Chapter 427
Chapter 427
The Osborne residence was plunged into deathly silence. Kelsey gasped in shock, instinctively stumbling back two steps, her eyes darting about in panic.
Fletcher, however, was utterly stunned. In his view, Athena was so deeply in love with Michael that she would gladly lay down her life for him. There was simply no way Athena would ever do anything to harm the Osborne family.
Even if Michael were marrying Willow instead, given Athena’s deep infatuation with him, Fletcher would have expected nothing but her blessings. She would never show up to ruin their wedding day.
While Fletcher was still at a loss, Michael was beginning to realize. ‘So, Athena still can’t let go of me after all,
‘Her previous aloofness and sarcastic remarks must have been just a facade p>
A flicker of unexpected joy stirred within him. But soon, reality came crashing down, snuffing out the joy in his heart.
Radnor gave Michael a respectful salute. “Lord Osborne, could you make things easier for us p>
Michael’s face darkened as he stepped in front of Willow. “Out of the question. You’re trying to accuse my wife of murder and take her away for questioning based solely on minor evidence? Is this how your Justice Ministry handles cases–with such reckless disregard for solid evidence?
“You can only take her if you have solid evidence. Otherwise, don’t even think about it p>
Michael thought bitterly, ‘If I let the Justice Ministry take Willow away for questioning, I’d become the laughingstock of the capital. What kind of man can’t even protect his wife? I’d be a failure as a man p>
Seeing her son stand firm, Kelsey straightened her back and snapped, “How utterly preposterous. How dare you come to this property to arrest someone before the facts are even clear? Even if it costs me my life, I will bring this before His Majesty and have you charged with dereliction of duty p>
With both her husband and mother–in–law fiercely defending her, Willow burst into pitiful tears, pressing a handkerchief to her mouth and wailing as if mourning at a funeral.
But seeing this, Kelsey’s brows knitted tightly as she snapped, “Stop crying p>
‘All this weeping on such a joyous day? How is she unaware that she’s the source of this madness?‘ Kelsey was utterly disgusted.
In her eyes, Willow had absolutely no bearing befitting a title as ‘Mrs. Osborne. Even if Willow was afraid, she should stand tall and face the problem head–on. Besides, with the entire Osborne family behind her, she should be fearless. Moreover, Michael would be there to help her.
Willow’s sobs abruptly stopped, her tear–filled eyes wide with panic. ‘Oh no. Has Kelsey just started to scorn me?‘ she wondered anxiously.
Willow was on edge, stifling her sobs, yet silent tears continued to stream down her cheeks. She turned her hopeful gaze toward Michael, only to find him stony–faced, not even glancing her way. It suddenly dawned on her–he wasn’t defending her, but protecting the Osborne family’s reputation.
Meanwhile, Radnor looked troubled–the case had grown beyond his sole authority. If he couldn’t handle it, the High Court would step in. And if it escalated to the government, it would be a disaster.
“Lord Osborne, you’d better think this through,” Radnor advised earnestly. “If this matter blows up, not only will I face punishment, but the Osborne family won’t be spared either p>
1/2
Should Willow’s involvement in this murder case be confirmed, the Osborne family would inevitably be tarnished by the association. No respectable family would keep ties with a house that harbored a murderer as its in–law.
Michael wavered, his scrutinizing gaze fixed on Willow as he demanded, “Willow, you had nothing to do with this case, right p>
Willow’s heart pounded with guilt. Her hand inside her sleeve clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She could not admit it.
‘ As long as I stubbornly deny it, no one will ever know I was the one who pushed Matthew to kill Daniel,’ she thought desperately. ‘Even if they trace it back to Matthew, it still won’t implicate me,‘ she reassured herself.
Chapter 428
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.