SWNOVELS Chapter 552
"I can't stand any of you, I just can't..." Lisa was yanked out the door, kicking and screaming all the way. She wasn't about to give up easily. "Chloe, I'll never let you off the hook, not even in death," she yelled as she was dragged away. Leah turned her head, unable to witness the chaos. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but she knew deep down she couldn't keep covering for Lisa. Her favoritism had turned Lisa into a loose cannon, and resorting to drugging someone? That was crossing a line. Lisa needed to face the music.
Leah felt a wave of guilt wash over her whenever she thought of Chloe. She couldn't even bring herself to meet Chloe's eyes. Watching Jacob, pale and shaky, was agonizing. Leah turned to Neil and Ruby, saying, "Mr. Neil, Ms. Ruby, our daughter has brought this upon herself. We won't shield her. As her parents, we'll take her to the police for questioning. Please excuse us for leaving early."
Neil nodded with a gentle tone, "Take care, Leah. Butler, please see them out." He recognized Leah's hint of conscience. As parents, it was right to face the fallout of their child's mistakes together.
Leah finally looked at Chloe, whose face betrayed no emotion. Leah's heart was a storm of emotions. "We've wronged Chloe over the years. Now that she's found your love, it truly makes me happy. Please, Mr. Neil and Ms. Ruby, continue to care for her and mend the pain she's endured."
"You can rest easy on that front. She's now part of the Shaw family as our goddaughter. With my husband, myself, and her four godbrothers, there isn't a soul who would dare harm her again."
Leah caught the underlying message, blushed with shame, and hastily left with Jacob.
Once Lisa was gone, the restaurant settled into an uneasy calm. Cassie was the first to break the silence, "Well, folks, the drama's over. Let's get back to our business." She directed her words towards the curious Riverbrook crowd who had gathered.
The Riverbrook elites were reluctant
to leave, fascinated by the Shaw family's mystique. Known as the Eldridge Elites, the Shaw family might not hold the wealth of the Sartori family, but their international clout was unmatched. This was partly because Mr. Neil and Ms. Ruby relocated abroad over a decade ago, transferring many of their ventures overseas, and Ms. Ruby was a UN ambassador, no less.
The Shaw family was more than dynasty of wealth; their four sons had carved paths in politics, business and even international stardom. Such pedigree was unparalleled. The young ladies couldn't help but swoon over the
Shaw sons, eyes locked
vel
on them,
hopeful and blushing.
Cassie, noticing the lingering crowd, started ushering them out, "Alright, folks, time to move along. Let the family reunite in peace or I'll have to show you the door myself." With her no-nonsense approach, Cassie cleared the doorway.
Winston chuckled at Cassie's antics. He seemed oblivious to the art of gentle persuasion, even nudging the reluctant young ladies out the door with his foot. Once the area was cleared, Cassie glanced at Chloe, sensing there were still conversations to be had, and took her leave.
Winston quickly offered, "Mom, since Dr. Colt has treated you, let me escort him back."
Dr. Colt's remedy worked wonders, and Ruby's rash had vanished. After expressing her gratitude, Ruby nodded, "Winston, please see Dr. Colt home."
Dr. Colt waved his hands dismissively, "No need, really. It's just next door, and I can manage."
But Winston insisted, "Dr. Colt, let me walk you back. Our yard's under renovation, and it's easy to trip over something."