Chapter 33

"Stop dodging the truth. Just say it. You fell on your own. I never touched you."

"I already said, let's just say I slipped. I'm not blaming anyone," Shannon stammered, her voice trembling as tears spilled down her cheeks.

Her delicate face, streaked with tears, looked heartbreakingly fragile. It's like she was the only innocent in a world set against her.

Steven's brow furrowed even deeper. He reached out, gently wrapping her slender wrist in his hand. "It's all right. You're all right now."

Then, with a frustrated sigh, he turned to Lucie. “Lucie, Shannon's not blaming anyone. Can you stop stirring things up?"

A sharp ache twisted in Lucie's chest. She raised her tablet, voice steady but cold. "The security cameras didn't catch the exact moment, but after analyzing all the angles, your fall doesn't match the pattern of someone being pushed."

A police officer stepped forward, stern-faced. "That's right. We've reviewed the footage from every available angle. When Ms. Rivas fell, Mrs. Heath was at least six feet away.

"In other words, we can rule out any physical contact from Mrs. Heath."

Steven's expression flickered with guilt.

He'd been reckless. He'd slapped Lucie, convinced she'd shoved Shannon.

"How could you be so careless?" His tone softened as he looked back at Shannon.

Shannon's petite face drained of color. Her tears flowed harder. "Steven, it's my fault. Lucie startled me. I lost my balance and fell. I'm so sorry..."

"It's all my fault. Lucie, if it'll make you feel better, you can hit me," she choked out, gazing at Lucie with pleading, watery eye, like a child desperate for forgiveness.

Miranda seized the moment, her tone brisk. "Enough, enough. The

misunderstanding's cleared up. Let's move on. Shannon needs to rest. In her

condition, there's no way she can travel abroad.

"Cancel her ticket. She can think about travelling when she's recovered."

The officer nodded. "Since there's no crime, we'll take our leave."

"Wait," Lucie called out.

"Yes, Mrs. Heath?"

Lucie rolled up her sleeve, exposing the scrape on her wrist, and gestured to the faint red mark on her cheek. "Mr. Heath just struck me. want to press charges for domestic violence. I also request a hospital evaluation to document my injuries.'

Steven shot to his feet. "Lucie, will you just stop this?"

"I admit I lost my temper. I apologized, isn't that enough?"

Miranda's face darkened, her voice What are you trying to

sharp. this really

so small?"

necessary over so t

Lucie ignored them, stepping closer to the officer. "Please file the report according

to procedure."

If a woman suffers domestic violence, she must never stay silent.

Call the police. File a report. Have your injuries documented.

That record is crucial when filing for divorce.

The officer nodded. "Very well. Please come with me to give your statement. Mr. Heath, we'll need yours as well."

Steven's handsome features twisted

with fury. "Lucie, are you really doing this what's next you going to get a lawyer and sue me?"