chapter152
What did Gage’s downfall have to do with Oriana?
Elysia forced herself to remain calm, locking eyes with Oriana in the dim light of the ruins. Suddenly, the pieces of the puzzle began to align in her mind, and her brow creased with realization.
“You want to corner me into a confession,” Elysia said, her voice shivering but firm. “Then you plan to hand that confession to the Slater family so they can do your dirty work for you, right?”
Being exposed so easily caused Oriana’s expression to sour. “Who’s forcing you? It’s obvious that Gage’s ‘accident’ was your doing! You’re the only common denominator.”
Elysia pressed her lips together. “In your dreams. I didn't do it, and I won't be your scapegoat. Don't try to pin your schemes on me!”
Seeing that Elysia wasn’t going to break easily, Oriana turned to the bald man, her eyes cold and devoid of mercy. “If she won’t admit it, do whatever is necessary until she does. I don’t care what methods you use, but she must sign a confession today!”
Only with a signed admission could Oriana truly crush her. This entire setup wasn’t just Oriana’s brainchild; someone far more powerful had approached her. Without that backing, Oriana would never have dared to be so brazen. She loathed Elysia, but she knew that without her connection to the Huber family, she was vulnerable.
However, a true tycoon of Jindale City had promised to be her shield. They had assured her they would quell any noise she made, no matter how loud. But the price was simple: Elysia had to admit to the assault on Gage.
The more Oriana thought about the protection she’d been promised, the bolder she became. She glowered at Elysia. “Just keep her breathing. Anything else goes.”
The henchmen nodded with eager, predatory smiles. “Don’t worry, Ms. Sutton. We’ve been around the block; we know how to make people find their voices.”
Elysia’s heart raced, but she refused to let the fear show. “Oriana, have you even considered the consequences? Have you forgotten what Keaton and the Hubers warned you? If you hurt me, they won’t let this go!”
Oriana’s eyes dripped with disdain. “If I were afraid of them, I wouldn't be here. You’re the one who should be worried. Think about whether you’ll even have the strength to tattle to the Hubers when we’re through with you. Right now, you can talk big, but let’s see if you can even stand in an hour.”
Malice distorted Oriana’s features, turning her beauty into something grotesque.
Elysia frowned, trying a different tactic. “You’re a college student. You’re educated—can’t you tell right from wrong? You blame me for the incident at the mall, but your niece started that fight. Your sister admitted it. If you hadn’t tried to bully us, you and Keaton might still be together. You’re digging your own grave, Oriana. At the mall, it was a spat. This? This is a serious crime. You’re dragging yourself down!”
“Heh,” Oriana scoffed, leaning in close. “I don't need a lecture on the law. Do you want to know why I’m so confident? It’s because my backer is an absolute rock. Even if you were to vanish today, I’d walk free.”
Elysia shot back coldly. “No one is above the law.”
“Oh, really?” Oriana’s voice was a triumphant whisper. “What if I told you my backer is Tarquin Bradford, the CEO of the Bradford Group?”
Elysia’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. “Who?