Chapter 4

Several coworkers traded knowing looks, but no one answered. They just held her tighter.

"Stay out of it. Mr. Gladwin's dead set on pressing charges against his own father-in-law. Cops'll be here any minute."

Celine's stomach dropped.

'The cops? How the hell did this happen?!'

All she could do was watch as two security guards ripped open her dad's shirt.

She'd bought him that shirt during her first year as a lawyer, skipping meals for two weeks just to afford it.

George treasured that shirt. He only wore it on holidays, special occasions, or important trips into the city.

Even in the heat, he'd buttoned it all the way up, sweat soaking the collar.

Now, the one nice thing he'd put on was ripped apart.

His chest was exposed, and he shook with humiliation.

Still, he forced a smile at Celine. Somehow, it was more heartbreaking than tears.

"Celine... I'm fine. Don't worry.

"There's probably been some misunderstanding with Derrick. We'll clear it up..."

Celine's tears spilled instantly.

Then someone yanked out a diamond necklace and held it up. "Found it! He really did steal it!"

Jenny peeked out from behind Derrick, tear tracks still streaking her face. "Yes! That's mine!"

Her voice turned sugary. "Ricky gave it to me for my birthday. It cost twenty grand!

"I thought it was way too flashy, so I barely wore it. Who knew..."

She snuggled against Derrick, rose on her toes, and planted a loud kiss on his jaw.

"You're such a real one! I seriously thought you'd cover for Celine's father and refuse to believe me."

Derrick slipped an arm around her waist, amusement in his eyes.

"Don't be ridiculous. I believe every word you say.

"And I won't let anyone mess with you."

George crumpled on the floor, his eyes going wide.

His own son-in-law was standing there, holding another woman like she was the one who mattered.

George snapped.

He struggled to his feet and shouted, "Derrick! Did you betray Celine?! Are you... Are you cheating on her?"

"Mr. Clarkson! How could you say that?!" Jenny jerked out of Derrick's arms, her face falling.

"Ricky and I are just friends! Don't make it sound so disgusting!"

The smile vanished from Derrick's face. "George, keep making accusations without proof and you could be looking at a defamation case."

Celine watched her dad shake with anger and humiliation.

She swallowed her own rage. "Dad, calm down. This isn't the time."

Her mouth twisted bitterly. "Those two... don't matter to me anymore."

She turned to Derrick and forced herself to stand tall.

"My dad would never do this. Derrick, you're a lawyer. You know better than anyone that finding something on him doesn't prove he stole it—"

Sirens cut her off.

Two cops walked in and restrained George.

He panicked, tears spilling down his face. "Celine... I didn't steal it!"

Every desperate "I didn't steal it" tore at her heart.

But she couldn't stop this now.

Holding back tears, she said, "Dad, don't be scared. Just cooperate for now.

"Trust me. I'll prove you didn't do it."