?<strong>Chapter 120:</strong>


    Adrian had been mentioning Rafael too frequently ofte. Maintaining herposure, Joelle questioned, “Are you jealous of Rafael?”


    “You’re overthinking it,” Adrian retorted, though his tone betrayed a hint of irritation.


    “Don’t you see the hypocrisy? You insinuate something between me and Rafael, yet what about your situation with Reba? Remember who your wife is!” At her words, a smirk briefly touched Adrian’s lips.


    It seemed Joelle’s outward calm was merely a veneer. “Reba is in no state to be left alone. Do you really feel threatened by someone so ill?”


    “Yes, she’s sick and pitiable. So, I won’t argue anymore. Adrian, she’s all yours. I hope you find the happiness and family you desire with her.”


    Adrian frowned slightly; Joelle’s jealousy seemed excessive. “The only person I want to have children with is you.”


    Joelle recalled Reba’s earlier words, a cold realization dawning on her.


    Everyone knew the risks involved with childbirth. If Adrian had indeed proposed to Reba, would it pave the way for them to solidify their bond once her child was born?


    This bitter thought sent a shiver down her spine. “The child was already there, but you killed it with your own hands.”


    When Adrian had coerced Joelle onto the operating table to terminate the pregnancy, she vowed never to acknowledge him as the father of her child.


    That child was a memory Adrian preferred to erase. His voice grew stern. “Joelle, that child wasn’t ours.” Weary of the constant disputes, Joelle replied resignedly, “If you say it’s not ours, then it’s not. I’m too tired. I’m going to sleep now.”


    After ending the call, Joelle gently touched her abdomen and whispered to herself, “Baby, I will protect you at all costs.”


    The next day, a ck car idled at the entrance of the prison.


    Michael was in the driver’s seat, Lacey beside him, while Joelle sat in the back.


    Michael nced at her in the rearview mirror, his hand on the steering wheel. “Joelle, are you sure you want to go through with this?”


    Joelle clenched her fists, her resolve clear. She was there to unearth the truth behind Ned’s confession.


    Lacey gave Michael’s arm a reassuring pat. “Come on, we’vee all this way. Wouldn’t it be a waste not to find out?”


    Michael exhaled deeply. “Just this once, okay? I feel like I’m betraying Adrian by being here with you.”


    Lacey chuckled. “What? You’ve got a soft spot for Adrian? Helping his wife is indirectly helping him, isn’t it?”


    “It’s not the same.”


    The trio walked in, already expected, and were escorted to a small, stark room where Ned, both handcuffed and shackled, faced interrogation.


    He appeared bewildered as he surveyed the unusual setup, especially the special ss wall dividing the room’s center.


    Joelle and herpanions settled behind the ss. They could see Ned clearly, but he remained unaware of their presence.


    A prison guard brandished several photos in front of Ned, demanding recognition.


    Ned asked, “What’s the point of these pictures?”


    “Cut the crap. Just tell us if you recognize anyone,” the guard retorted sharply.


    Feeling cornered, Ned recoiled, shrinking back.


    The guard methodically disyed each photo, to which Ned repeatedly shook his head.


    Then came Erick’s photo.


    Joelle held her breath.


    “Do you recognize this man?” the guard pressed.


    Ned nced down quickly. “I don’t recognize him.”


    “Take a good look,” the guard insisted.


    With a dismissive nce, Ned repeated, “I really don’t know him.”


    “Don’t know him? Then exin why you epted his money?” the guard countered sharply.


    At this, Ned’s head snapped up, a telling reaction.


    Joelle felt a chill run through her. Her heart sank as the implications dawned on her, her body tensing involuntarily.


    Lacey and Michael exchanged nces with Joelle, their expressions revealing they suspected more to the story. The guard pressed on with his questioning of Ned, his tone sharp. “Are you going to talk, or do I need to spell it out for you?”


    Silence hung heavily in the room as Ned visibly struggled under the weight of his dilemma.


    Admitting guilt could show cooperation, possibly leading to a lighter sentence.


    “This man is…” Ned hesitated, ncing at the guard’s stern face, then continued, “He coerced me into nning to assault Joelle and then paid me to take the fall.”


    The guard’s face remained impassive. “Why didn’t youe forward sooner?”


    Ned’s voice dropped to a whisper. “My grandmother needed surgery. I had no choice…”


    “Did you actually assault Joelle?” the guard pressed.


    Ned shook his head vehemently. “I swear! Nothing happened! It was stopped before anything could ur!”


    The guards exchanged a knowing look and nodded to each other. “So, you’re sure he was the one who pushed you to do it?”


    Ned nodded emphatically. “Officer, I’ve told you everything. Can I go now?”


    “That’s impossible.”


    In a sudden twist, the two guards stripped off their uniforms. Ned’s eyes widened in disbelief.


    Weren’t they police officers?


    The two men approached Michael. “You got all that…”


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