SWNOVELS Chapter 19: Miss Reed, Please Come with Us
Others were oblivious, but they were well aware that Miss Reed was the legitimate new owner of the property. Moreover, only someone extraordinary could purchase a house here for thrice the market value within a few hours. The property manager had explicitly instructed them to keep Miss Reed's ownership confidential. To the public, they were merely tenants.
The property manager had emphasized discretion to avoid trouble, so they kept their lips sealed tight.
Initially, they did not recognize Tina, but since she frequented the complex, the security guards came to know her. At present, Elena Heisler accused Tina of being a thief?
The security guard frowned, "You must be mistaken? Miss Reed is a tenant here." "What?" Elena's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the guard. "A tenant?" Amber, foreseeing the guard's response, simply curled her lip and remained silent. The guard nodded, "Yes."
"What kind of joke is this? Pinkwater Ally's properties are never rented out to outsiders; only people of status and stature live here. Renting a house to such a lowly person-who will be responsible if something happens?" Elena yelled, infuriated. The security guard's face soured. Working as guards here, they were often looked down upon and insulted by many residents. Only Tina's family always treated them with courtesy. Mrs. Reed had even brought them chilled mung bean soup during hot weather. Although it wasn't expensive, it was a comforting gesture.
Hearing Elena's accusation, the guard couldn't help but defend Tina, "Miss Reed's rental procedures are in order. If the owner has agreed to rent the house to them, it shows trust in their character. Miss Heisler, if there's nothing else, we have work to do."
"No way!" Elena roared, "She stole my mother's bracelet, call the police immediately!"
The guard was speechless. Would someone who could spend millions on a house stoop to stealing a bracelet?
"Do you have any evidence?" the guard asked, maintaining a professional demeanor.
"If I had evidence, would I need you?" Elena retorted angrily. "Everyone here has lived for a long time except for Tina, who just moved in. After she came, my mother's bracelet disappeared. I have every reason to suspect her."
The guard was at a loss for words. When an owner reported a missing item, indeed, they were supposed to help investigate. But Tina's status was special, and they were not permitted to disclose it, leaving them uncertain about how to proceed.
Thus, the guard looked at Tina.
Tina smiled, about to speak, when suddenly a voice rang out, "Elena, why aren't you at home? What are you doing here?"
Upon seeing the newcomer, Elena excitedly ran over, pointing at Tina, "Andrew, she stole mom's bracelet, and I was asking the guards to call the police, but they seem reluctant."
"Oh, is that so?" Andrew Heisler glanced at the guard with an imposing air.
The guard tensed up.
Andrew was the captain at the Ensford police department, known for his decisive actions. Crossing him did not bode well.
As the guard stood indecisively, Andrew's stern voice sounded, "If she has stolen, she must face the law."
With that, he instructed the two uniformed individuals following him, "Take her back for questioning."
Amber internally gloated. Miss Reed being caught for theft would be sensational news. The name Miss Reed would no longer have any effect on her.
The two in uniform approached Tina and said with a stern face, "Please come with us."
Tina lifted her eyes, a mocking smile on her delicate, porcelain face, "Are you sure you want to take me before the matter is clear?"
"We are taking you to the station for investigation," they said simply.
Tina's expression was calm, yet she amiably responded, "Are you sure? Once I go in, I might not want to come out."
Elena laughed, "Are you serious? What do you think the police station is? You can come and go as you please? Stealing something worth over five million dollars will have you sitting in jail for a long time." Tina raised an eyebrow, "Fine! Let's go."
Just as they left the complex, Tina's phone rang. She was about to answer it when the law enforcement officer said sternly, "Hand over your phone. You can't have contact with the outside world until this is cleared up." Tina glanced sideways, her cool cheek wrapped in a layer of frost, "Did I commit murder?"
"This is standard procedure. Please cooperate," the officer insisted, "We will answer your phone and inform your family."
Tina tossed her phone to them with a swift motion, "Take care of it."
After a deep look, she turned and walked away. Behind her, Tina's phone kept ringing nonstop. Theofficer picked up, speaking gravely, "This is the EFPD Crime Unit. Tina Reed is suspected of theft and is being taken into custody for investigation."
On the other end of the line, Cole Lyon stared at the disconnected call, struggling to grasp the situation.
Theft? Under investigation?
Were they out of their minds?
He swiftly opened his contacts and made several calls in a row.
Each call relayed the same message, "Serena has been arrested for theft by the Ensford police department."
Meanwhile, Andrew Heisler, who had ordered Tina to be taken away, was unaware that his action had sent shockwaves through Ensford.
In Moon Gate Estate, after Tina was escorted away, Amber returned and immediately told Elizabeth, "Grandma, Tina stole Mrs. Heisler's bracelet and got caught. It's likely she won't be able to get engaged to the Farrell family now. Should we inform Mr. Farrell?"
If the Farrell family found out Tina was a thief, they would certainly call off the engagement.
She wouldn't have to worry about Tina refusing to marry, making her the substitute.
"What? Theft?" Pinewood exclaimed angrily, "I knew she was no good. Now she's put the Reed family in hot water, and the Farrell family will probably not want to continue the engagement." Elizabeth sipped her tea, commenting indifferently, "This might actually be a good thing."
Talon asked, confused, "Mom, how is this a good thing? Without the marriage alliance, we lose the investment. The Reed family can't hold on much longer without someone investing in us."
Elizabeth glared at him and said coldly, "You don't understand. As long as Tina is around, the Farrell family won't invest with us. That girl is here to go against me. Rather than that, it's better to have their engagement ruined. That way, even if things change later, Amber won't have to marry into that family."
Talon still didn't understand, "No matter how you look at it, the alliance could at least bring in investment. Now, the Reed family is on their last legs, and no one will want to invest with us."