Chapter 967:
That’s Easy Prey
Not even Carter, once regarded as an unshakable pillar of authority, could stem the tide. The entire Department of Justice fell silent, its members painfully aware that any of them could be next under scrutiny.
Juan remained defiant, insisting that every accusation circulating online was a fabrication. In his arrogance, he believed that even if he were convicted, the punishment would never go so far as to cost him his life.
Kailee, however, was unraveling under the pressure. Her nerves were frayed beyond repair. She paced the room in a frenzy, yanking at her hair until strands littered the floor. At last, she spun toward the officer guarding the door, her voice cracking with fury and despair.
“Why are you still keeping me here? I’ve already been released on bail! None of this involves me! Let me go! I have a life to get back to!”
The officer spoke in a flat, procedural tone. “During the investigation, any member of the Shaw family may be treated as a co-conspirator. I trust you understand, Miss Shaw.”
Kailee’s protests went unheard. Defeated, she sank into the chair beside Juan, her face pale and trembling.
“Dad, everything will be all right, won’t it? Carter will manage this, won’t he?”
The Shaw residence was locked down like a fortress, completely cut off from the outside world.
Juan, uncertain and tense, answered with a bitter edge. “Do you truly believe Carter can be trusted? Once we are no longer of use, will he still protect us?”
Kailee snapped back, “He’s my uncle!”
Juan let out a humorless, harsh laugh. “Even blood brothers turn on one another. We cannot place our hope in him!”
Anger constricted his chest, making each breath a struggle, and his words came out jagged and fractured. “This is entirely your fault. If you’d quietly accepted the ambassador role and devoted yourself to charity, then even if Rylie uncovered your grandmother’s indiscretion, we would have been prepared. We wouldn’t have been caught off guard.”
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Kailee showed no trace of guilt. She shot back, “Dad, you are far too naive! Do you actually believe maintaining this reputation comes without struggle? If I hadn’t forced myself to assimilate, I would have been shunned and ridiculed. Everyone would have treated me like an outsider! I became who I am through constant effort—and it’s entirely your fault!”
In the middle of their volley of accusations, the officer stepped deliberately into the room, Brad and Rylie close behind him.
Juan’s expression shifted the instant he saw them. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, wary and tense.
The officer answered first, his voice measured and formal. “Mr. Morgan will conduct your interrogation, with Miss Owen serving as recorder.”
Juan’s voice shot up, edged with disbelief. “What? By whose authority?”
“The President’s,” the officer replied calmly, before turning his gaze to Kailee. “Miss Shaw, please accompany me into the next room.”
A wave of unease washed over her. Hesitant or not, Kailee had no choice but to step aside.
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