Chapter 0121
While the Palmer family enjoyed a quiet dinner in Limavalle, events in Valeria were unfolding that would have a profound impact on Mary Preston.
“Miss Levett, both my brother and I are innocent. We only want assurance that we can stop running,” said Camilla Preston.
“Camilla, let’s be honest. You know that’s not true,” Alexia Levett replied with a sharp tone. “What you really want is for your father to take the blame. He’s old, and he wouldn’t serve much time in prison. If it were you two instead, well, you’d get several years, and on top of that, your properties would be sold to cover the damages. Am I wrong?
“Miss, I’ve already told you our price. If the transfer is made now, we’ll sign the statement. Just as you want, my father can be arrested tomorrow at Catherine Palmer’s house.”
“That’s a lot of zeroes you’re asking for. Do you really think you’ll have enough time in life to spend all that money?”
“Miss, that shouldn’t concern vn and more.”
10
I know whoever is behind this has enough to pay for our testimony
“Hah, you’re right about that. Besides, the person who wants your father out of Valentia isn’t just anyone. He’s an honorable and respected man,” Alexia said, sliding a piece of paper with a figure across the table. “Here’s what I’ll offer you and your brother. It’s not what you asked for, but it’s not insignificant either.”
“This is a lot of money! But it’s still not the amount I demanded,” Camilla said, trying to push for more
“Take it or leave it. But know this–if you refuse, you’ll have two hours to leave the country. After that, I’ll alert the authorities to your presence, and you’ll lose our protection,” Alexia replied coolly.
“Alexia Levett! That’s not what we agreed on!” Camilla said, offended.
“No, but I also never agreed to give you the amount you asked for. I said we’d reach a deal that would satisfy both sides. From where I stand, this offer is fair. You sign the confession, and I’ll pay for plane tickets to any destination of your choice, along with the sum I’ve offered. Nothing more,” Alexia said with measured calm.
Camilla turned to her brother, Alexander, who had remained silent throughout the evening.
“Say something, Alexander. What do you think?” she asked.
“I think,” Alexander began, “that you, Miss Levett, have us in the palm of your hand. We have no choice but to accept your terms. Camilla, sign the damn paper, and let’s get out of here. The authorities in Hesperia are corrupt. Dad will be able to bribe a judge or two and get out because of his age.”
“Are you sure, Alexander?”
“Miss Levett, just one thing,” Alexander said, his voice steadier than before.
“What is it?” Alexia asked.
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“Albert Preston deserves to be in prison for everything he took from us when we returned to Hesperia all
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Chapter 0121
those years ago. But my daughter, Mary Preston, had nothing to do with any of this. She must remain free from any charges, just like us.”
For the first time, Alexander Preston showed a flicker of remorse for how his actions might affect his daughter. But by signing the document that pinned the blame solely on their father, Albert Preston, as the mastermind behind the embezzlement of company funds, Alexander and Camilla were also sealing Mary’s fate.
Unbeknownst to them, they didn’t fully understand who they were negotiating with or the hidden intentions that loomed over the entire Preston family. Loose ends were not an option for Alexia Levett.
“I understand your concern. Rest assured, Mary Preston will be left out of this entirely. She will remain free and can even return to Hesperia if she wishes,” Alexla said with unwavering confidence.
With those words, Alexander and Camilla signed their respective statements. Each one named Albert Preston as the sole mastermind of the embezzlement scheme.
As their pens moved across the paper, they failed to realize that the deal they had struck would have far- reaching consequences–ones that neither they nor Mary could escape.
