The Replacement He Never Wanted
Virginia shot Addison a scornful look. "You should focus on yourself. I can handle my own issues." Addison thought she had already warned Virginia about the potential consequences of her actions, but since she wasn't listening, there was nothing more to say. "Mr. Sardo, I've completed my statement. Can I leave now?" "According to the regulations, Ms. Daves, you are indeed free to leave," Tyrese replied. Then, Addison confidently grabbed her bag and exited the police station. "Wait!" Virginia hurried out the door, but all she saw was Addison's retreating figure. "Mr. Sardo, how could you let her go? She's a suspect in the theft of property worth over a hundred million, she shouldn't be released so easily!" Virginia turned to him, frustration evident in her voice. She hoped that Addison would end up in prison as soon as possible! "Ms. Dolton, based on the evidence presented in the statement, we cannot find any proof that Ms. Daves stole the diamond. So, we are legally obligated to release her. "If you have any information or relevant evidence, please feel free to reach out to us." Tyrese's words were comforting. Virginia, seeing Tyrese was unmoved, hinted at a bribe, saying, "The Johnstons will reward you handsomely if you can do this." The Johnston name carried significant weight in Halton, and Virginia was confident that Tyrese understood her implications. "These are matters we should handle, so don't worry. The police are here to serve the people," Tyrese said sincerely. … It seemed he truly didn't get it. "Then please prioritize the investigation. This ring is incredibly valuable. I hope you can understand my urgency," Virginia maintained a gentle expression, though internally, she was rolling her eyes in exasperation. Why couldn't he be more flexible? Just then, another man in a blue police uniform hurriedly stepped out of a police car. "Good to see you, Chief Xina!" Tyrese greeted the newcomer with a respectful bow. "Chief?" Virginia's ears perked up at the title, and a thought struck her. He could definitely help her! She stepped past Tyrese and positioned herself directly in front of Bob Xina. "Hello, sir, I'm here to make a report on behalf of the Johnstons," Virginia said, interrupting the man's stride as she extended her slender wrist, a polite smile on her face. "The Johnstons?" Bob exclaimed, quickly reaching out to shake her hand. Just now, he noticed the luxury cars parked outside the police station and several bodyguards standing around. Assuming something serious had occurred, he rushed inside. It turned out to be the Johnstons. "Tyrese, why haven't you offered the lady a drink? Go get her some water right away!" the director scolded. "Oh, uh, of course! I'll do it right now!" Tyrese replied, feeling bewildered. Was the Johnston name really that influential? "Miss, please have a seat. I'm eager to hear about the case the Johnstons are reporting," Bob asked eagerly. Tyrese handed a cup of tea to Virginia. She took it, sipped slowly, and began to describe the incident with some exaggeration. "Is there any chance we could resolve this case today? That ring is extremely important to the Johnstons," Virginia said, her eyelashes fluttering as she spoke cautiously. After listening to her account, Bob felt a significant weight lift from his shoulders. This case was easy to resolve. "It would be ideal to conduct a site investigation today," Virginia added. When Lance took her to his apartment instead of the Johnston Residence, Virginia realized he didn't want Marilyn to know she had returned from abroad. Who knew how long it would take for Lance to handle things with Marilyn? She couldn't wait that long! Virginia decided to take the risk of upsetting Lance and confront Marilyn directly with the news. This way, she could expose Addison and see how she would rely on Marilyn for help!Once Marilyn was disappointed with Addison, it would be only natural for her to accept Virginia instead, killing two birds with one stone. Virginia had already plotted her strategy in her mind. "Don't worry, I'll dispatch someone to investigate the scene immediately. We'll have results soon, and we'll ensure the thief is apprehended," he said, his tone eager to please. "Tyrese, follow Ms. Dolton to the Johnstons and make sure to investigate this matter thoroughly. We need to retrieve the Johnstons' ring!" Bob's tone was authoritative. "What about Ms. Daves?" Tyrese asked. "Have her come to the scene as well!" "Isn't that against protocol?" Tyrese said quietly, glancing at Virginia, who was sipping her tea. "What do you mean? I'm not detaining her! If she's bold enough to steal such an expensive ring, what else might she steal in the future?!" Tyrese remained still, unaffected by the outburst. "Just do what I tell you! Are you refusing to follow orders?" Bob's frustration was obvious, and his tone turned to reprimand. "Ms. Dolton, Tyrese is just a bit inexperienced, please don't take it to heart," Bob said, bending slightly. Virginia nodded. "It's okay." Seeing that Tyrese didn't move, Bob sighed and pulled him aside to speak quietly. "I asked you to mediate, if they can reconcile, then do so." When he had heard that woman recount the incident, he sensed something was off. He had heard of the name of the person who stole the diamond ring mentioned by this lady, she was Mrs. Johnston. Although he did not know the relationship between this lady and the Johnstons, it was definitely not ordinary. He still believed that reconciliation was the best approach. The Johnstons held immense power in Halton. Any misstep that might offend them could spell disaster for the entire police station. "Mediating isn't against the rules. I know you can't stand those who abuse their power, and neither do I. I'm just saying this to keep Ms. Dolton satisfied. "If I don't say it, the Johnstons backing Ms. Dolton won't be pleased either. We can't afford to offend the Johnstons. Just consider it doing the station a favor," he added.Tyrese listened and slowly nodded. "Tyrese, remember what I said: don't offend the Johnstons when you get there," Bob reminded him sternly. Tyrese nodded seriously, picking up his phone to make a call. "Hello, Ms. Daves. This is the Halton Police Department. We need you to come to the scene." … At the Johnston Residence. Addison gazed up at the familiar building, her heart filled with a whirlwind of emotions. She thought she would never return to the Johnston Residence, but here she was, forced to come back because of Virginia's antics. Virginia wanted to make a scene here, so Addison, feeling no guilt, decided to treat it as a free show. The conference would end late in the evening, and Lance wouldn't be around at this hour. That was another reason Addison was willing to return to the Johnston Residence. Taking a deep breath, she lowered her head and stepped into the house. Marilyn sat in the living room, carefully knitting a blanket. When she glanced up and spotted Addison, she could hardly believe her eyes and rubbed them in disbelief. No doubt about it, it's Addison! "Addison? What brings you here? Are you visiting me or looking for Lance?" Once she realized who it was, Marilyn sprang to her feet and rushed over to grab Addison. "Lance hasn't been home in a while. I haven't seen him lately either. I'll call him and get him to come back," Marilyn said, quickly picking up her phone to dial. "Mrs. Johnston, no, no! I'm not here looking for Lance," Addison interrupted, stopping Marilyn. She glanced around the Johnston Residence, noticing that Virginia and the police were nowhere to be found. Haven't they arrived yet? "Lana, Addison's here! Bring out some of her favorite pastries," Marilyn said as she guided Addison to a seat. She didn't care about why Addison had come. If she was looking for Lance, that would make her happy, but even if she wasn't, just having Addison there was enough to brighten her day. "Madam, you're here!" Lana exclaimed as she emerged with a tray piled high with pastries and tea. Suddenly realizing her mistake, she wished she could take back the word "Madam," but it was too late. "I'm getting old, and my memory isn't what it used to be. I just blurted it out from habit. Please don't take offense, Ms. Daves," Lana said, rubbing her head with an apologetic tone. Addison smiled faintly, "It's all right, Lana. I don't mind." Everyone in the expansive Johnston Residence had always treated her well. Though she had left the Johnston Residence, seeing familiar faces stirred up a complicated mix of emotions within her that she couldn't quite put into words. Lana set the pastries on the table and poured a cup of tea for Addison. "How has Grandpa been lately?" Addison asked, picking up her teacup. "Since the day you left, he's pretty much been the same, but he has been improving a bit recently—eating more than he used to," Marilyn said with a sigh. "After you left, this big house feels so empty. No one talks to me. Lance is always caught up with work and often doesn't come home for days. I feel like I'm living like a lonely old woman," Marilyn said, her eyes glistening with tears. Although she didn't know why Addison had come back, Marilyn felt that as long as she was willing to return, there was still hope for delaying the divorce. Addison quickly pulled out a tissue to wipe Marilyn's tears. "You have Lana here with you, don't you? "Besides, by the time the divorce is finalized, Virginia will probably be marrying Lance. She'll be here to keep you company and help take care of Grandpa." "Virginia?!" At the sound of the familiar name, Marilyn's tears halted, and her eyes filled with shock. When did Virginia come back? Why didn't Lance mention a word about it to me? Seeing the look on Marilyn's face, Addison hesitated, unsure of what to say next. How could Virginia dare return to the Johnstons after what she had done all those years ago? How could she even think of seeking out Lance? Marilyn was furious, her lips trembling uncontrollably. She even entertains the idea of marrying into the Johnstons? How shameless!
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