Page 104 of Owned By a Billionaire

“Don’t say anything,” I said. “I’m calling our lawyer right now.”

Oncebailwasgranted,Manon was released. Shivering and looking drawn, she hugged Drake, who’d spent hours pacing around at the police station.

“Are you okay?” I asked. I hadn’t slept for two nights, worried sick.

“I am fine. But it was awful. I can’t go back in.” Her voice cracked. “And I could really do with a cup of tea and something sweet.”

Drake gave her a sad smile and wrapped his arm around her waist.

We went to a café close by, and after we’d received our orders, I asked, “What exactly happened, Manon?”

She was about to answer when a photo was snapped.

“The fucking media haven’t wasted time,” Drake said, looking ruffled and exhausted.

“I called my lawyer to see what could be done. Nothing, apparently, according to him.” I sighed. “One downside to being a Lovechilde.”

We drank our tea quickly and prepared to leave through the crowd of reporters outside.

“Great.” Manon buried her head in her hands. “I look terrible.”

“Don’t show any emotion,” I said as we pushed out into the crowd. “Look dignified. Now, let’s make haste.”

We fought through the media scrum, with Drake acting like a bodyguard as he shoved past eager reporters, pushing away their cameras and clearing a path for us.

Once we were in the car, Manon cried on Drake’s shoulder all the way back to Bridesmere.

Despite my internal deluge of questions, I gave her the space she needed.

The moment we arrived home, Manon ran to the nursery where Janet was caring for Evangeline. She came out hugging her daughter while continuing to sob, and Drake placed his arm around her, trying to reassure her that everything would be okay.

I left them alone and went in search of Mark, who often favored the family room, also known as the yellow room. When I entered, I was met by the entire family, all looking up at me at the same time and obviously eager for news.

“What happened?” Declan asked.

“She’s been granted bail. The media’s swarming. Some even followed us back here.”

“Oh shit,” Ethan said. “Here we go. There’ll be a feeding frenzy for the media.”

“Where’s Manon now?” Savanah asked.

“She’s gone to her room with Drake and Evie.”

“Poor thing.”

“Has she made a statement?” Declan asked.

I nodded, and a jagged breath left my mouth. Mark arrived and came to sit by my side, holding my hand. “She insists she didn’t do it.”

“What have they got on her?” Ethan asked.

“They found the weapon in a skip with her fingerprints and another set of prints.”

“Well, that says something,” Savanah said.

“The kitchen staff?” Declan asked.

“They’ve been ruled out. It was a foreign weapon, apparently.”

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