Chapter 550

“Dad! Byron’s on the hook for attempted murder! He hired a hitman! And Aaron caught him redhanded. Even if I brought in the best lawyers from around the globe, they couldn’t save him!”

Matthew bet his dad wouldn’t dare lay a finger on him. After all, he had a strong following within the corporation and was clutching a major project deal he’d snagged from Cassius. So he put on a defiant air, If you’ve got a problem with me, just say it! Why drag Avery into this to rub my nose in it? Who’s been the dutiful son all these years? Who’s been sweating blood for the company? Haven’t I worked my fingers to the bone? Besides, it’s Byron who’s messed up, not me. If he could keep it in his pants, we wouldn’t be in this mess! If we keep cleaning up his disasters, we’re all going down with him!

His words were harsh but true.

Although Byron was Jeff’s golden boy, Jeff was at his wit’s end, running out of patience for his disappointing son.

Dad, cool down. I think Matthew’s right on the money,” Avery chimed in, speaking slowly and deliberately. “As cold as it may sound, for the sake of the Chambers Group, you have to make the tough call. No matter how much it hurts to let Byron go, we’ve got to cut our losses. No matter how things got this bad, the guy who got nabbed is Byron’s guy. Someone’s gotta take the fall.” Jeff’s l*ps were pressed into a thin line, his complexion darkened with anger.

Avery’s got a point! Dad! We keep protecting Byron, and we’re playing with fire!” Matthew, for once, agreed with his usual adversary.

If that’s the case, Matthew, you handle this mess,” Jeff said bitterly, his voice husky with the pain of a father about to disown his

son.

After their father left, the boardroom held just the two brothers or rather, the last two survivors of a brutal game.

“Matthew, looks like it’ll just be you and me left to run the show. I’ll be counting on your support.”

Avery rose gracefully, a cold smirk on his l*ps, “When you see Byron, try to keep it gentle, will ya? He’s a notorious crybaby. If he realizes he’s never walking out of prison, he might just lose it and tear you to shreds.”

“You just lucked out, don’t get cocky,” Matthew spat through clenched teeth, knowing just how to get under his skin. “Bertha and Byron’s downfall has nothing to do with you. It’s Evadne and Thaddeus, that power couple, who have the guts to stand up to the Chambers Group.”

The mention of the couple was a knife in Avery’s side.

His eyes blazed with fury, as if a wild beast was rampaging through his chest.

In three strides, Avery was in Matthew’s face, fists clenched so tight his knuckles cracked.

“Avery, you’re not thinking of getting physical here, are you?” Matthew taunted, pointing up at the security cameras. “Go on, it’ll just ruin that nice–guy act you’ve got going.”

Avery, struggling to contain himself, slowly straightened Matthew’s tie, “Matthew, that self–righteous look on your face is just pitifully hilarious.”

“What did you say, urk!”

Avery yanked the tie tight, cutting off Matthew’s breath. Gasping for air, Matthew tried to pry away the strangling grip, “I was just provoking you, and you’re already itching to deal with those witnesses. No brains, no cunning, how can you even compete with me?

Realizing the trap he was in, Matthew’s eyes widened with humiliation.

“You’re not that stupid, at least. Using others to do your d*rty work. I thought I’d catch you all in one swoop. Looks like I’ll have to wait for another chance.”

H

With that, Avery released his grip and strolled away, laughing heartily, leaving Matthew in the empty boardroom, gasping for breath and soaked in cold sweat.

Meanwhile, at the police station.

Evadne and Thaddeus, though not making an appearance, were there in spirit, watching over Beverly and the other victim from

the shadows.

Legal eagles Jason and Gordon were there every step of the way, assisting the victims‘ families with paperwork, patiently answering questions, and providing support.

“Mr. Gordon, thank you. And you, young man, you’re a friend of Ms. Evadne, aren’t you?” Mrs. Higgins said tearfully, bowing gratefully to Jason. “Thank you for doing everything you can to help us!”

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08:34

Chapter 550

Ma’am, please, no need for such formalities, Jason said, moving to support her, his voice thick with emotion. I’m helping not just for you or Ms. Evadne, but also for myself.

For yourself?” Mrs. Higgins asked, puzzled.

The girl who stood up to Byron on the live stream, that’s my girlfriend,Jason replied with pride swelling in his chest.

Oh, I see. Not only are both of you kindhearted, but you also make a handsome couple truly a perfect match. My heartfelt thanks to Miss Nydia and to both of you for your noble assistance!

Jason was over the moon, his grin wider than a kid on Christmas morning with a brand new bike under the tree.

Beverly stepped out of the interrogation room and dashed into the restroom, desperate for a moment alone to collect herself. She couldn’t bear the thought of her mother seeing her so vulnerable, let alone Gordon.

But Gordon, with a heart too big to leave her side, followed suit and stood outside the restroom like a loyal guard dog, a mix of patience and concern etched on his face.

The passing female officers shot him curious glances, but Gordon, typically conscious of appearances, seemed impervious to their stares today.

Eventually, Beverly emerged, her eyes puffy from tears, shuffling with small, hesitant steps.

Before she could even look up, a clean blue checkered handkerchief appeared in front of her.

“Ms. Higgins, dry your eyes,” Gordon said, a warm smile reaching his eyes. “You’ve got the smudged mascara of a rockstar after a concert, but I bet letting it all out made you feel a bit better, huh?

Beverly took the spotless.handkerchief, reluctant to stain it with her tears. She gently dabbed her cheeks and pretended that was enough.

Much better, thank you, Mr. Gordon. I’ll wash it and return it to you soon.”

Gordon watched her with an intense gaze, his heart pounding uncontrollably as her vulnerable beauty and fluttering lashes seemed to play a melody on his soul.

Suddenly, he couldn’t resist placing his hand atop her tousled hair, stroking it softly, his voice rough with emotion.

“Remember, if you ever face trouble again, come to me. No matter when or where, I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

Beverly looked

up, locking eyes with his radiant gaze, and felt her heart skip like a lamb in spring.

Across the street from the police station’s back entrance.

Evadne was nestled in Thaddeus’s embrace, the two of them waiting in the car for what felt like ages.

“Aaron just texted, he’s had buddies on the force keeping an eye on this case. Up till now, aside from Byron’s lawyer, not a peep from the Chambers family. No one’s stepping up to bail him out, no stir at all.”

Evadne, snug in Thad’s arms, felt a sheen of sweat on her brow. It was the second day of her period, the cramps at their worst. Thaddeus had told her to stay home and rest, but she never was one to sit still.

Now, a dull ache throbbed in her lower abdomen, making her squirm against him, as endearing as a little eel.

“Matthew’s laying low, hoping to be invisible. Why would he vouch for a lost cause like Byron? That would be like painting a target on his own back,” Thaddeus remarked.

His arm wrapped around her, his warm palm pressed against her belly, massaging gently in a clockwise motion.

“Yes, just like that, a bit harder, please,” she murmured.

His voice was husky with a mix of concern and restrained desire as he massaged her, “You never listen, do you? Now you’re paying the price. I’ll get Gordon to fetch you a hot drink.”

“No need, Gordon’s busy with Beverly’s stuff. Don’t bother him with everything; he’s your secretary, not your pack mule,” Evadne

defended Gordon.

Thaddeus chuckled softly.

“Matthew’s silent, and Jeff’s not making a move either. Looks like they’re ready to throw Byron to the wolves.”

Her voice was soft but her laughter was cold, “It’s the only play they have left.”

“The whole country’s talking about this. The Chambers Group’s reputation has tanked, and Byron’s become the sacrificial lamb to appease the public outrage. And the cops? They won’t be swayed either. Whoever takes this case has to be tough on Byron to protect their own reputation and the police’s credibility. Even without Mr. Ashbourne’s involvement, we don’t have to worry. Byron’s beyond saving now.”

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08:34

Chapter 550

Thaddeus’s fingers curled slightly, teasing her belly, “Feeling any better?”

Mmm, much better. you do have magic hands.”

Just then, a commotion stirred at the entrance of the police station.

Look! Beverly and the others are coming out!

The couple peered out the window just in time to see the victims, fully shielded, escorted by their parents and b*dyguards, breaking through the press’s barrage to reach the cars they had arranged.

Evadne’s heart clenched with each safe entry into a car, fearing any mishap.

Beverly was wrapped securely in Gordon’s arms, trailing behind the group.

Suddenly, a male reporter broke through the crowd, thrusting his microphone at Beverly and bellowing, “Did any pressure from the K Group’s or the Abernathy Group influence your decision to come forward against Byron?”

Gordon immediately stepped in front of her, his anger flaring, What are you implying?

“I know you! You’re Mr. Abernathy’s chief secretary!”

The reporter pushed his luck, “The whole time, it’s been you and Evadne’s secretary with the victims. Was this whole accusation against Byron orchestrated by Ms. Ashbourne and Mr. Abernathy? The Ashbourne and Chambers families go way back. Ms. Ashbourne and Byron were close; she even operated on him. Now that their relationship’s out in the open, she’s desperate to distance herself. Could she be using ‘helping the victims‘ as a way to cleanse her own image? It’s a fair question, isn’t it?

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