Chapter 574
Chapter 574
Cale’s question made everyone glance at one another. For a few suspended seconds, unease hung thick in the air. No one could answer right away. No one seemed certain which decision would be the right one this time.
Daven didn’t respond immediately. His eyes remained fixed on the screen, which was replaying the footage of Harold being shoved into a detention vehicle. Camera flashes burst relentlessly, white light slicing through the scene. That bruised, battered face had become the unmistakable symbol of a fallen empire.
Then the convoy of police cars escorted the vehicle away. News anchors continued to speculate, their reports spiraling outward, dragging other major cases into the spotlight.
When it became clear that no one was addressing Cale’s question, Richard cleared his throat and offered the latest update he had just received.
“Our legal team has secured three key witnesses,” he said. “They’re willing to provide additional testimony about the money trail and the staged accident. Especially the accident involving the late Mrs. Callister. Because of this, the investigation file will be brought back to court. If everything is proven, Harold and Selena will face even heavier sentences p>
Arsen added, “The investigators have also reopened the old social foundation records. Including those related to the care of unregistered children p>
That last sentence finally pulled Daven’s gaze away from the screen.
“Including Eli?” Nathan asked quietly.
“Yes,” Arsen replied. “Her name appears in one of the old archives.” He handed over a copy of the document. The background tied to Eli had already been traced months ago-long before today.
Chris exhaled under his breath. “We can’t avoid this conversation anymore p>
Daven walked back to his desk and planted both hands on the polished wooden surface, leaning forward slightly. He looked at Cale, who was still reclining against the sofa. He appeared relaxed, but his eyes were anything but.
Cale was waiting. Waiting to hear what they intended to do with the girl.
“I want Eli to stay in the house,” Daven said firmly.
Cale turned his head a fraction, but he didn’t interrupt. He simply waited for Daven to continue.
“This morning, I suggested transferring her to a different school,” Daven went on. “Her old environment is too risky. Gossip will spread fast once Selena’s arrest is officially announced to the public. I don’t want her becoming a target.
Nathan nodded. “That’s a wise move. I agree about the new school p>
But Chris still didn’t look entirely at ease. “We all agree she’s a victim,” he said carefully. His gaze locked onto Daven’s. “But I want to make sure of one thing p>
A brief silence followed.
“Have we considered other possibilities p>
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Cale lifted an eyebrow slightly. “What possibilities p>
“We all know she was raised by Selena for years,” Chris said at last. “We have no idea what kind of values Selena instilled in her. What if one day she ends up bringing a whole new problem into this house p>
Silence fell again, heavier this time.
Daven didn’t take offense. He understood the concern. The same thought had crossed his own mind more than once the possibility that Eli might someday become a dangerous boomerang, returning everything they’d tried to protect and turning it against them.
“Do you know how Eli ended up with Selena?” Chris asked again, rubbing the back of his neck. “I… I’m a little hazy on that part p>
“I haven’t told the full story,” Daven admitted. His gaze flicked briefly to Arsen. “It took effort to uncover it. I’m grateful for the informant Arsen hired to dig into Eli’s real background p>
Arsen inclined his head. “For your sake, Mr. Daven,” he replied simply.
Daven drew a slow breath. “Ten years ago, a modest house on the outskirts of Beth Village was destroyed in a fire. A married couple was found dead inside. But a neighbor managed to pull their baby out alive.” His voice lowered, steady but edged with something restrained. “They were only registered as temporary residents in that small town. No extended family. No one came looking p>
Richard picked up the thread. “I helped trace their records. There were no complete identities on file, and the administrative process was a mess. Fortunately, the village officials gave them a proper burial, and social services transferred the baby to a shelter p>
“Selena showed up as a volunteer for a social foundation,” Daven continued. “She took over the interim process. And somehow… that baby never entered the official adoption system p>
“Because she didn’t want oversight?” Cale guessed.
Daven nodded once. “Eli was still an infant. Selena kept her. She designed the entire situation to shake the Miller family.” His jaw tightened slightly. “All because of whatever past she had with Chase. From what I’ve gathered, it wasn’t even serious. Brief. Casual. Several witnesses described them as nothing more than college acquaintances p>
Chris’s hand curled into a fist. “Damn it. She said things that made it sound like my brother was deeply in love with her like he’d treated her horribly.” His voice cracked with anger. “She twisted everything p>
“Everything Selena did was a carefully constructed narrative,” Daven said flatly.
Nathan stared at the floor for a moment. “So from the beginning… Eli was just a tool p>
“Yes.” Daven didn’t hesitate. “A nameless little girl Selena used for her own agenda p>
Chris exhaled slowly, tension still lining his face. “And that’s exactly why I’m cautious. A child raised as a tool.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “She could have already become one for something else. We don’t know what’s going on inside her head p>
Cale rose to his feet in one fluid motion. “If she has ill intentions, I’ll handle it p>
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Chris looked at him sharply. “You’re sure about that p>
“I don’t punish people for possibilities,” Cale replied calmly. “But if one day she harms this family in any way, I won’t hesitate to teach her a lesson p>
His voice never rose. There was no threat in his tone. Just certainty. The kind of certainty that promised-if something dark ever surfaced-he would be the one standing at the front, taking care of it.
Chris finally gave a slow nod. “All right. If you’re the one guaranteeing it, I won’t argue p>
“Not ever,” Cale replied shortly.
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