The police officers exchanged weary glances . One of them took Seraphina by the arm to arrest her as well . That's when she finally panicked , grabbing onto Elias's leg . " Darling , call the chief of police! Tell them to let me go ! One phone call , that's all it takes ! I can't have a criminal record ! I'm your one true love ! " Elias knelt down and pried her fingers off him , one by one . His eyes were filled with a profound disappointment . " Seraphina , bribing a police officer is a crime . And I don't know the chief of police . " She stared at him , incredulous . " How is that possible ? You're a powerful CEO ! You can make or break fortunes with a snap of your fingers ! A city police chief is nothing to you ! " Amelia , who had been pressing a cloth to my wound , finally had enough . She stood up , delivered a blistering monologue about Ser- aphina's ancestry , then turned on Elias . " When Seraphina abandoned her autistic daughter , you came to me , begging for help . I intr- oduced you to my most brilliant classmate , Kristin . She was at the top of our class , better than I ever was . If she hadn't given up her career to care for Pearl , she would be a world - renowned expert by now . You promised me you would take care of her . Is this how you take care of her ? " 5 Amelia pointed at the gash on my face and unleashed another volley of curses at Elias . I nodded . " Mr. Hayes , I was just about to tell you . This job has become too dangerous . I'm resigning . " I gently handed the now - calm Chapter 2 Pearl back to him . The moment she left my arms , she started to fuss again . 11.49 Elias looked like he had aged twenty years in an instant . " Kristin , " he said , his voice hoarse , " if it's about the money , I can pay you more . You see how much Pearl needs you . Name your price . I'll do anything . Just ... please don't quit . " I had never seen the proud , powerful Elias Hayes so humbled . More importantly , Pearl wasn't just any child . She was autistic . I had built a bond with her . If I just walked away , what would that do to her ? My mind was a chaotic mess . Before I could think it through , Seraphina went berserk . She broke free from the police and lunged at me . " You bitch ! You've got some nerve , making my husband beg you to stay ! I won't let you win ! I'll scratch your face up , and then we'll see if he still wants you , you cheap copy ! " She was immediately subdued , pinned to the cold floor by several officers , still screaming and thrashing . This time , even Elias didn ' t try to help her . He just held his daughter , turned his head away , and let the police take her away .