Chapter 642
“Pull up the Sky Eye footage.”
Donald’s voice was sharp and cold as he stared at Janie. Even though he hadn’t gone up the mountain himself, he’d spent most of the day glued to the monitors, watching Lottie’s every move. He saw exactly what happened.
As soon as he spoke, the screen switched to the spot where the accident took place. The technician scrolled back the video and hit play.
Everyone watched as Janie snuck up behind Stella, clearly planning to push her. But before she could do anything, her foot slipped and she pitched forward, heading straight for the edge of the ravine.
The sudden noise caught Stella’s attention. Without thinking, Stella reached out to grab her. She wasn’t strong enough, though. Instead of saving Janie, Stella almost got pulled down with her, stumbling forward several steps.
Thankfully, Shirley was right there and managed to grab Stella’s hand in time. Janie wasn’t so lucky. She tumbled right into the pit.
It was a nasty fall, but somehow Janie only ended up with a broken arm and leg.
When the footage ended, the room went totally quiet. All eyes were on Janie.
No one could miss what really happened. Stella never pushed her. Janie tried to shove someone else, lost her balance, and fell in herself.
Instead of thanking Stella for even trying to help, Janie twisted the story and wanted Stella thrown in jail. People started to wonder how someone like her even got accepted to The Cabinda University.
“The footage clearly shows someone attempted assault,” Donald said, his gaze ice cold as he turned from the monitor to Janie. “But the suspect is you.”
“I didn’t do it!” Janie blurted out, her face going pale. She looked panicked, eyes wide as she shook her head. “I just reached out by accident, I never meant to push her.”
“So when Stella touched you, you called it attempted murder. But when you touch someone else, it’s just a mistake?” Charlotte stepped up to danie, bending down until she was eye to eye. Her voice was chilly. “You think everyone here is blind? Should I zoom in so everyone can see that look on your face?”
The Sky Eye system didn’t miss a thing. It could zoom in until every little twitch or hint of emotion was obvious.
Janie was left speechless, fear finally winning out over the pain in her body.
“Intentional injury means up to three years in prison. If it’s more serious, even longer.” Charlotte’s lips curled as she spoke each word slowly “Want to guess how many years you’ll get?”
Prison.
That word seemed to snap Janie out of it. She started to panic.
“Stella, I swear I only wanted to scare you, I never meant to push you,” Janie said, turning desperately toward Stella I’m sorry. Please, I’II if you just forgive me
do anything
Stella stared back at her, face perfectly calm, not saying a word.
“It’s up to the victim whether or not to press charges,” the police officer said.
“Fedelia, Mahoney Janie’s voice shook as she turned to the people behind her, begging. “Please, help me.”
Mahoney frowned and looked at Stella. “Janie already said it was an accident. You didn’t even get hurt. Why are you making this such a big deal?”
“Yeah, Stella, it was just an accident.” Fedelia stepped up and grabbed Stella’s hand, her smile sweet but her eyes icy. “Let’s just drop it, okay?”
Charlotte stayed quiet and moved back to stand beside Anthony, leaving Stella to decide what to do next.