Chapter 24 As ( 89 ) " How could you possibly have evidence ? " Sabrina's eyes widened with panic . She knew exactly who Byron was . Quickly , she composed herself , mocking Emily while reaching out to snatch the USB drive from her hand . Emily was prepared for this , dodging Sabrina's grasp and handing the USB drive to the nearby female police officer . " This is the truth , caught on video . " As long as the content was in her favor , it was enough . Hayden pointed at Emily , his face cold , shouting , " When did you record this ? When did you become so sneaky ? " Emily sneered , " If recording a video to protect myself is sneaky , then what do you call plotting against me , bullying my friends , and even faking evidence ? " " Emily , how can you say that to Hayden ? We tried to persuade you at the time . If you had evidence , why didn't you present it earlier ? " Bianca spoke with a hurt expression . In the end , it was always her fault . Emily couldn't be bothered to argue with Bianca . She turned to the female police officer and said , " The video on the USB drive shows that Byron was the one who started trouble with my friend . I tried to leave with my friend , but they stopped us . We fought back and injured them . It should be considered self - defense , right ? " The female police officer nodded , " Once we review the video , we'll have a conclusion . The law won't wrong an innocent person.` Emily nodded . She had met this police officer before ; she was a decent cop . Seeing Emily so confident , Sabrina couldn't help but worry . She argued , " Even if Byron didn't intend to hurt you , he's the one lying in a hospital bed now , while you're unscathed . That's excessive self - defense ! " Excessive self - defense could still lead to charges . Aiden felt relieved hearing Emily had evidence ; at least the Johnson family's reputation was intact , and they had leverage to negotiate with Isaac . But Sabrina's reminder made his heart sink again . Aiden walked over to Emily , lowering his voice , " Mrs. Reyes has a point . You should listen to me and try to sit down with the Reyes family to discuss this . " Emily knew he didn't believe her . 1/3 89 8:52 Tue , Oct 14 Chapter 24 " Byron is fine , so it can't be excessive self - defense , " Emily said fearlessly . Bianca noticed Aiden and Emily whispering , her eyes flashing . Could Aiden still be caring about Emily ? 17 She tugged on Hayden's sleeve , softly saying , " Hayden , what should we do ? Even though Emily has evidence , Byron is seriously injured . It's clearly excessive self - defense . If she presents the evidence , it might anger the Reyes family even more . Maybe you should try to persuade Emily ; she probably won't listen to me . " Hayden snorted , " She deserves it for not listening . " He even mocked Emily harshly , " Emily , I'm kindly warning you , withdraw the evidence now , or you'll face even harsher punishment . " " Save your fake kindness ; I don't need it ! " Emily retorted coldly . Hayden's face turned red with anger , " Aiden , you see , she doesn't appreciate it and is so arrogant . You shouldn't help her anymore . " He glared at Emily , seemingly anticipating her fate . The female police officer needed time to verify the video's authenticity . While waiting , Emily's phone rang . It was Aaron calling . " Hello ... " " Emily , the patient you treated called . They said there's an issue after the herbal bath and want you to check it out . Are you available ? " Emily glanced at the female police officer , who seemed to have confirmed the video's authenticity . " I'm at the police station right now , so I can't make it . Tell them I'll come by later . " " The video is authentic , and it does show self - defense . However , we still need Byron's injury report . If his injuries are severe and the Reyes family insists on pressing charges for excessive self - defense , it could be a problem for you . I suggest you try to negotiate with them . " The female police officer knew the Reyes family's influence , especially since they had hired a lawyer . Seeing Emily's family not backing her up , and considering her young age , the officer was trying to help . Emily appreciated the officer's kindness . She smiled and thanked her , " Thank you , but I won't compromise . " Emily added , " I was protecting myself . Byron's injuries are superficial ; he's just pretending to be sick . You should have the injury report soon , right ? " She had seen Isaac take a call earlier , looking unusually grim . The Reyes family might be considering leaving . Emily spoke confidently . The female police officer felt Emily was naive and wanted to say more . But Isaac suddenly addressed Aiden , " Aiden , for the sake of our families ' cooperation , we can let this go . But since your family injured Byron , she must apologize to him personally and get his forgiveness for this to be over . " 2/3 8:53 Tue , Oct 14 Chapter 24 Aiden was surprised by Isaac's sudden change of heart . But his tone was that of an elder speaking to a younger person , indicating a genuine desire to negotiate . Resolving this peacefully was best for the Johnson family . 89 He immediately smiled and agreed , " Of course , Mr. Isaac Reyes . Even if you hadn't mentioned it , I would have made sure Emily apologized to Mr. Byron Reyes personally . " Aiden quickly pulled Emily over , " Say thank you to Mr. Reyes and promise to apologize to Mr. Byron Reyes later . " Bianca was shocked by this turn of events . She couldn't understand why the Reyes family suddenly relented . How could they let Emily escape punishment ? She urgently advised , " Emily , this is a good opportunity . You should thank Mr. Reyes for his generosity and agree on the term . " Isaac looked at Emily with a superior gaze , as if she were a nobody . Sabrina snorted , challenging Emily with her eyes . Everyone seemed to be pressuring her . Emily suddenly laughed , " What , now everyone wants to decide for me ? Too bad , I'm an adult and can make my own decisions . I'm not the obedient Emily I used to be . " " Emily , you're getting bolder . You think you're grown up and tough now , huh ? Or have you been pretending all along ? " Hayden sneered . Aiden frowned , wanting to persuade her further . But Emily turned to the female police officer , " I want to report that Byron and his men assaulted me and my friend , with Bianca and Hayden as accomplices . " " You dare report this ? I'll kill you ! " Sabrina , enraged , lunged at Emily . Isaac , maintaining decorum at the police station , quickly restrained Sabrina . His face was terrifyingly dark as he coldly addressed Aiden , " Your Johnson family raised a fine daughter . Let's see what she can do to us . " Isaac handed the matter to the lawyer , " Handle the rest . " He then left with Sabrina , without a glance at Aiden and the others . Aiden didn't expect Emily to say that . Furious , he slapped Emily hard , " Emily , you've disappointed me . I was considering your well - being . " The female police officer hadn't reacted before the slap landed . Emily's head was knocked to the side , blood trickling from her mouth . Clearly , Aiden had used considerable force . Chapter Comments LIKE Write Comments