Rachel was taken aback by Jolly’s words. It had been hours since the incident. However, she hadn’t thought about anything other than finding out Jessica’s whereabouts to the point where she had neglected to find out more about Justin’s condition, especially now that he was in custody.
“I will do it.” Julian’s voice came from the side as he consoled them, saying, “A lot of things are going through Rae’s mind now. I don’t think she’s in the best condition to ask him for the details, so I’ll go instead.”
As Justin and Julian were cousins, having him as the visitor could save them much time in the visitation process. Meanwhile, in police custody, Justin was brought to a private room. There was only a table and two chairs in the room, which served as an interrogation room.
“Julian?” Justin stopped at the door when he saw the person in the room, but he regained his composure soon after. “What brings you here?”
“You looked disappointed.” Julian stared at him and stated the obvious, “You’re hoping it’s Rae instead, isn’t it?” A bitter laugh escaped from Justin’s mouth before he replied, “I wouldn’t want her to see me. in this state.”
“Take a seat. We only got fifteen minutes, and I have something to tell you.”
Justin’s fists tightened beside him as he walked over to sit down at the opposite table. Their eyes locked in the air across the table.
It was the first time they had a conversation face to face since Julian inherited the shares of Burton Group. It could be perceived that they were casually making a light conversation while ignoring the place. Julian was the one who spoke first. “Tell me what happened.”
“I want to see my attorney.”
“Why? Am I not trustworthy as your attorney?”
“It depends.” Julian’s expression darkened. “Your attorney. isn’t in Riverdale. He’s unable to make it here right now. If you need one, I will look for a defense attorney.” “Defense attorney?’ Justin stared at Julian intensely. “I haven’t confessed anything. Why are you assuming it will involve the court?”
Others might have had their doubts, but Justin didn’t do anything and insisted on his innocence. However, Julian was assuming and jumping to his own conclusion instead.
“Making a move on a minor? I take it you understand the seriousness of the matter. Justin, the protection from the Burton Family isn’t for you to do whatever you want. “I didn’t do anything.”
“You can say anything you want, but the police will need evidence.” Justin stared into Julian’s eyes for an answer, as Julian’s attitude was troubling. “Is it how you show your help?” “Of course. I’m here to help you. We’re cousins, after all, so I’ll help you as much as I can no matter what you do.”
Julian held onto Justin’s stare. “Once you are convicted, you shall seek political asylum in Montenegro. Forget about your past and start over with your new life there.”
“Montenegro?” “Only if you’re marrying Ginny. She can find a way to apply for political asylum for you, and you can leave Riverdale.” Justin’s jaw tightened. “You’re in touch with each other?” “She came to me as soon as she heard about your situation. This is also her suggestion. You see, she’s caring about you.”
“I appreciate her help. However, thanks but no thanks. I believe that I can prove my innocence.” “I suggest you reconsider it because it isn’t only about you. You’ll also need to consider the future of Burton Group.”
“What are you trying to say?” “Assaulting a minor is a serious matter, and rumors are spreading fast. You’re the image of Burton Group, but the negativity of it is causing the share price of Burton Group to decline rapidly at the time.”
“I’m no longer in Burton Group.” ‘Don’t forget, you’re one of the shareholders.” Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and someone reminded them, “There are three minutes left.”
Julian took out a contract and pushed it toward Justin. “This is an agreement of share transfer. To save the reputation of Burton Group, I’m representing them to repurchase your shares.”
Justin took a look at the contract before he stared at Julian. “This is what you came for, am I right? Julian, had I wronged you for once?”
Justin was aware of how he kept his distance from strangers, as he used to be reckless and rash when he first inherited Burton Group. He would do anything to ensure he would succeed in business, and he treated his opponents without mercy. However, he never did anything wrong to his family. Julian was aloof at his answer. “It’s nothing personal. I’m merely striving for a better future. for everyone. Take your time.”
At that, he strode for the exit, leaving Justin in the room alone with mixed feelings as he grasped the agreement. At the same time, Rachel was busy searching for Jessica.
Janice wasn’t answering her call. Just as the officer had told her, Janice was out of town for a confidential meeting, and it wasn’t certain when she would return. “Don’t stress yourself out. You need to eat something.”
Jolly ordered two sets of pizza. One set for the kids to eat in their bedroom, and another was left on the table, and she handed Rachel a pair of disposable plastic gloves..
“I don’t have the appetite. You can have it yourself.” Rachel was pacing the room with the cell phone in hand, as she couldn’t calm down. “I should’ve asked Janice for Jess’s father’s number if this was going to happen.”
“She’s fine. You see, as the police are involved, they would settle her in a safe place. Our focus, for the time being, is to find out if anything truly happened between them.”
Rachel had a blind spot as the case concerned two people that she cared about, but Jolly was seeing everything as a bystander. “Even though they found Justin’s hair on Jessica, it isn’t solid evidence to prove him guilty.” Rachel wasn’t in the mood to discuss. “Let’s see what Julian says.”
At the same moment, someone rang the doorbell. “Coming.” Jolly went straight for the door and opened it to reveal Julian. “Speak of the devil. You finished your business?”
“We were given fifteen minutes only, so I asked him what was important. I don’t want to make you wait any longer, but a phone call isn’t proper, so I came here as fast as possible.”
“How did it go?” Rachel couldn’t wait any longer. “What did he say?” “Rae.” Julian had a frown on his face, and Rachel had never seen him this serious. “I hope you’re ready for it.”
Her heart skipped a beat as she had a bad feeling. “Justin wasn’t cooperating, and he’s waiting for his attorney until now. I asked him for clarification, but he avoided them. And… there’s one more thing.”
“What is it?” “His attorney is applying for political asylum in Montenegro for him in private.”Both women weren’t expecting this as their expressions changed. Clenching her fists, Rachel began saying with a shaky voice, “If he’s innocent, he wouldn’t need to migrate. So, he really hurt Jess…”
Julian said, “Things won’t end well for him, no matter the truth. The rumors are spreading fast at the moment, and they’re getting worse. His image is ruined; he can no longer stay in Riverdale.”
