Chapter 184: Sent to Jail
Bianca, caught between her unrepentant daughter and Terrence Sterling, was in a difficult position. She was reluctant to send her daughter to the police, but she needed to provide an explanation to both Terrence and Meredith. If her solution was unsatisfactory to Terrence, Joy could still end up in jail.
After a moment of thought, Bianca said, "Terry, today's incident was indeed Joy's fault, and it has caused harm to Meredith."
Turning to Meredith, Bianca acknowledged that the decision power lay with her, "Meredith, the harm Joy caused you tonight must be compensated. Joy's actions were outrageous, and she must acknowledge her mistake. I won't show favoritism; the situation should be handled justly." Firmly, she added, "Call the police. It's time Joy learned her lesson."
The room fell silent, surprised by Bianca's willingness to send her daughter to the police. Meredith and Harvey Fieldmouse were taken aback, finding it almost unbelievable.
Joy, in disbelief, exclaimed, "Mom, I'm your daughter! Are you really sending me to the police? Have you lost your mind? Am I even your daughter to you?"
Joy's emotions spiraled out of control. She lunged from her wheelchair into Bianca's arms, crying, "Mom, you can't do this to me. I'm your daughter. I don't want to go to jail. I was wrong, I know I was wrong, Mom."
Bianca, tears streaming down her face, embraced Joy, creating a poignant scene of a mother's love. "Joy, there's no other way. We must face our mistakes," she soothed.
Harvey glanced at Terrence, considering whether to interject and spare Joy the indignity of jail. However, Terrence spoke up, "Mrs. Chaucer, then we'll do as you suggested."
Terrence had also contemplated sending Joy to the police but needed Bianca to vocalize it first. This would ensure Joy was punished without straining the relations between their families. His agreement was also a gesture of respect towards Bianca, not wanting to escalate the situation further.
As Terrence confirmed the decision, Bianca's expression stiffened. Her initial intention was to gain Terrence and Meredith's sympathy by appearing conciliatory, hoping they would not pursue matters further. To her surprise, Terrence readily agreed.
Meredith glanced at Terrence, her thoughts halted at her lips, then swallowed back. Whatever decision Terrence made, she trusted it was for the best.
Frightened and desperate, Joy clung to Bianca, "Mom, I don't want to go to jail. I don't want to go to the police. I'm sorry, Meredith. I was wrong. It was Kendrick Gould-he said he was interested in you and told me to do it." Even now, Joy tried to shift the blame.
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Joy's regret was not for what she had done to Meredith but for being caught.
Meredith responded firmly, "Miss Chaucer, save your explanations for the police."
This cut off any hope for Joy, who glared venomously at Meredith.
With no room for maneuver, both Davina and Joy were taken to the police station. Both were implicated, Davina as an accessory and Kendrick Gould, who had been taken from the hospital by the police, for attempted rape. Terrence was not about to let him off either.
Joy spent the night in a dark cell, a place far from the comforts she was accustomed to as a wealthy heiress. She blamed Meredith for her plight, vowing to settle scores once released.
The news of Joy being sent to jail quickly reached Julian and Stella. Julian called Terrence late at night, "Terry, you've sent Joy to jail? What's going on? Does Mrs. Chaucer know about this? What could possibly justify sending her to jail and causing a rift between our families?"
Terrence replied calmly, "It was Mrs. Chaucer's decision, not mine. If you don't believe it, you can ask her yourself. As for the specifics, it's late; you should rest."
With that, Terrence ended the call.
Confused, Julian then called Bianca.
Inside their room, Meredith heard Terrence on the phone and asked, "Are we really okay with sending Joy to jail?"
Her trust in Terrence remained unwavering, believing in his judgment.