Chapter 5: Hit A Sore Spot

RIVA POV:

Mr. Havelland interrupted once again, this time forcibly. “Could I get a minute with my client, please?”

“That is not necessary,” I tried to speak but the lawyer continued.

“I think it is in your best interest if you listen to me first.”

I scoffed. “Very well. Let me have a word with Mr. Havelland even though he is not my lawyer. He can then shove these papers.”

The officer stood up, eyeing us warily. “Look, this is not how it goes.”

Simon showed the cop to the door. “A minute. Please.”

There was no room for argument. The cop left the room reluctantly but Simon didn’t seem to be in a hurry. I had no intention of rushing him either. I would face the consequences even though I had not done anything wrong. But I was willing to listen to Simon. But I hoped it was good, or I would have an assault charge added.

Simon sipped on his coffee and looked over some notes. “Riva Hearst. 25. Born in Gerva. Your father, Drew Hearst, was a Ranger before he was injured and left duty.” He chuckled. “Your father must be really proud of how you have turned out.”

My blood started to boil. “Do you have a point or…”

“Of course. Let me continue. Let us see… Right after high school you broke and entered someone's house. You were arrested and sent to juvie. You were involved in an accident after that but managed to graduate college by the time you turned 23. You work as a bartender currently, but since May of last year, you have been on parole for an out-of-state felony.”

I glared at him.

“I don’t have everything here, but I am sure if you give me another day, I will have everything about you on my desk. Even what you ate for dinner ten years ago on a random Monday.” He leaned back and appraised me. “Apparently, you got off the hook multiple times. Was it your father who begged everyone he knew to get you out of trouble?”

This man sure knew how to crawl under people’s skins. He was the kind of person I imagined Ethaniel would associate with.

“Judging by your silence, I hit a sore spot. But don’t worry, Riva. I am not here to harass you or put the blame on you. On the contrary, I am here to exonerate you. As long as you are willing to cooperate.”

I narrowed my eyes. It couldn’t be anything good.

“What do you want?”

“A confession.”

‘What the hell is wrong with this man?’

“To what?”

“You will write a confession letter stating that you seduced Mr. Ryves with the intention of theft. You only managed to grab his watch before he woke up. But it’s worth well over fifty thousand dollars. That is not a small amount, Miss Hearst.”

“Mother—”

“Miss Hearst, please refrain from using foul language here.”

I slammed my fist against the table. “Why? Why is he doing this? What could he possibly want?”

Havelland didn’t answer my question.

“The confession will remain in our hand till the end of the agreement. He simply wants you to settle this matter out of court.” He pushed some papers for me to sign. He looked at ease, like his unreasonable demand was nothing out of the ordinary.

I read them in amazement.

“These are the same papers as before. It states that Mr. Ryves agrees to drop all charges against his fiancé. But here is the thing: I am not his fiancé. I had never met this guy before last night.”

Mr. Havelland turned pensive. His face dropped as he checked his phone and muttered. “That is none of my business, Miss Hearst. You will have to figure that out with him.”

Without allowing me a chance to speak, he made his way to the door and opened it, letting the familiar stranger in.

It was none other than Ethaniel Ryves.

I shot up to my feet, my cheeks burning with anger.

There stood Ethaniel Ryves, freshly shaved and dressed in an impeccable suit. He looked nothing like the casually attired man from last night. Not a single line on his face looked familiar. 

Maybe I was actually going mad and most of last night was a figment of my imagination.

“What do you want?” I hissed.

He smirked. “My, oh my. I thought my lawyer already explained that to you. Am I paying him for nothing or are you too slow to connect the dots?”

The insult clicked immediately. 

My anger surged. “You mean this joke of a confession?” I waved the papers in the air. “Or the settlement you so generously provided? Hell will freeze over before I sign this. I know my rights, and I can represent myself if you refuse to let me find my own lawyer,” I threatened.

He nodded. “Did that work out well for you the last few times you got into trouble? You aren’t very good at presenting yourself in the best light, dare I say it. Look where it got you.” He looked me over and I shrunk back.

His tone was neither mocking nor compassionate. He was merely stating facts, and that stung more.

I must have looked miserable after the grueling hours in the police station, while he was the image of rested and perfection. 

He took the seat opposite from me which the officer had vacated, and now stared at me intently. He motioned for me to sit down, but I refused to.

I had to play it cool.

“We both know that I didn’t steal anything. So, what do you want? Why frame me?” The last part had me reeling. “You know I have nothing to offer. I don’t own anything of value to my name. Yes, I earn a good deal but that is a drop in the bucket for someone like you. But if its pocket change you are going for, then let’s just—”