CHAPTER SEVENTEEN : ETHAN ORDERED YOUR ARREST

Her words rang in my ears continuously.

“I have evidence stating that you stole the money—not me,”

I let out a harsh breath closing my eyes, as I breathed through my mouth.

My nose felt too tight to take in air, as nervousness ate its way inside my body.

Any moment now, I know Tina was going to pop in here with officers behind her back.

She had already smeared my name through the office halls, and everybody looked at me like I was disgusting—a thief.

My eyes flashed up with fear, when I saw Tina, a smug smile on her face as she walked towards my cubicle with men dressed in black behind her—no doubt that they were cops.

And if anything, the badges resting on their chest proved that they were indeed cops.

“I am Inspector Jordan.

Miss Harnes, you are under arrest on the crimes of Embezzlement and theft of funds provided by the Blackwoods Industries.

You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law,” one of the men dressed in black said.

The other black man stepped forward, forcing my hands behind my back like a criminal as he cuffed my wrist.

My body stood frozen in shock, my mouth clamped shut, and it felt like air had been knocked out of my lungs.

My eyes took in all the other employees.

They had gathered around to watch the show of the company thief getting arrested.

Some snickered at my pitiful form, while others looked at me with disgust.

I shifted my gaze to Tina, as she stood by the side.

Her expression filled with happiness, as we locked eyes together.

“My mum,” I muttered outloud, but not enough for others to hear.

I cannot afford to get arrested. I thought, my breathing growing faster.

If I got arrested, there was no way I could marry Xavier, and then my step-mother would call off the contract, leaving my mum to waste away in the hospital without care.

No…no…I cannot afford that. I thought in fear, my eyes moving around all the faces gathered around.

“Where is the president? You cannot take me.

I did not steal anything, I am being framed.

Tina framed me, she stole the money,” I said loud enough for everybody to hear, and immediately loud muttering filled the air, along with snickers.

I took in their expression, and they looked at me like I had gone mad.

I watched Tina’s lips stretch up in a smirk, as she muttered to told you so.

“I want to speak to the president.

How can you arrest me like that, without the owner knowing?

I did not steal the money, let me go, I want to speak to Ethan right now.

He…he knows me…he won’t let me get arrested,” I demanded in anger, taking in their mocking faces.

“You want to speak to the president? Why Leah? What relationship could you possibly have with him, that you’ll call him name so fondly, huh Leah?”she asked slyly, raising the tension in the air as she openly implied that I was a slut.

“The president is aware of your crimes Leah.

And he gave the others for your arrest, even providing the Blackwoods Lawyer for your case,” She said in delight, and my pupils dilated in shock.

“I don't believe," I said with a small laugh, not believing my luck could possibly be this bad.

How could I possibly believe that the same man who stared at me like I was the only thing he could see, other than my arrest.

“You are lying Tina, why are you lying?

Call the president here, he has no idea of my arrest, nor of the evil games you are playing—you thief,” I shouted, sounding deranged and mad.

“Please take her out, she is disturbing the peace of this quiet environment.

This is a work place, not a home for raising dogs,” Tina said, dismissing my words.

The men immediately moved, dragging me with them as I struggled, shouting and begging, but my words fell in deaf ears.

——

I have been locked in here for God knows how long.

Another officer came in earlier, after I was questioned.

I don't know what they expected to hear, but I repeated what I said over and over again, that I was innocent.

The female officer questioning me snarled down at me, saying I was making things harder for myself.

She said, I should just plead guilty to the crimes, maybe I might get a lesser sentence from the court, but how could I when I was innocent.

It seemed Tina had not been lying after all, because the officer confirmed that it was the Blackwoods company lawyer that was fighting me on this case.

Not like there was anything much to fight.

I was provided with the state lawyer, but when going against a family as powerful as the Blackwoods, there is no fight there, when they have already won.

They basically ruled the city.

“Why did you steal from me,” A deep baritone voice said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I stared at familiar green eyes that held no expression like always.

Seeing him made me sigh with relief. I knew Tina was lying; he had no idea that I was getting arrested. I knew he would come for me.

“I did not steal from you sir,”My voice shook slightly, from exhaustion and relief.

“Why are you lying Leah? I hate lies,” he said darkly, and for the first time, his eyes flashed with an expression, and it was not the one I wanted to see—disgust. Seeing that alone, made me question so many things.

“Did you know, I was getting arrested?

Did you give orders for my arrest?” I asked, my chest tightening at the thoughts of the truth I could see clearly with my eyes.

“Yes,” he said—one word, and every hope I had shattered right there.