Margaret Blackwood stared at Theodore Vance, completely stunned by the sheer nerve of his statement.

It seemed the concept of shame was entirely foreign to him.

Just as Theodore finished speaking, another man entered the room.

"Mr. Vance," the newcomer greeted smoothly.

It was William Sterling, a lawyer whose reputation in Crestwood was unmatched.

Margaret's heart plummeted.

This man was a legal titan. Standing against him, her chances of victory were virtually zero.

In that moment, Margaret understood the full picture.

Theodore wasn't just well-connected.

He was utterly ruthless, and he always ensured he held all the cards.

She could not bring him down. Attempting to do so had likely condemned her to a lifetime of his relentless persecution.

True peace would forever be out of her reach.

Within seconds, Margaret steadied herself, forcefully suppressing her earlier panic.

She took a deep breath, avoiding the smug amusement in Theodore's eyes, and seamlessly changed her tactic. "I'm sorry, this was all a big misunderstanding. My injury... it was my own fault. I was careless."

The police officers exchanged knowing glances. They were all well aware of who Theodore Vance was.

As the heir to a powerful family, he had been causing trouble since his return to the city.

Now that they finally had a chance to hold him accountable, they were reluctant to let it go.

"Mrs. Blackwood, we need you to cooperate with our investigation and provide an accurate account of what happened tonight," one officer said firmly.

But Margaret had already made her decision. She would not be pressing charges.

"I told you, it was a misunderstanding. What is this? Are you trying to force me to say something that isn't true?" Her tone was sharp and defiant.

With no plaintiff and no solid grounds to proceed, the police had no choice but to drop the matter. The conflict between Theodore and Margaret remained unresolved.

Soon, Theodore was free to leave. Yet, he didn't move.

Instead, he gave his lawyer a slight, almost imperceptible nod.

The silent command hung in the air.

William Sterling straightened his cuffs, his tone measured and professional.

"Officer, the facts are clear."

"My client, Mr. Theodore Vance, was the victim of a vicious, unprovoked assault."

"Alexander Blackwood illegally trespassed onto his private property and initiated a violent attack."

"The injuries sustained are significant."

"He must be held fully accountable for his actions."

One of Alexander's security team immediately stepped forward, his face tight with anger.

"That's a lie! Mr. Vance provoked the confrontation!"

"He had the numerical advantage. Mr. Blackwood was merely defending himself, and he is also injured."

William didn't even blink.

"So you admit that Mr. Blackwood willingly engaged Mr. Vance in a physical altercation?"

The bodyguard's mouth opened, then snapped shut.

He had walked right into the lawyer's verbal trap.

Alexander, seated calmly, raised a hand slightly.

"This discussion is over until my legal counsel is present."

Theodore let out a derisive snort, a condescending smirk twisting his bruised features.

"Alexander, wake up."

"Who do you think is going to come to your rescue?"

"Some ambulance-chasing hack?"

"William Sterling is the most formidable attorney in this city."

"Do yourself a favor. Admit your mistake."

"Get on your knees, apologize sincerely, and I might be persuaded to drop the charges."

Alexander met his gaze, his own eyes cold and unyielding.

"Never."

The smirk vanished from Theodore's face, replaced by pure irritation.

A low, ugly sneer escaped him.

"You always were stubborn."

"Fine. If you want to do this the hard way, I'll personally make sure you rot in a cell."

He pushed himself up from the chair, his movements slow and pained.

Every step sent a fresh wave of agony through his body—a brutal reminder of the fight.

He needed a hospital, immediately.

Otherwise, he would have stayed to savor Alexander's humiliation.

At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed on the station's linoleum floor.

"Alexander!"

Evelyn's voice, sharp with panic, cut through the tense air.

Theodore froze mid-step, his expression shifting.

A smug smile started to form on his lips as he turned, expecting her attention.

It died instantly.

Evelyn didn't even glance in his direction.

She ran straight past him, her focus entirely on Alexander.