Chapter 428
Chapter 428
Willow’s eyes rimmed red with tears, nodded emphatically. Raising her hand, she swore solemnly, “ I swear, this case has nothing to do with me. If I’m lying, I will never know peace for the rest of my life p>
Willow’s oath shocked everyone present. Such a solemn vow made it clear to all that she had nothing to hide.
Meanwhile, Michael nodded emphatically and let out a sigh of relief. ‘I knew it,’ he thought. ‘Willow would never be capable of such evil.
“Mr. Cross, you heard that clearly,” Michael declared with unwavering confidence. “My wife is innocent of this murder. As her husband, I alone will bear full responsibility.” He was practically the head of the Osborne family; protecting them was his sacred duty.
Radnor saw Michael’s unwavering stance and dared not push too hard. After all, the Queen herself stood behind Michael.
Hence, Radnor bowed respectfully to Michael. “Since you insist, Lord Osborne, I won’t press the matter. However, as the case is still under investigation, Lady Osborne must remain within the residence for now.” This was the greatest concession he could offer.
Willow immediately frowned. “Isn’t this just house arrest p>
‘And in three days, how am I supposed to make my bridal homecoming visit p>
“My lord, no… please don’t!” Willow shook her head desperately at Michael, her face a picture of pitiful distress.
Michael paused thoughtfully, then addressed Radnor. “My lord, given that I am newly married, wouldn’t this be rather inhospitable p>
As he spoke, his broad sleeves concealed the discreet movement as he slipped a stack of banknotes into Radnor’s palm. The voluminous fabric ensured that no prying eyes witnessed the transaction.
Radnor ran his fingers over the thick stack of cash, inwardly overjoyed, though he put on a show of reluctance. “Lord Osborne, please don’t make things difficult for this official. Considering your recent marriage, I’ll be lenient. She must not leave the city p>
With the crisis averted, Michael nodded with a smile. “Human lives are at stake. This is the only proper course of action. Should the Justice Ministry require anything further, the Osborne family stands ready to cooperate p>
Michael paused for a moment, then inquired, “May I know who the deceased was p>
“He’s a hunter named Daniel,” Radnor said nonchalantly. “Though why he’s the Viscountess’s foster father, I’m not quite
sure. ”
Michael’s eyes widened instantly. “Who?” he pressed, his voice taut with disbelief, “Who did you say the deceased was? ”
“His name is Daniel Holmes, a hunter,” Radnor replied.
Michael drew a sharp breath, his gaze snapping at Willow. ‘Damn it!‘ he thought. He’d been so focused on protecting the Osborne family and Willow that he’d completely overlooked what Radnor had said earlier about the victim’s identity.
The dead man was Athena’s foster father, which, he realized, meant he was also Willow’s biological father.
Willow was momentarily paralyzed with shock, only snapping back to reality when Michael’s gaze locked onto her. Her body trembled violently as tears streamed down her face. In apparent anguish, she choked out, “How… How could this p>
1/2
Chapter 42S
But before she could finish, she had already dissolved into uncontrollable sobs.
Watching Willow’s dramatic sobbing, Kelsey frowned in bewilderment. ‘Willow was raised in the duke’s estate since childhood and had long severed ties with her birth parents,‘ Kelsey thought skeptically. ‘Yet now she’s weeping so dramatically over Daniel’s death? Isn’t this performance a bit too over–the–top p>
Just as Kelsey was scoffing inwardly, Nona’s panicked shriek pierced the air, “Oh no, Lady Osborne is so heartbroken. She’s
fainted! ”
Seeing Willow faint, a flicker of disdain crossed Kelsey’s eyes. ‘What a cheap trick, and right in front of me? How presumptuous,‘ she thought.
Still, with the family’s reputation at stake, Kelsey had no choice but to play along. “What are you all standing around for?” she snapped. “Escort Lady Osborne back to her chambers at once p>
And with that, the whole fiasco finally drew to a close. It was only after Radnor had finally been dismissed that the party began.
The long–famished guests wasted no time clinking glasses and devouring their meals.
Amid the laughter and conversation, they exchanged knowing looks, each one clearly in on the unspoken understanding.
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.