Chapter 5 He discovered the truth.
“Don’t move–hands where I can see them!“]}
Just as the final auction item was about to be revealed, a piercing wail of sirens shattered the opulent atmosphere of the hall.
A squad of uniformed officers stormed the venue, faces stern as they declared the immediate suspension of the event and a full lockdown of the premises–on suspicion of distributing and trafficking obscene materials (
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Chairs scraped against the marble floor, glasses clinked and toppled, and the carefully curated air of luxury and leisure crumbled in an instant.
The room descended into chaos. But Zane? His eyes were still locked on the divorce agreement.]
Vanessa had no time to gloat about Zane’s impending divorce–her only thought now was to run]
“Zane, what’s going on?” she clutched his arm, voice trembling. There are so many cops. I’m scared. Can we leave now? Please?“]
But for once, Zane didn’t hear her
His eyes were glued to the signature at the bottom of that page–his own name, signed three years ago.
Panic flickered in his expression. Is this all she sent? Just this agreement? That’s impossible!”
“The must’ve said something else!” he barked, turning toward his assistant. “Now you’re keeping things from me too? You trying to get fired?!“]
The assistant nearly dropped to his knees, hands trembling. “S–Sir, the Madam just said there was something urgent at home and asked the driver to deliver this. She didn’t say anything else–1 swear.”
.1
Meanwhile, the police were moving down the rows, asking for IDs, recording names. No one was exempt. Every guest here had influence, but that only meant whoever was behind this operation had even more power
Vanessa’s palms began to sweat. The officers were getting closer. She grabbed Zane’s arm again in desperation.[]
“Oh come on, Zane, Leora must’ve realized she’s tainted goods. Any woman would be ashamed after being used by three men. She’s just divorcing you to save face. Why get so hung up on it?
“Let’s just go! What if we get dragged into something?“]
Zane shrugged her off coldly, bis gaze sharp as glass. “How would Leora even know about any of this?
He turned toward his two brothers, who instantly shook their heads like frantic bobbleheads, miming zipped lips. “No way, bro. We didn’t say a word
Zane’s laugh was dry and humorless. “Vanessa.. if it wasn’t them, then who told her? Me?“]
Vanessa’s face turned white. She quickly stepped out of his arms, sweat beading on her forehead()
For the first time, Zane saw her for what she really was–something had changed.
Hed sensed it when she returned. The petty schemes, the manipulations. He’d chosen to turn a blind eye. But using him as an excuse to hurt Leora?]
Unforgivable
Only he was allowed to hurt Leora.]]
Why are you so desperate to leave, Vanessa?” he asked coolly. “We’re all good citizens here, aren’t we? Cooperating with the authorities shouldn’t be a problem.
“Unless you have something to hide?”
Vanessa trembled under his stare, her knees nearly buckling 7–I don’t that’s not…
Zane reached out and pinched her chin between his fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze. He watched the fear flickering behind her lashes like prey in headlights.[]
Let me remind you,” he said quietly, dangerously. “Leora is my lawfully wedded wife. Anyone who slaps her face slaps mine.
Tve let you play. I’ve spoiled you, I’ve tolerated your tantrums. But only within the limits I set.“]
At that moment, the police approached them with stoic expressions. “Sir, we need you to cooperate with our investigation.
Zane gave a curt nod.
As they began moving through the crowd, something caught his eye–an officer carrying a stack of photographs retrieved from the auction platform.[]
The topmost image was only partially visible: the slender hand of a woman, her wrist adorned with a cheap, unremarkable bracelet []
But Zane knew that bracelet.
He’d bought it on a random trip, something insignificant. Leora had worn it every single day since.]
His pupils contracted. He moved toward the stack of evidence, disbelief and dread washing over him like a tidal wave.]
♡(1)
