Chapter 27
Raymond arrived at the police station, and the officers didn’t waste a second before filling him in on everything that had happened..
Even though he’d steeled himself for bad news, his heart still skipped a beat when he heard just how bold Citrine had been–marching over here all by herself. He almost scolded her on the spot, but the moment he caught sight of her, the words died on his lips.
Johnnie barely reacted when he heard someone come in, but when he realized who it was, all the arrogance drained from his face. Instead, his expression shifted, cycling rapidly through surprise, panic, and dread
Why on earth was Raymond Carmichael here?
In Havencrest, you could pick a fight with almost anyone–but if you messed with Raymond, you were asking for disaster.
What was his connection to this penniless girl?
Forcing a strained smile, Johnnie’s nerves were on edge as he glanced at Raymond and asked, “President Carmichael, what brings you here?
Raymond’s reply was ice–cold, “It seems Mr. Chase thought he could bully my daughter. How could I not show up?”
Both Johnnie and Alicia turned pale at once.
“Citrine is your daughter?” Alicia blurted out, her voice trembling.
She’d seen Raymond from a distance at a charity gala before, so she knew exactly who he was. But wasn’t he supposed to be single? Since when did he have a daughter??
Raymond ignored her Instead, he fixed Johnnie with a chilling stare. “You certainly raised quite the daughter, Mc Chase. Or would you like me to show you the paternity test to prove it?
Johnnie’s right eyelid twitched. He spun around and slapped Alicia hard across the face. “Who said you could talk?”
Then, plastering a sycophantic smile on his face, he turned back to Raymond. “President Carmichael, this is all just a misunderstanding. Kids fooling around, that’s all, Surely a man like you won’t hold it against us.“)
He shot Alicia a look. “Alicia. Apologize.”
Swallowing her pride, Alicia lowered her head. Tm sorry”
Citrine didn’t even look at her. She knew Alicia’s apology meant nothing–it wasn’t remorse, just a recognition that the Chase family was no match for the Carmichaels.
Raymond could see it as clearly as Citrine did. He snorted in disdain and dismissed them both with a wave, not deigning to waste another word on either father or daughter
“What did I do to deserve such a useless child?” Johnnie snapped, his frustration boiling over as he watched Raymond and Citrine prepare to leave. He slapped Alicia again, harder this time
Alicia pressed a hand to her stinging cheek, fighting back tears, but she didn’t dare make a sound
The Chase family’s business had taken a nosedive in recent years, they couldn’t afford another scandal
Desperation flickered in Johnnie’s eyes. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees in front of Citrine, his gaze pleading
“Ms. Ms. Carmichael, it was my foolish daughter’s mistake. Please, I’m begging you ask your father to spare the Chase family
Raymond looked at Citrine too. If she wanted to show mercy, he wouldn’t object.
The silence in the room was suffocating. Then Citrine’s cool, clear voice rang out.
*No
The Chase family was a tech company, specializing in smartphones and computers–cutting–edge stuff. In her previous life, right after she’d graduated high school, the Chase family had been exposed for stealing research from small, up–and–coming firms
With a track record like that, they didn’t deserve a second chance.
Raymond glanced at his daughter, approval shining in his eyes.!!
Hed half expected her to plead for the Chases, thinking her youth might make her soft–hearted. Clearly, he’d underestimated her.
Mercy for those who hurt you is cruelty to yourself.
Raymond had never believed in turning the other cheek–he had only contempt for those foolish enough to do so.X
Johnnie and Alicia looked utterly defeated, drained of all hope
No matter what Johnnie said, Raymond wouldn’t budge X
“From now on, the Carmichaels will have nothing to do with the Chase family,” Raymond declared
With that, he took Citrine by the arm and led her out, leaving nothing but cold silence behind
