Chapter 495
Dominick lowered the document he was holding as soon as he heard the shocking details Evan revealed to him. He immediately turned around and instructed Evan to bring Cillian inside, along with Edward.
Evan bowed and quickly left the office. After a brief moment, he returned, escorting both Edward and Cillian. As they entered and greeted Dominick, the Prince cut them short.
“It’s not time for pleasantries. A crime against innocents is a crime p>
“Your Highness, Dexton is guilty, not Cillian,” Edward lied quickly, desperately trying to protect one of his sons. “Please forgive him this time. I—I beg you. Because his mate faced injustice, that’s why he took such a terrible step and funded the hunters p>
“No, you are wrong,” Dominick refuted. “Dexton felt his pain was supreme, and that is why he ignored the pain of others. He failed to cope with it.” Dominick leaned forward slightly. “The lack of evidence was indeed present in that case. The Betas he claimed had killed his mate were never found at that site p>
He paused, his eyes commanding attention. “I know that at times like this, we feel angry and dejected, but that doesn’t mean we have the right to choose a way where innocents are harmed p>
Gazing directly at Cillian, he continued, “You also committed wrong by helping your brother. The Council will decide your fate as well p>
“Please, Your Highness,” Edward joined his hands in pleading. “Spare my second son. He truly doesn’t have any hands in it,” he urged.
“It can’t happen,” Dominick stated. “You both are dismissed. The Council will start shortly, so you two better prepare yourself to plead innocence there, not in front of me p>
Dominick coldly turned his back toward them, signaling the conversation was completely over. Edward lowered his hands in disappointed defeat, and Cillian stepped toward him. Holding his father’s arm, he dragged Edward, now a broken man, out of Dominick’s personal office and study space.
Once they were gone, Evan stepped back in and closed the door. “Should Miss Juniper be summoned?” he asked, referring to the woman whose signature was on the crucial funding document.
“Of course!” Dominick replied, turning back to his desk. “Tell Karmen to bring her to the Council. She signed a document without checking once what it was being used for p>
“Maybe they forced her. She was an adopted daughter after all,” Evan stated, offering a possible defense for Juniper’s role.
Dominick said nothing, merely giving a slight inclination of his head that made his Beta realize the conversation regarding Juniper’s guilt or innocence was over at that point.
He bowed and walked away, leaving Dominick alone in that space.
Juniper was staring blankly out of the window, a lifeless expression fixed on her face. She heard the doorbell ring sharply, but having no interest in opening the door for anyone, she simply ignored it and kept her focus on the glass pane.
A few moments later, Karmen impatiently barged in, his face etched with worry. He had initially feared the worst that Juniper had tried to harm herself again. But seeing her seated calmly on the drawing room couch, staring vacantly outside, his worry quickly boiled over into anger.
“Why didn’t you open the damn door?” he gritted out, his voice tense.
“I didn’t want to,” Juniper replied as if all emotion had been stripped from her. “Why don’t you leave me alone p>
Karmen licked his lips, struggling for control, before settling his hands firmly on his waist. He then delivered the news, forcing himself to be professional. “You’re summoned to the Council today. Your eldest brother has accepted his crime. He is the one who organized the hunters group to annihilate Betas.
“He did. But why am I being summoned?” Juniper questioned, her fingers absently caressing her long hair, still staring out the window.
“I don’t know,” Karmen stated, trying to keep his voice neutral. “I only passed you the order that has come from Prince Dominick.” He knew that name would be enough to break through her apathy.
“Dominick wants me to be in the Council!” Juniper’s eyes instantly lit up, the blankness gone, replaced by a desperate, fragile hope. She quickly left the couch. She truly believed Dominick might finally want to talk to her again. “Just give me five minutes. I’ll be ready by then,” she added, rushing toward the small bedroom.
Karmen shook his head at her sudden, desperate shift in mood and stepped out of the apartment. He immediately pulled out his phone and messaged Gabriel, asking about his well-being and checking in.
Surprisingly, the response came immediately, followed by a call.
“Hey, Karmen!” Gabriel spoke warmly from the other side.
“How are you doing? You sound quite low,” Karmen said into the phone, his voice soft with concern.
“The situation is tense here,” Gabriel replied, sounding weary. “We have brought Carlos’ grandmother home. She doesn’t have much time left to live. I think Amelie should come here p>
“But what about Noah?” Karmen questioned, expressing concern for the young pup. “Your parents can certainly take care of the pup, but isn’t it too early to leave the pup’s side p>
“I’m thinking they both should come here,” Gabriel stated, a deep furrow in his voice conveying the seriousness of his decision. “Grandma did have a small conversation with me. And all she asked for was Amelie.” He paused. “I was alone at that time. Bring them here, Karmen. I trust you with their safety,” he affirmed.
“I will, Gabriel,” Karmen stated. “Did you perhaps talk with Amelie p>
“I haven’t yet. I will call her after hanging up,” Gabriel stated.
“Alright,” Karmen lowered his phone and the call ended. He never found Gabriel in such a disturbing state. Through his tone, he could feel Gabriel’s distress.
“I’m ready. Let’s go!” Juniper’s voice broke through his thoughts as she quickly stepped out of the door. He turned to look at her and found how she dolled up.
“You are going to the council. Prince Dominick isn’t going to even look at you,” Karmen said, rolling his eyes before walking ahead.