. He was willing to twist the truth, all for Camila.
An idea suddenly struck her, and her tone shifted. “I can agree not to press charges,
Mr. Ramirez, but on one condition p>
Alexander’s tense expression relaxed slightly. “What condition p>
“Sign the divorce papers, and I’ll drop it p>
He had held the divorce over her head for far too long, and she needed another way out. She had spent the last two days wracking her brain for a solution, but nothing had come to mind. Filing for divorce would require concrete, irrefutables evidence, like catching him cheating, which was nearly impossible. This
incident, however, was her
opportunity.
He valued Camila too much to refuse, especially since his precious sweetheart
could be implicated.
“Have you been planning all along how to make me sign these papers?” Alexander’s handsome face clouded over. Updates are released by.net
“Will you sign?” Natalie asked, ignoring his question.
After a long moment, Alexander stared into her eyes, his voice low and heavy.
“Bring the divorce papers tomorrow morning p>