Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 416: Chapter 416

"No. You must have found something important, so they try to stop you." Marvin's face instantly darkened.
"Marvin, are you working on the case about the corpse from the river?" Javier stared at Marvin with interest.
I said in a low voice, "Another possibility is that they try to stop you because you keep me informed of the updates."
Hearing this, Marvin looked at me with a jerk.
He and I exchanged one glance, and neither of us made a sound.
It was about my mom's death.
Marvin kept me informed of the case because he thought that Liesel had died in the same way as my mom.
That was why he got tricked. The boss behind the scenes tried to stop him from investigating the case.
However, this incident helped confirm my suspicion about my mom's death.
I took a deep breath and then looked at Marvin. "Let's start with the photos."
With the cold light in his eyes, Marvin said, "I didn't know that they have helpers in the police station."
My heart sank, but I didn't get my true feelings exposed. "They are stalling for time. It will become more and more difficult for us to crack the case as time ticks by."
The boss behind the scenes must be powerful since he could have his men planted within the police station.
As the policemen, his accomplices should have known the law better than ordinary people.
Without a big payoff, they wouldn't risk their career or break the law.
"Wait, what are you two talking about? I am confused," Javier asked anxiously. "Who are we waiting here?"
Right after the questions left his lips, he saw a familiar figure walking out of the police station.
I turned around and looked at my companions in the car. "Wait here, and I'll talk to her."
"Be careful," Marvin said.
I frowned. "Relax. She is just a gal. She won't bite me."
I walked straight to Penny. Her face was tear-strained, but fear in her eyes had gone.
"You won't get the case dismissed, will you?" I asked coldly.
Penny looked at me with her red eyes, and her gaze was sharp. She was quite different from the tearful gal in the police station.
"I don't care if your friend is gay or not. He attempted to rape me, so I won't drop the case." Her eyes burned with cold fire, and her tone was firm.
"I can give you money if that is what you want," I said.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
I knew that people Penny didn't mind selling their reputations for money.
I continued, "I might believe your story—if I didn't know Marvin. But your evidence is weak. Do you really think you can just move on and live a carefree life after losing money or spending two years behind bars? As always, the young are too naive to see the truth."
I sneered, making no attempt to hide the contempt in my eyes. Word by word, I said, "You might get paid—but at the cost of your life. Have you ever thought about why they need you to slander a police officer?
"If they can bring down a cop, do you really think you'll make it out of jail alive?"
Penny quickly regained her composure after panic flitted across her eyes. "The police will protect me."
Hearing this, I couldn't help but burst into laughter. Amused, I then looked at Penny. "Do you really think so? After a police officer was falsely accused."
I knew when to stop. I took out a note and handed it to Penny.
"This is my phone number. Call me when you see sense. At least, the cost to get my money won't be your death. You have one day to figure things out."
After Penny took the note, I turned around and walked away. After two steps, I stopped in my tracks and looked back at Penny. "You're young, so don't get your future ruined for dirty money."
Soon, I got into the car. "Let's go."
Javier recovered from the shock and then started the car.
"Will she call you?" Marvin rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Relax, just a suspension. I can do the investigation on my own."
"No," I looked at Marvin with worry and said coldly. "You are being targeted. Stay with me in Honeydew Estate for the time being."
Instantly, Marvin became excited. He said with a faint smile, "Can I? I didn't bring any clothes with me."
Javier responded, "Marvin, I do."
"I don't like to share the same pants with others." Marvin frowned and added, "Why don't you drive me home to get some clothes?"
I gave Marvin a sidelong glance. "Do you have any clean clothes in your place?"
Silence fell.
I led Marvin and Javier to the shopping mall to buy clothes. Night fell, and we hurried home.
At the sight of Marvin, Sophina had blushes on her face. Zachary pulled my hand unhappily. "Laurel, why didn't you take me shopping?"
Zachary pouted to show his unhappiness. I couldn't help but pull him into my arms. "It's Sunday tomorrow. I can go with you."
"Really?" Zachary's eyes became wide open.
My affirmative nod resulted in a pinky promise. That night, Zachary had more food than usual.
After dinner, Susan walked to me and whispered, "Miss, did your dad go back to his place? Mr. Collins can't stay here forever."
I knew what Susan was worried about. Maddox didn't change Zachary's surname. He gave me a sum of money per month to take care of Zachary, and that was all.
Maddox should make a good arrangement for Zachary if he didn't want to take his illegitimate child home. It was inappropriate for Zachary to live with me, his half-sister.
I didn't look down upon or hate Zachary, but he shouldn't be my responsibility. Besides, he should go to school, given his age.
I said, "The Parks family will hold a housewarming party in a few days, and I'll take Zachary there."
Susan nodded, but her knitted eyebrows didn't relax.
I asked, "Susan, are you afraid that Zachary will get hurt in the Parks family?"
"We all know that Mr. Collins is unwelcome in the Parks family. It is inappropriate for him to live with you because you are Mrs. Herrera." she replied.
Immediately, I knew that Leah had said something inappropriate to Sophina.
"Don't worry. I will find a solution," I said.
Hearing this, Susan heaved a long sigh of relief.
"I don't think Maddox will acknowledge Zachary as his son." Marvin walked to me and whispered, "Aren't you afraid that Melody will attempt to kill Zachary again?"
I looked up at Marvin and frowned. "She's not still that dumb, right?"