Chapter 16
As it turned out, the surveillance camera had captured everything clearly. The footage revealed the entire sequence of events.
Once the police finished their questioning and cleared the scene, they prepared to return to the station with the bodies and Simone in tow
Preston clung to her tightly and refused to let go.
At that point, Simone slumped in his arms, her vacant eyes unmistakably reflecting her breakdown.
Seeing her in that state, Preston couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. He planned to negotiate with the police, hoping to delay their questioning until she calmed down.
But Cedric intervened before he could act.
He handed a copy of the surveillance footage to the officer in charge, Kennedy Thompson.
“Officer Thompson, this footage clearly shows Simone Baker’s involvement in attempting to murder my wife. I’m officially requesting an investigation,” he said calmly. Simone, dazed until now, snapped back to reality and frantically tried to defend herself.
“It wasn’t me! It was just an accident! The police already ruled that!” she screamed. “Preston even signed off to drop the charges. You can’t hold me accountable anymore!”
Preston quickly stepped forward, ready to vouch for her.
Of course, Cedric wasn’t going to let that happen. He interrupted, “Officer Thompson, the signatory and my wife are merely nephew and aunt. His dropping the charges carries no legal weight.
“Besides, my wife herself demanded the case be reopened. You understand what that means, don’t you?”
Kennedy’s expression grew solemn as he took the evidence. He was about to escort Simone out when Preston moved to stop him.
Right then, Cedric’s voice halted him in his tracks.
“If you step out of this house today, you’ll no longer be a Norwood. Our family won’t tolerate someone who colludes with a murderer,” he warned.
Cedric added, “Also, you were at the scene that day. Since you signed the agreement to drop the charges, the police will summon you for questioning. I expect you to tell the truth. Whether you’re innocent or an accomplice, the court will decide.”
Preston’s face turned ashen instantly, and he dared not say another word.
Seeing his hesitation, Simone’s last shred of hope crumbled. She broke free from Kennedy’s grip and staggered toward Preston before slapping him hard.
Her voice dripped with despair as she spat, “Preston Norwood, you’re nothing but a cowardly, heartless man! I misjudged you! No wonder Jolene didn’t want you. Serves you right for being dumped by her and used by me!”
She laughed like a madwoman, and her words grew harsher.
“Let me tell you the truth. I’ve never loved you! Every sweet word I said was just to con you into giving me money and gifts!
“Without your family’s wealth and your looks, you’re nothing but a worthless fool! If I could go back in time, I’d marry Tristan instead of wasting another second on you!”
Preston’s eyes, which had held traces of hesitation and pity, turned icy with every word. For the first time, he realized the woman he had loved and protected for so many years was nothing more than a materialistic liar.
He shoved Simone aside. His voice was heavy with bitterness and anger as he barked, “Get lost!”
With that, the police dragged Simone out of the Norwood residence, her screams echoing in the air.
As the door clicked shut, Preston felt all his energy drain away. When he turned, his gaze met a familiar pair of eyes.
It was Jolene.
Her presence struck him like a blow. His lips parted slightly, wanting to call her.
“Jo…” he mumbled.
But jolene didn’t respond. Instead, she turned to Cedric and held her hand out.
“It’s over now. You should invite my parents down for a meal,” she said gently.
Cedric replied, “Alright. They’re probably growing impatient by now.”
Meanwhile, Preston stood rooted to the spot. The light in his eyes dimmed as he stared at their retreating figures.
Suddenly, a sharp pain spread through his chest and tears welled up in his eyes. It felt like a part of him had been torn away, slipping further and further beyond his reach- something he could never reclaim.
