Chapter 486
Chapter 486
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The next morning, Althea and Josh arrived at the prosecutor’s office under tight security. The screening procedures moved quickly, yet the tension lingered. Two attorneys accompanied then. Cameras still waited outside the building, but they managed to slip in without facing blinding lights or relentless questions.
Daven was already seated in the private visiting room when they entered. He looked calmer than the day before, though fatigue still clung to his features.
“Josh,” Daven called, rising to his feet.
Josh went straight to him. “Daddy p>
They embraced-brief, but tight.
“Are you okay?” Josh asked.
“So far, yes,” Daven replied with a small smile. “How’s school p>
“Mom asked us to switch to online classes. Everything’s going fine.” Josh said. “She told the school our safety comes first p>
Daven turned to Althea. “Thank you. That was the right call p>
Althea took a seat beside them. “We can’t stay long, Daven.” She looked at her husband, her eyes soft with worry. “I brought your favorite lunch. I hope you’re eating regularly. I’ve also asked one of Arsen’s people to keep an eye on your health p>
“Don’t worry,” Daven said, brushing the back of her hand. He pressed a light kiss there, hoping to ease her concern while he was still under investigation.
They talked about simple things-small, carefully chosen topics to keep the mood light. Food. The house. Modest plans for after all of this was over. Even a vacation idea Riana had once suggested
At one point, Josh laughed softly. “Dad, did you know Mom still keeps the plant you bought last year p>
Daven smiled. “Really? Is it still alive p>
“Barely,” Althea said. “That plant needs constant attention. But I love it when it blooms p>
Their quiet laughter warmed the room, if only for a moment.
Then one of the accompanying attorneys’ phones rang. He glanced at the screen, and his expression tightened. “Excuse me,” he said quickly. “You need to see this p>
Althea and Daven exchanged a look.
“What happened?” Daven asked.
The attorney looked from one client to the other. “This just broke and it’s already gone viral p>
A small television in the corner switched on automatically. Breaking news filled the screen. A bold headline appeared, along with a face that made Josh freeze-and prompted Althea to instinctively grip Daven’s hand.
“What the hell are they doing p>
An hour later
“Are you ready?” Selena asked from outside Eli’s bedroom door.
Since morning, Eli had been wondering where her mother was taking her. But Selena had refused to say a word. Instead, she looked irritated, urging Eli to hurry. Eli didn’t even understand why she had to wear clothes like this. If they were going to meet someone, shouldn’t she be dressed properly?
Not in a dress that looked worn and dull.
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Chapter 486
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Those kinds of clothes had been the first things Selena discarded when they moved into the apartment. She’d said Eli had to reflect the image of a girl from the Miller family-someone who could earn their sympathy, especially Riana Miller’s.
Yet once again, Eli’s questions went unanswered.
“Don’t take so long, Eli!” Selena snapped impatiently. Just as she raised her hand to knock, the door opened.
“So… where are we going, Mom?” Eli asked, her movements uneasy.
Selena shot her an annoyed look. “Can you just be quiet and do assay? I’m not going to hurt you, am I p>
Eli lowered her gaze, more afraid of meeting Selena’s furious eyes than anything else. “All right, Mom p>
They left the apartment at once. A driver was already waiting, though Eli frowned slightly-it wasn’t the driver who usually took them everywhere. Not the one assigned by the Miller family to chauffeur her and Selena.
Still, she swallowed her questions for the entire ride. Even though her mother seemed oddly brighter once they were in the car, Eli’s courage had completely evaporated.
Before long, the car came to an abrupt stop in front of a large building. It pulled over on the main road of SunCity, not even entering the premises as one normally would.
“Get out,” Selena said curtly.
Eli blinked, confused. “Mom? Where are we p>
“Hurry,” Selena urged impatiently, not even turning around. She was already grabbing a large bag from the back seat. “Just follow me p>
Eli stepped out of the car hesitantly. As soon as the door shut behind her, she noticed something that made her heart pound-A crowd.
No-this wasn’t just a crowd. Dozens of reporters stood there, cameras ready, lenses trained, microphones poised.
But why were they coming to a place like this?
Unless-
“Mom, why do we have to go there?” Eli grabbed Selena’s arm without thinking, fear flooding her voice.
“What is it now?” Selena flicked Eli’s hand away. “Or are you planning to argue with your own mother p>
“That’s not it, but-
“No buts.” Selena seized Eli’s hand a little too roughly. “Just do exactly what I do today. If I don’t tell you to speak, you don’t speak. Understood p>
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