Chapter 103
Larry’s eyes widened as the realization dawned on him. From the moment he was released from prison, Celine had been aware. She had been waiting for him.
Everyone thought she would never dare reveal the dark shadows of her childhood. A woman always put the utmost importance on her reputation, after all.
She hadn’t told Mary, nor had she told Adam. When he demanded money, she gave it to him. When he knocked her unconscious and kidnapped her, she seemed helpless, like a prey ensnared by its predator.
However, that was all an illusion. She had been pretending and was in control the whole time. The small recording device she wore told the true story. Whether it was his demand for 100 million or his attempt to rape her in the cave, every step of his crimes had played into her hands.
She had used her apparent obedience to feed his greed and used her endurance to lead him deeper into the pit of his own making. She had baited him with herself. Now, ten years later, she had sent him back into the abyss.
With the multitude of charges against him, his fate was sealed. It was either a death sentence or life imprisonment. Everything had gone according to her plan.
What Larry had figured out, Lucy also realized. She remembered the moment when Hansel brought Larry into the Tate family. Celine had stood outside, silently watching.
Lucy stared at Celine in shock. This wasn’t the same little girl who had chased her mom’s car, sobbing as she was abandoned. This wasn’t the helpless child who had called her mom for help after being violated. This wasn’t the girl wandering aimlessly through the woods without a home.
Years had passed, and Celine had grown. She stood tall now, confident and resolute. Her clear eyes radiated unwavering determination.
Celine turned to face the cameras again. Her voice was steady, resonant, and full of strength. “I’ve never felt ashamed of my life. I don’t believe in punishing myself for the crimes of others.
“If you’ve experienced what I have, if you’ve been hurt the same way, remember, don’t cower, and don’t be afraid. I know it’s hard, but you must stand up for yourself. No one else can save you. You have to save yourself!”
She had saved herself.
Robin, standing nearby, was overcome with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes as she clapped her hands.
The reporters looked down with guilt. They began murmuring apologies. Ms. Celine, we’re sorry. We misunderstood you earlier and raised our voices at you.”
“Celine, I have two daughters. I can’t imagine the courage it took for you to do this. You’re amazing.”
Thumbs went up all around.
Adam watched silently from a distance, his gaze fixed on Celine. He had doubted her ability to handle everything on her own. However, she used herself as bait, and he finally saw her trap unfold. Her calculated reversal of the entire situation made him realize how wrong he had been.
She had said she would handle it herself, and she had. He had always dismissed her and underestimated her, yet time and again, she defied his expectations.
He wasn’t sure what kind of women he preferred before. However, beauty paired with intelligence and an unyielding spirit was mesmerizing. Celine, standing here in this moment, was radiant.
Nathan stood nearby, stunned by everything he had just witnessed. “Adam, you knew, didn’t you?”
Adam didn’t answer. His silence was all the confirmation Nathan needed.
Nathan remained silent. He could have had his moment as the knight in shining armor. He couldn’t help but feel their brotherhood had changed.
Meanwhile, Lucy and Carly stood frozen, their faces ashen. They had never imagined things would take such a drastic turn. They were the ones who had been utterly defeated in this press conference.
Lucy quickly said, “Celine, I’m sorry. I misunderstood you earlier. Please, let me explain. I didn’t know anything about this…”
Celine’s gaze was stone cold. “Did you really not know anything?”
Before Lucy could respond, the police officers stepped forward. “Lucy Garcia, during Larry’s escape, you harbored and sheltered a fugitive. We have reasonable suspicion that you colluded with him. Please come with us for further investigation.”
The officers didn’t wait for a response and grabbed Lucy by the arms.
