Chapter 123
Evelyn’s POV
On the way to the police station, I reviewed the files Jackson had sent me about Liri Johnson. The information painted an interesting picture.
Liri Johnson belonged to Calypso Pack, but in human society, she was known as the founder of “Liri Luxe” brand and a fashion blogger with millions of followers. Her father, Cyrus Johnson, was an elder of Calypso Pack and CEO of Summit Industries.
I frowned at the documents. Most of the important figures in Calypso Pack had been imprisoned in the Alpha Council’s dungeon after their involvement in kidnapping my children and other crimes. How was Elder Cyrus still operating freely?
I texted my question to Jackson.
His reply came quickly.[Summit Industries apparently has shares owned by Brownfur Pack. Though father and daughter are Calypso Pack members, they maintain close ties with Brownfur Pack p>
My expression grew serious.
So Calypso and Brownfur Packs had intimate connections. And Leon was dating this Liri? When Calvin left on his business trip, he warned me not to get too close to Leon. Had he already uncovered something I hadn’t?
Asking Jackson to dig deeper into these pack relations would put him at risk. He was a tech genius, not a fighter. If he uncovered dangerous information, he wouldn’t stand a chance against killers. Eryx, my most trusted protector, was already away on a secret mission to Thunder Creek Village searching for The Stellaris Moonbane Root.
I decided to set aside the pack investigation for now and focus on the immediate problem.
I hadn’t been at the police station long when Liri Johnson walked in with an arrogant attitude. Her expensive designer outfit and perfectly styled hair screamed influencer, and she carried herself like someone used to getting her way.
When she learned Leon Robinson hadn’t arrived yet, she immediately tried to leave, but the police officers blocked her exit.
“Ms. Johnson, you’ve been called in as part of an ongoing investigation. Please follow me,” said the officer firmly.
Liri gritted her teeth, clearly unhappy but complying.
Meanwhile, the three women from the school were creating quite a scene, insisting they needed to pick up their children despite police assurance that their kids had been safely taken home.
“This is ridiculous! I have a hair appointment in an hour!” the blonde woman wailed.
I could see the panic in their eyes, especially after my lawyer mentioned filing charges for defamation and harassment.
It was interesting how quickly their bravado disappeared when faced with actual consequences.
In today’s world, too many people think gossip is just harmless fun. They spread it around without thinking about the damage it causes. Just like the nasty comments I’d seen on Liri’s posts. People hide behind their screens and think they can say whatever they want without any consequences.
I wasn’t going to let that stand. Not only would I address these women in person, but I’d also handle the online harassment.
When the blonde woman spotted Liri, her eyes widened with excitement. “Oh my God, you’re Liri of Liri Luxe! Thank goodness you’re here p>
She pointed at me accusingly. “Tell the police this is the woman who stole your fiancé! We’re not making things up—you need to back us up p>
The other two nodded eagerly, looking at Liri with hopeful expressions.
Liri gave them a disgusted look. The sweet, friendly persona she maintained online was nowhere to be found. She eyed them with contempt.
“Who even are you people? Do I know you?” she said coldly.
I noticed Liri had already texted her lawyer before arriving. If Leon weren’t expected to show up, I suspected she wouldn’t have come at all.
She looked me up and down with obvious disdain, her lips curling into a sneer when she realized I was actually more attractive in person than in photos.
Taking the seat across from me, she said sarcastically, “So you’re the homewrecker who seduced my fiancé. Not even that pretty up close p>
My lawyer, Grant, who sat beside me with his impeccable suit and stern expression, immediately spoke up. “Ms. Johnson, I advise you to watch your language. That statement is defamatory p>
Liri dismissed him with a wave. “And who are you supposed to be? Some ambulance chaser p>
“I’m Grant Turner, Ms. Blackwell’s attorney,” he replied evenly.
“Oh wow, a lawyer. Like I’m supposed to be impressed? I have my own legal team,” Liri snapped, just as her attorney rushed in.
Her lawyer was a nervous-looking man who immediately apologized for being late. When he spotted Grant sitting across from him, his face paled visibly. I caught the flash of recognition and fear in his eyes. Grant’s reputation clearly preceded him.
Liri remained oblivious to her lawyer’s discomfort, still looking at me with undisguised contempt.
“Mr. Sterling, this should be straightforward, right?” she asked, not bothering to hide her smugness.
“Well Her lawyer shifted uncomfortably, probably realizing he was about to lose a client.
I knew Liri’s video had been posted through an app her father’s company had developed. They’d artificially boosted it to hundreds of millions of views within an hour, pushing it to the top of trending topics. She clearly saw nothing wrong with posting photos of Leon and me online, and seemed quite pleased with herself about it.
But when I suggested we livestream this entire conversation, her expression changed immediately, a flash of uncertainty crossing her face.
The three women from the school panicked even more visibly.
“Absolutely not! We’re private citizens!” the blonde protested. “If you try to film us, we’ll sue you p>
“Our husbands are important businessmen,” another added frantically. “Can you imagine the scandal if people found out our children attend the same school as a homewrecker’s kids? The embarrassment p>
“Exactly! We’re from respectable families,” the third chimed in. “We don’t want to be associated with someone like her. It’s bad luck p>
From their designer clothes and accessories, it was obvious these women came from wealthy families. Children who attended Ravenshade’s most prestigious private school typically had parents with significant resources.
Liri looked relieved at their objections. “I don’t agree to a livestream either. I have millions of followers and a brand image to protect. I can’t be seen in the same broadcast as the woman who seduced my fiancé p>
Thinking about all the vicious comments calling me a homewrecker under her post, Liri lifted her chin with satisfaction.
“You called the police on me to talk? So talk. What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue? I’ve never seen such a shameless homewrecker p>
Her attitude made it clear she had no intention of apologizing or retracting her claims. Seeing my silence, she seemed convinced that bringing a lawyer was just an empty threat.
I simply raised an eyebrow and checked my watch. “No need to rush. We’re still waiting for everyone to arrive p>