Chapter 472 Tell The Truth
Watching the back of Lincoln as he left, I felt a tension building up in my chest. Anxiousness crept within me when Michael did not appear at the police station the following day.
According to my understanding of the man, he would definitely come upon finding out that I was at the station. Yet, he did not turn up after such a long time. I was beginning to question whether the housekeeper did reveal the matter to him.
Locked up in the station for the entire night, I could not sleep. I was feeling awfully insecure as I had no idea what exactly Lincoln wants from me. I was even worried he would really keep to his words if I chose not to agree to his request.
Every minute and every second in there was a torment to me. It was a feeling I had never been through before.
Only on the afternoon two days later did Michael make his presence. Tears instantly welled up on the rims of my eyes when I caught sight of him as I was feeling extremely aggrieved.
Sitting before Michael, I felt my nose stinging.
“I thought you wouldn’t show up. Why did it take you so long before coming here to meet me?”
I was living in fear for the whole of last night as he did not appear, but now that I saw him, I began grumbling about why he did not come earlier.
“I only know today that you’re locked up in the police station. I’ve been searching everywhere for you since last night!”
I supposed he must be exhausted since his dark eye circles were visible to the eyes, most likely due to his lack of sleep for the entire night.
His words had given me instant comfort, and like what I had expected, he would never leave me in the lurch.
“You should know by now why I’m here. It’s all because of your father.”
At the thought that Lincoln was the culprit for my predicament, I could not help but feel my blood boil.
“Mmm, I know. Rest assured that I won’t let you go to jail. I’ll get you out.” Michael’s face sank after hearing my words. But he soon recovered and held onto my hands firmly as he said that.
His assurance had somewhat acted like the antidote to my immense fear. I felt a weight off my shoulders to learn that he cared so much about me.
“Yeah, I believe you. But I think if your father is adamant about splitting us up, he won’t give up so easily.”
Convinced how Lincoln must have hated me to the core, I figured it would not be an easy task for Michael to change the former’s mindset.
“There’s an easier solution right now,” Michael placidly muttered as he looked into my eyes.
“What is it?” I hastily asked.
Even though I knew he would do his best to protect me, I still wished that I could leave this place as soon as possible. Being detained at the police station only made me insecure as I was constantly worried that they would convict me of a charge at any time.
“Tell the truth. Tell the police you didn’t do that, and reveal who’s the one who harmed my mom. I know you have an idea who the culprit is.” Michael sounded serious.
I could only stare at him in astoundment as I felt my heart beating violently. In truth, the man before my eyes was not that easy to fool as he had a good idea of how things worked.
I lowered my head, my mind in turmoil as I struggled to make a decision.
Perhaps I would choose to tell the truth when things had escalated to a point where there was no other way out. But since the situation had not gotten to that stage, if anyone learned that it was all Steven’s doings, he would have to go through everything I did.
Knowing well how Steven meant everything to my parents, there was no way they could continue living their lives if he was to go to jail. They would blame me for their entire lives instead.
Despite knowing that I would be able to break free from being faulted and lessened the hatred Lincoln had toward me, I still could not steel myself and testify against Steven.
“You’re still hesitating at this point? Do you wish to go to jail? That’s the easiest solution. In fact, I have an answer even without you telling me. Who else other than your kins would you be so willing to take the blame? The only thing I haven’t figured out is who between the three of them did it.”
Seeing how unresponsive I was, Michael questioned me again. This round, the calmness within him had seemed to be replaced by some agitation and anxiousness.
Sheer astonishment inundated me. It turned out that it was not just his suspicions but his actual knowledge of the entire situation.
“M-Michael, stop your wild guesses.”
I felt uneasy as I had no idea what Michael would do if he found out that Steven was the culprit. But knowing how I had a special place in his heart, it would not be a wonder that he would expose him in exchange for my innocence.
“Wild guesses? Anna, do you think you’re too smart, or do you think I’m that dumb? Do you think I can’t tell what you’re trying to do?”
Upon hearing my words, Michael furrowed his brows tightly. The gazes he threw toward me had a spark of anger in them.
“Can you let me think about it carefully? I don’t know what I should do now. Please don’t force me…”
At that moment, I was losing control of my emotions. I was conflicted about the choices to make. Despite knowing I would be able to get out of this mess as long as I exposed Steven, I could not bring myself to do that. Well, I had to say I did hate myself for my indecisiveness at times.
Watching me suffering in agony, Michael knitted his brows tightly. I could sense that he was seething in anger even though he remained silent.
“Listen, Dad won’t compromise that easily. When I tried to bail you out earlier, the police made the excuse that you’re a suspect and aren’t allowed to leave this place. I believe Dad has ordered them to do that.” After a long while of silence, Michael spoke again.
That stormy expression on his face was enough to show how this matter was no easy feat to solve.
“I’m fine. I believe we’ll be able to find a solution. Michael, you should know what I cared about the most. I know you’re worried about me, but this is the last thing I’ll do for them. I’ll never make such a silly choice again.” I looked into his eyes as I said those words earnestly.
I was worried that Michael would investigate which of my family member had harmed Josephine. Even though I made my words subtle, I knew he had understood my meaning to it.
“You’ve done so much for them, but they’ve never taken you as their family. Anna, sometimes I wonder if you’re too affectionate or plain foolish. They have such an important place in your heart, yet to them, you’re nothing!”
