The Replacement He Never Wanted

Chapter 22 Let Her Go to Prison

Lance's gaze sliced through the air like a knife, following Sean's line of sight to where Addison was sitting. "Oh? Did you see where that person is?" He could barely make out a graceful woman seated in that direction. The lighting was dim, and he couldn't see her face clearly. Lance couldn't be bothered to scrutinize the woman's features and instinctively looked away. The woman sitting over there was definitely not the doctor from Raven Company. "I'm getting older, so I only noticed the invitation and didn't pay attention to who showed up," Sean remarked, an apologetic expression crossing his face as he shifted his gaze from the corner. "I'd love to hear how your company's new drug research is progressing," he said, redirecting the conversation. Their voices gradually faded away. Addison set her wine glass down, rising slowly to her feet as she walked toward the back door of the exhibition hall. Staying any longer would not be wise if Lance happened to see her. After ending the boring and disappointing conference, Addison stepped out of the hallway, faced with a swarm of reporters waiting outside. … She put on her sunglasses and quietly walked past them. At that moment, her phone rang. "Hello, is this Ms. Daves? "This is the Halton Police Station. We received a report and would like to speak with you to gather some information." "Police station? You want to speak with me?" Addison said as she got into her car and started the engine. What's this about? I'm a law-abiding citizen and haven't done anything wrong. "Yes, we kindly ask that you come to the station to assist with our investigation." … Not long after, at the Halton Police Station.As Addison stepped into the station, she was surprised to see a familiar face sitting on one of the leather chairs. Virginia? "Did you make the report?" Addison asked, removing her sunglasses and fixing her dark gaze on Virginia, concealing her true feelings. What trouble is this woman causing now? Is she here to make a fuss about the ring? Addison smirked. Virginia had a talent for causing trouble. Without lifting her gaze, Virginia replied, her tone laced with provocation, "Yes, I made the report." She knew how scared Addison must have felt when she received that call from the police. She should be scared. A penniless, powerless orphan should know her place rather than fantasize about a diamond ring worth millions. If she was bold enough to take action, she needed to be ready to face the consequences. That ring could very well land her in prison! However, if Addison were to return the stolen ring and approach her with a more agreeable demeanor, pleading for her not to pursue legal action, Virginia might consider it. With that thought in mind, Virginia raised her chin slightly and looked at Addison. Their eyes locked in the air. Addison's expression was icy, showing no signs of fear. Upon closer inspection, there was even a hint of impatience. Virginia felt a jolt of shock. She's not afraid? This could lead to prison! No, Addison probably lacks education and has no idea what punishment she might face. With this in mind, Virginia looked at her with disdain. "May I ask why you filed the report, Ms. Dolton?" Addison asked with a fake smile. "Don't you know what you've done? There's no need to play dumb," Virginia shot back, her expression stiffening as her gaze turned contemptuous. After being accused by this young woman so many times, Addison genuinely had no idea what charge she might face this time. Is it theft or trespassing? Or robbery?A man in a blue police uniform stepped out from the back room upon hearing the commotion. He paused for a moment as he took in the sight of the woman in the long dress before him. He had expected a burly thief or a seasoned criminal, not someone like her. He looked at the woman in front of him. She had a cold and aloof demeanor, yet her appearance was strikingly beautiful. The combination was strangely serene. He couldn't identify the designer label, but something about her attire suggested it was quite pricey. Is this woman a thief? Does she really have the audacity to steal a diamond ring worth millions from the Johnstons? He found it difficult to believe. Addison turned to the officer and spoke politely, "Hello, I'm Addison Daves. I received a call to come in for questioning." He blinked in surprise and responded, "Hello, I'm Tyrese Sardo. You can call me Mr. Sardo." Addison nodded and smiled courteously at him. "Hello, Mr. Sardo." "Could you please come inside to give a statement? We'd like to clarify what happened." Addison nodded, her expression calm and composed. Tyrese observed Addison, who remained as calm as still water. Although he had doubts about her involvement in stealing the Johnstons' diamond ring, he maintained his professional attitude. "Please follow me." Addison followed Tyrese into the interrogation room, and Virginia said, "Mr. Sardo, please ensure a thorough investigation. That stolen diamond ring is very important to the Johnstons." Stolen diamond ring? Addison smiled mockingly as she realized Virginia was accusing her of stealing the Johnstons' ring. She lifted her skirt and took a seat while Tyrese picked up a pen to begin the questioning. He meticulously recorded everything as Addison recounted her recent activities and her relationship with the Johnstons, listening attentively to her every word. … Why is this taking so long? Addison must be sweet-talking the officer inside, Virginia thought, growing increasingly anxious. When the questioning finally ended, the door to the room opened. Virginia rushed forward and grabbed Tyrese, looking earnest. "Mr. Sardo, how long do you think it will take to reach a conclusion? Will the Johnstons be able to recover their ring?" Tyrese looked up at the sound of her voice, seeing genuine sincerity in the woman's eyes. That ring truly seemed to mean a lot to her. He studied Virginia's earnest expression and gently pulled her hand away, speaking with courtesy. "Ms. Dolton, don't worry. We will do our best to resolve this case. There's no need for you to worry." Virginia turned to Addison and said, "I don't want to believe that you would do something like this, but you can't explain the source of the ring, it's hard not to raise my suspicions. "I didn't want to report this either, but it's a serious matter. If this gets back to Lance, it could ruin the way he sees you, and I really don't want to see that happen. "But if you return the ring to the Johnstons now, it might count as a confession, which could lessen your sentence. I suggest you return it sooner. I couldn't bear to see you punished," Virginia said, her eyes brimming with sadness and regret. Seeing Virginia's sorrow, Tyrese felt a pang of sympathy. He leaned in and said softly, "If you return the diamond now, it could be seen as a mitigating factor under the law. The punishment might be reduced." … Addison's smile became even colder. It seems like Virginia doesn't just act in front of Lance. She's a natural at putting on a show for strangers too. It's a shame she's not an actress. With a furrowed brow, Addison looked at Virginia with feigned concern. "I know you fancy this diamond ring, but that doesn't give you the right to make baseless accusations just to get one. "Mr. Sardo, isn't there a law against falsely accusing someone of a crime and trying to get them punished? "I didn't formally study law, but isn't this kind of behavior serious enough to warrant criminal charges?" Addison turned to Tyrese, her expression sincere as she asked the question. "After all, I don't want you to accidentally break the law and disappoint your Lance, right?" Addison forced herself to mimic Virginia's tone, suppressing her disgust.Tyrese, taken aback by Addison's remark, instinctively responded, "According to the law, if such behavior is deemed serious enough, it could indeed result in charges of false accusation." Tyrese's reply made Virginia's heart skip a beat. She hesitated, unable to speak. However, she quickly reassured herself that Addison must have stolen the ring from the Johnstons. How could she even claim to be the victim of false accusations? Was Addison merely trying to intimidate her? I'm not that stupid!

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