SWNOVELS Chapter 136: Needles
When Tina arrived, Professor Lininger was visibly excited to introduce her to someone. "Tina, let me introduce you to Silas Blackwood, an old friend's son who has just returned to the city. Like you, he's a tech genius. You should find some time to exchange ideas."
"Hello, Tina," said Silas Blackwood, offering his right hand. Tina took a longer look at him. She had seen many handsome men and beautiful women, but it was the first time she had seen a man who could be described as 'beautiful.' "Hello, Mr. Blackwood," she replied, shaking his hand despite his cold demeanor.
"Mr. Hollingsworth was so unlucky yesterday," Professor Lininger sighed. "He was walking down the street when a car rushed out and hit him. He's now lying in the hospital, so he won't be able to attend the upcoming French classes for Class 22D."
Patting Silas Blackwood's shoulder with a smile, he added, "Luckily, Silas is back. With exams only a month away, he'll have to fill in."
Tina remained silent, sizing up Silas Blackwood who, noticing her stare, awkwardly reached into his pocket and handed her a piece of paper. "Don't worry, I got my license. I assure you, your students will be in good hands." Professor Lininger couldn't help but laugh out loud. "I chose him because he's capable. Tina trusts my judgment, right?"
"Mr. Blackwood, we're counting on you," Tina nodded, not adding anything more.
After Professor Lininger and Silas Blackwood left, Tina stood there, watching his retreating figure.
"Tina, there you go again, eyeing another man behind my back," Jared Farrell appeared suddenly, his tone tinged with jealousy.
"I can't help it if he's good-looking," Tina chuckled, half-seriously.
"Is he better looking than me?" Jared glanced at the distant figure of Silas Blackwood, his eyes darkening as he pressed for an answer.
"About the same," Tina said after a moment's comparison, then teasingly added, "But he's younger."
That comment hit Jared hard, making him want to prove his youth in more ways than one.
"Tina," someone called out to her. She turned to see Elena Heisler looking timidly at her. "I, I have something to show you."
Jared frowned. "Who is this now?"
Elena, seeing their silence, grew anxious. "This could prove your father's innocence."
Tina and Jared looked at each other and then walked over to Elena. "What is it?" Tina asked.
Elena silently played a video for them. It showed Amber complaining about Hugo's family being poor and only living well because of Elizabeth.
"At least this proves Hugo didn't molest Amber as a child," Elena hurriedly explained. "I can testify for your father if needed. Amber has said a lot of demeaning things about you too." "Thank you, I'll take the video. It might be useful," Tina accepted the video, though she knew proving child molestation was nearly impossible with the current evidence.
Planning your weekend reading? Ensure you're on 05s.org for uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading!
"What makes you believe my father is innocent?" Tina asked curiously.
"Isn't it obvious?" Elena shot back. "Amber is a liar. That's why I believe your father."
With that, Elena turned and ran off.
Tina pursed her lips, slightly amused by Elena's change of heart.
Later in the afternoon, after a successful meeting between Hugo and a lawyer, Cole Lyon called Tina, his tone grave.
"Serena, the lawyer met with your father. He said he went to the motel after a call from Amber, not thinking much of it, only to be knocked out upon entering. He doesn't remember anything after that." "Okay," Tina responded, already aware of the situation from the surveillance footage.
"There's more," Cole continued. "Serena, as you expected, your father was placed in the same cell as Sean."
"Did something happen?" Tina's voice was tense.
"Yes, on his first day, he was injured," Cole explained. "They used a method that doesn't leave visible marks, making it impossible for the lawyer to request a cell change."
"Special?" Tina frowned.
"They used thin, long needles that cause excruciating pain but leave no wounds," Cole said gravely. "The guards searched the cell, even using metal detectors, but found nothing. They concluded your father was lying." "Those needles must not be made of metal," Tina muttered, recalling the news images of Sean's arrest.
"Their goal is to torture Hugo during his detention, regardless of the rape charges. That kind of case takes long to resolve, giving them ample time."
"What do they want?" Tina asked coldly.
"Your mother's perfume formula," Cole answered.
As expected, Tina scoffed. "Tell Mr. Reed to give them whatever they want."
"We've already advised him," Cole sighed. "But your father is stubborn. Despite being tortured all night and appearing very weak, he refuses to give up your mother's formula. He says it shouldn't be used this way." Hugo was a simple man, yet sometimes enigmatic. He could be weak in many aspects, but incredibly stubborn when it came to principles.
"Serena, those needles can be lethal if they hit the wrong spot," Cole continued. "We can't get a cell change, and someone is blocking his bail application. What do you think we should do?"