Chapter 128 No Way Out
“What nonsense are you spouting! My son would never do something like that!”
+8 Pearls
Grace sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You must’ve seduced Zayden on purpose! Back in school, everyone said you had a bad reputation–how else would you have ended up in Class 6? You even cut ties with your own parents. Not long ago, you had some guy staying at your place for no reason, and then you got your own mother arrested. What kind of child does something like that? Tell me, where the hell did you take Zayden?”
Hearing all of Grace’s accusations, whatever sliver of sympathy Eliza once had for the Holt mother and son vanished completely.
She hung up the call without a word and powered off Zayden’s phone.
Then, she called the police.
When the police arrived at Eliza’s house, Zayden was still unconscious.
Eliza explained the entire situation to them in detail. Only after that did they take Zayden into custody and pull nearby surveillance footage as evidence.
Nolan stayed right by Eliza’s side the entire time.
Whether it was because they recognized Nolan or not, the officers at the station treated Eliza with considerable respect.
In the middle of the night, Grace was notified by the precinct in the suburbs.
She never expected Eliza to actually call the police.
“My son! Where’s my son?”
Grace rushed in and tried to grab Eliza, only to be shoved aside by Nolan.
“And who the hell are you?”
Grace had been about to scream at him, but the moment she looked up and saw Nolan’s face, the words
died in her throat.
Nolan heir to the Hayes family. Everyone in their social circle knew his reputation.
Even if she was technically older, she didn’t dare challenge Nolan directly.
“So it’s the young master of the Hayes family,” Grace said, attempting to compose herself. She straightened up and put on the airs of a senior. “As your elder, I’d advise you to take a good hard look at who you’re keeping company with. That Eliza girl–she’s always doing things that defy morals and decency. She’s no good. I’m saying this for your sake and for your family’s. You really ought to keep your distance from people like her.”
At that, Nolan’s brow furrowed slightly. He replied coldly, “And what exactly are you, that you think you can call yourself my elder?”
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Chapter 128 No Way Out
“You–1”
In their world, status and background defined seniority–not age.
+8 Pearls
“Madam Grace, is it? Your son is suspected of drunk driving, breaking and entering, and attempted rape. These are criminal charges.”
Grace’s expression changed instantly at the officer’s words. “Officer, there must be some kind of misunderstanding! My son would never do something like that. Someone must be trying to frame him!”
As she spoke, her eyes darted toward Eliza standing nearby.
Eliza let out a cold laugh but didn’t respond.
The officer continued, “We’ve already pulled the surrounding surveillance footage and launched an investigation. After regaining consciousness, your son confessed to everything he did. The evidence is all here. We ask for your cooperation.”
Grace’s face went pale. “What… he confessed?”
“Yes.”
The officer said, “As the suspect is of legal age, he’ll be held responsible under the law. Drunk driving carries detention and a fine. As for the break–in and attempted rape… it depends on whether this will be settled privately or pursued as a public case.”
At that, Grace panicked. “Detention? For how long? Officer, my son has the SAT coming up! He absolutely cannot be detained right now! It’ll ruin his future. Please, can’t we just settle this with a fine? I’m willing to pay however much it takes!”
“Well-”
Before the officer could finish, Eliza cut in. “Can Madam Grace still afford to pay? Your creditors have been chasing you all over the place. If you think you can buy your son out of this, I’m afraid it’s not going to be that easy.”
“You!”
Grace glared at Eliza, her face dark with rage.
In the past, she would’ve had a hundred ways to get Zayden out of police custody..
But now, the Holt family had fallen. If they were still powerful, she never would’ve let Eliza stand here watching her suffer.
“I’ve got other things to do. If you want to reach out to me, you know how to find me.”
Eliza wasn’t in a hurry to resolve things regarding Zayden.
One way or another, this would have to be dealt with.
If Grace didn’t want to settle privately, then they’d go through official channels.
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Chapter 128 No Way Out
But if it came to a public case, Grace wouldn’t be able to bear the consequences.
“Wait!”
Grace rushed forward and blocked Eliza’s path. “You can’t leave!”
“Is there something else you need, Madam Grace?”
+8 Pearls
Seeing how indifferent Eliza looked, Grace quickly changed tactics. She grabbed Eliza’s hand and said, “Eliza, I know you’re a good kid. Didn’t you used to really like our Zayden? You wouldn’t want to see him miss the SAT, right? You know going to jail leaves a stain on someone’s record–it’ll follow him for life. His future will be ruined…”
“What does that have to do with me? Zayden tried to rape me tonight. If Nolan hadn’t shown up in time, who knows what would’ve happened?”
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