Chapter 6
When the police took Paisley and Dash away, they left two officers stationed in the hospital room.[]
Butler Harrison came personally, carrying an evidence bag containing a tiny recording device.[]
It was from inside the little bear pendant that had been crushed around my neck.
“Miss, this is the recording function built into your emergency signal device. It automatically activates when pressed and captured everything that happened in that private room. “I
He pressed play, and Paisley’s twisted laughter, Dash’s mockery, and everyone’s cruel jeering flowed through the speaker. Each word felt like an ice pick stabbing my heart.]
Then he pulled out his phone and played the hallway security footage.]
The video showed Paisley sneakily pouring something into my food while Dash stood beside her, smiling as he handed her a pill bottle.
“The evidence chain is complete.“]]
Officer Willson closed his notepad:[]
“Paisley for attempted premeditated murder, Dash as an accomplice, and everyone in that room who participated in the harassment and assault is charged with disturbing the peace.”
Two weeks later, the verdict came down.]
Paisley was sentenced to life in prison for attempted murder, while Dash got twenty years as an accomplice with indirect intent.
The “friends” who had fanned the flames and mocked me in that private room were each sentenced to five years for disturbing the peace.
The Ashford family’s legal team also filed civil suits. Paisley and Dash’s families were nearly bankrupted paying the compensation.[]
I stayed in the hospital for a month as the red welts on my skin gradually faded and the swelling in my throat went down.]
The day I was discharged was beautiful and sunny. Mom pushed my wheelchair as we strolled through the hospital garden, while Dad and Grandpa spoke quietly in the distance, occasionally glancing my way. The worry in their eyes slowly transformed into relief.]]
That day, the prison called saying Dash had requested to see me one last time.]]
I hesitated for a long time before finally having the driver prepare the car.]
The visiting room’s glass separated two different worlds.
Dash wore prison clothes, his head shaved, cheeks sunken. The malice in his eyes had been replaced by numbness–the no trace of his former arrogance.]
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They laughed as I Was Thing But Then My Billionaire Candia Kicked Down the Boar
Chapter 6
When he saw me, he suddenly started crying, his voice muffled through the phone:]
“Luna, I’m sorry… I really regret everything.“]
“It wasn’t like this when we first met, remember? You said you liked the way I smiled. I took you to eat Tacos at that corner shop. You were allergic and couldn’t have cilantro, so the owner made you a cilantro–free version specially.“[]
His voice grew quieter:
“Back then, I really wanted us to have a good life together.”
I listened silently without interrupting.
“It was Paisley. She kept poisoning my mind against you, saying you were just a rich girl, saying you’d dump me eventually.”
He began rambling incoherently:[]
“I was just too stupid. I was afraid you’d really leave me, so I let her talk me into it…
Finally, he lifted his bloodshot eyes and stared at me intently:
“Luna, can you forgive me?“|]
I looked at his haggard face, remembering the boy who had held me laughing at the amusement park, then remembering his cold indifference when he crushed my pendant.]
After a long moment, I stood up and gently shook my head at the phone before turning and walking out of the visiting room.]
Some wounds can’t be healed with a simple “I’m sorry.“]]
The days that followed were peaceful and fulfilling.
I learned to manage the company under Grandpa’s guidance, familiarized myself with the business under Dad’s direction, accompanied Mom to art exhibitions in my spare time, and occasionally went fishing in the countryside with real friends.]
In spring, I planted many sunflowers in the flower beds outside the company building. Watching them grow toward the sun, the shadows in my heart gradually cleared away.
Three years later, Grandpa officially handed over the reins of Ashford Group to me.]
S
I knew those dark chapters of the past were finally closed, and my real life was just beginning.
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