Hi Ex, Your Uncle Is My Hubby Now - Chapter 55: Chapter 55

Shelby had just finished signing the documents when Irene swiftly took them and handed them to Kelly.
Kelly gave them a careful once-over, then stood up. "I'll leave you two to talk. I'll be waiting outside."
"Alright."
As soon as Kelly left, Shelby launched into a string of complaints. "Life in that detention center is unbearable. Irene, hurry up and get me out of there."
In the detention center, there was no status, no privilege. Everyone inside was a suspect waiting to be tried.
No one was better than anyone else.
Out in the world, Shelby was rich and powerful, able to pull strings and call the shots. But in there, she couldn't even get her cellmate to give her a back rub.
Just a few days locked up had left her nerves shot. Her once well-maintained skin, pampered by money, now showed signs of age. She was desperate to get back to the beauty salon.
Irene watched her with a calm smile, saying nothing.
Shelby grew uneasy. "What are you smiling at?"
"Sorry," Irene said. "But you're not getting out just yet."
Shelby shot to her feet, fists clenched as she slammed them against the windowsill. If that blow had landed on Irene, it could've cracked her skull.
"Irene! I gave you everything you wanted—are you screwing me over now?"
Irene looked innocent. "Why would I do that? I always keep my word."
"Bullshit!" Shelby had long since seen through Irene's cunning. She didn't believe a single word.
"Withdraw the charges. Get them to release me! If you don't, I swear I'll make you pay. Don't think you're safe just because I'm locked up!"
Shelby's entitled outrage almost made Irene laugh.
"You signed over your shares, and I'll hold up my end—I'll write the letter of leniency. But let's not pretend those are your only crimes.
"Forcing your artists to sell their bodies? That's coercion and forced prostitution. Serious stuff."
She raised a USB stick and waved it. "This has witness statements and photographic evidence from your artists. I'll be handing everything over to the police."
Irene believed in keeping her promises. But she had no right to forgive Shelby on behalf of the victims.
Holding Shelby accountable—that was justice.
"You never planned to let me go!" Shelby completely lost it. She kicked the wall and screamed at Irene, her voice hoarse with fury.
"Irene! You're heartless! You'll die a miserable death! If I ever get out, I swear I'll drag you down with me!"
A miserable death?
Sorry—but Irene had already died once. This time around, if she had to die again, she'd take everyone who wronged her—Dorian, Shelby—down with her.
"Then let's see who ends up in hell first."
Irene stood on the other side of the glass, calmly staring at Shelby for a moment.
Then she stood up and said slowly, "As much as I hate you—and trust me, I really do—I still have to admit: you brought me into this world.
"Ten months carrying me. That must've been tough. Thank you." She bowed deeply to Shelby.
When she looked up, her gaze was clear and ice-cold. "Prison life isn't easy. Take care, Shelby."
With that, Irene turned and walked away.
She had made a vow: in this lifetime, she would be the one her family deserved.
She would protect her brothers in the Jackson family.
She would defend their name and honor.
Shelby was a criminal, someone who'd long since turned her back on the law. Letting her roam free would only bring disaster to the entire Jackson family.
Blood ties or not.
Sending Shelby to prison for the rest of her life—that was Irene's parting gift.
Outside the detention center
Kelly leaned against the car, smoking a cigarette. When she saw Irene come out, she stubbed it out and asked, "So, how many years are you hoping Shelby gets?"
"The longer, the better," Irene said coldly. She would love nothing more than for Shelby to grow old and die behind bars.
Kelly didn't even blink. "I'll give it everything I've got."
"Thanks. I appreciate it."