Chapter 1328:
The police chief’s boot struck the older officer’s leg in a sudden burst of anger. “Who authorized you to hit him? Do you have any idea who that man is?”
The older officer stumbled, grabbing the table for support, eyes wide with panic. “I’m sorry, sir—he wasn’t cooperating, so I—”
“He is a member of Eshea’s wealthiest family. He controls a global arms network. Do you understand what that means?” the chief thundered.
The moment Deandre’s identity fully registered, a chill swept through the older officer, cold sweat running down his spine. “I’m sorry—I didn’t know—”
“Save it,” the chief cut him off sharply. “Our priority now is giving Mr. Owen a proper resolution. Go through Carlos Hilton and his mother thoroughly—tax irregularities, legal violations, anything at all. Find it.”
The officers filed out quickly, visibly shaken.
R𝗲аd 𝗍𝗵𝗲 𝗅a𝘵𝖾st 𝗍𝗋𝗲𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝗼𝗇 𝗀𝗮𝗅𝘯𝘰ve𝗹𝘴.𝖼o𝗆
The chief wiped the perspiration from his forehead, pulled out his phone, and began dialing. “Hello, Mr. Lambert… Yes, it’s me. Mr. Owen had a small issue this evening—he’s already left the station. Yes, please don’t worry. I’ve handled it. I’ll arrange the best legal support available… Yes… yes, of course…”
Outside, Deandre spotted Melany standing at a distance.
He casually rolled up his shirt sleeves as he walked toward her, the red marks and bruising on his arm becoming visible in the light. When he reached her, he lowered his gaze slightly and asked in a noticeably quieter tone, “Where is the child?”
“She’s asleep in the car,” Melany replied softly.
Her eyes drifted briefly to the marks on his arm. A flicker of concern crossed her face, though she said nothing about it. “I spoke with a lawyer,” she added. “He mentioned you could be facing charges.”
Deandre let out a faint, dismissive sound. “That’s already been handled. Charges? Do you honestly think something like that would concern me?”
“I simply don’t want to owe you anything,” Melany answered evenly, without hesitation.
Deandre’s expression shifted subtly. “You don’t owe me anything,” he said. “I’m the one who owes you.” He turned toward the car. “Come on—let’s go.”
A trace of caution entered Melany’s eyes. “I’m taking my daughter back to my home,” she said carefully, a quiet unease surfacing as she wondered whether he might try to take the child or restrict her in some way.
Deandre’s lips curved into a faint, slightly self-deprecating smile—the smile of someone reminding himself to be patient. “I’ll drive you home. I’ll send someone to repair the kitchen tomorrow.”
Melany didn’t object. She got into the car, checked on Evelina, and gently gathered the sleeping child into her arms, holding her close.
“Mommy,” Evelina murmured faintly in her sleep, her small voice carrying a trace of lingering fear.
“It’s okay now,” Melany said softly, rubbing her back. “Let’s go home and rest.”
Seated beside them, Deandre kept his eyes on Evelina. His expression softened gradually, almost without his realizing it.
He reached out instinctively toward the child—and Melany pulled back immediately, drawing Evelina protectively against her chest.
His hand stopped in midair.
Evelina stirred faintly, turning her small face away from Melany’s shoulder toward Deandre. Her lips moved in a barely audible murmur.
“Daddy.”
.
.
.