Chapter 133: Sean Makes Her Uneasy
For the case involving Hugo, Amber's accusations weren't the most damaging; the real blow was Elizabeth's shocking decision to provide false testimony. She detailed the events with precise dates and settings, creating a story so elaborate it was hard to believe. Who would think someone would accuse their own son of such heinous acts against an adopted granddaughter without any reason-unless it was true? This line of thinking swayed public opinion heavily against Hugo, to the detriment of his and his future in-laws' company stock prices.
"The kind of person Elizabeth is, you've known all along, haven't you?" Tina spoke calmly. Elizabeth, who would sever ties with her own son just to steal a perfume formula, was hardly a saint. Yet, Tina didn't believe that Elizabeth, always driven by self-interest, would help Amber frame her son without a significant motive. Nor did she believe Amber would risk her reputation merely for revenge without being driven by some benefit. But whose benefit was it?
"What do we do now? I went to the police station, but they wouldn't let me see your dad," Jennie choked out. During an investigation, suspects aren't allowed to meet with family. "Leave it to me," Tina said, "and don't go meeting with Amber or anyone from the Reed family behind the scenes." The situation was too public for Tina to use her connections to simply free Hugo; everything had to be done legally and transparently.
After a pause, Jennie added, "I got a call from someone at Pinewood wanting to meet to discuss this." "You agreed?" Tina's voice grew heavy. "Yes." Tina frowned. Jennie's desperation was understandable; if Elizabeth could be persuaded to recant, the case against Hugo would weaken significantly. "Jennie, stop worrying. Stay home and take care of Zackary. I'll handle everything."
Tina's calm and reassuring tone seemed to stabilize Jennie. Moreover, Jared Farrell was also there to assist. Despite never intending to exploit their connection to the Farrell family, sometimes debts of gratitude were inevitable. "Alright, Tina, I'll do as you say."
After assuring Jennie to wait for news at home, Tina hadn't even contacted Jayden when he called first. Jared Farrell, who had been quietly observing, now watched as she moved to the window to take the call. "My lord, it's our fault. We saw Amber alone in that room and let our guard down, and this happened," Jayden admitted guiltily. "It was a setup," Tina realized, thinking it through. Her men could handle assassins but not stop police action-a clever trap by the enemies, likely targeting her. "Keep an eye on Jennie and Zackary," she ordered coldly. "We will," Jayden assured her. "And find out who's really behind Amber," Tina added before hanging up.
After the call, Tina messaged Cole Lyon to appoint a top lawyer for Hugo. Only a lawyer could meet with him now to understand the case details thoroughly. "Tina," Jared spoke softly as he approached and embraced her, comforting her, "don't worry, we'll clear your father's name." He had already mobilized his resources to investigate the matter and expose Amber's instigators.
Yet, what troubled Tina wasn't just the false accusations or Elizabeth's perjury. As long as Hugo was innocent, she could clear his name. It was Sean's reaction that unsettled her. Known for wearing his emotions openly, Sean's uncharacteristically joyful appearance in the news after being betrayed was perplexing. The news photo displayed a smugly smiling Sean, which was entirely out of character.
The most urgent matter was getting Hugo released. While she could have pushed for his release through negotiations, that would only draw more backlash. For now, Hugo needed to stay detained. Leaning against Jared, Tina allowed herself a moment of rest before borrowing his laptop to dig deeper. She hacked into the surveillance system of the motel where the incident occurred, named Fast Food. The footage revealed its dingy, narrow corridors and worn, dirty carpets. Earlier that day, Amber had called Hugo, pretending to be distraught and inebriated, begging him to pick her up from this seedy motel. Despite everything, Hugo couldn't ignore his foster daughter's plea and had gone alone to help her, walking right into the trap laid for him.