No Wife, No Life Chapter 212

News of Harper being interrogated spread like wildfire.

The internet exploded with the news, and it didn't take long for Harper to become the villain of the hour. 

People with their own agendas fanned the flames, and soon enough, she was branded a traitor and worse. Negative stories about her were everywhere.

Regardless of the slander against Harper outside, Harper remained calm and composed during the police investigation.

Stephen was right there with her. The national leaders knew who she was in contact with, but Harper was a high-IQ talent, and there was always the chance she could secretly write some code and send it out.

But Harper was the real head of HoloSphere Technologies, and the main company had already moved from abroad to the domestic market. She'd have to be out of her mind to do anything to betray the national enterprise.

Stephen got that, and so did the national leaders. Bringing her in for questioning was just a formality to quiet the critics and public opinion.

After the routine inquiry, the police still needed to keep her for a while.

"The internet's going nuts," Stephen said, watching Harper check the online chatter, where countless people were cursing her.

Harper calmly closed the browser, a faint smile on her lips.

Stephen asked, "You're not mad?"

Harper responded softly, "Let them rant. The bigger the fuss, the better. The more they curse, the more foolish they'll feel when the truth comes out."

She half-closed her eyes, looking relaxed.

At that moment, Harper's phone rang—it was a call from Caden.

"Miss me?"

Harper's voice was filled with amusement, completely unaffected by her current predicament.

Caden chuckled, "Harper, you've got such a good attitude."

He had a feeling Harper had a plan, but he hated seeing people insult her.

"Caden, don't worry; they can't hurt me."

"But, Harper, it kills me."

Even through the phone, Harper could feel his heartache.

She smiled, "Just hang in there a little longer. Soon, no one will be able to hurt us. I promise."

She made the promise so effortlessly. Harper would handle everything.

Twenty-four hours later, early the next morning, Harper walked out of the police station.

She hadn't told Caden when she'd be released, even saying she might have to stay a few more days.

She didn't want Caden to worry about her, given the magnitude of the situation and the possibility of someone following her.

As soon as she stepped out of the police station, she saw two cars parked by the roadside, one black and one white.

Alex, dressed in a black suit, stood by the black Maybach, looking haggard.

Manuel, in a white trench coat, leaned against the white SUV, looking very relaxed.

Seeing the two of them, Harper couldn't help but smile.

They seemed somewhat similar, both having an inherent coldness.

The two men strode towards Harper, arriving in front of her almost simultaneously.

"Get in the car, we need to talk."

"Harper, we need to talk."

They spoke in unison, glaring at each other with hostility.

Harper was at a loss for words.

She understood why Manuel was here—they had research materials to discuss—but Alex...

It seemed as though Alex had utterly disregarded her previous words. She had informed him countless times that there was no possibility of them ever being together again.

"Harper, we need to talk," Alex reiterated, his voice quivering with panic.

Maybe he knew deep down that talking wouldn't change anything, that Harper wouldn't give him another chance.

"Harper, I want to discuss the case with you," Manuel said, glancing at Alex with a calm demeanor.

"Let's talk over there," Harper nodded towards a nearby parking lot and told Alex, "Don't follow us."

Sure enough, Alex stood there silently.

Manuel looked back, a cold smile on his lips.

The heir of the Lavien Group, reduced to this—who would have thought?

Harper didn't look back, heading to a secluded corner.

"How's the case?" she asked.

"I provided the police with surveillance footage from a helicopter," Manuel replied.

"What footage?"

"Lillian took out a loan to buy an apartment in Majestic City, where she lived with Neal. Because of the loan, she was financially strained. At work, she calculated interest on her computer and used WhatsApp to ask Neal for help. Neal orchestrated all of this, and the helicopter captured their chat records."

Harper sneered, "To control a woman, one either uses money or emotions. Neal is really something, using both."

Manuel nodded, "Indeed, his methods are sophisticated. But the defense program I created is very tight. You know, only those certified by the system can send emails to my researchers. Neal wasn't certified, but Lillian could receive his emails. The helicopter captured Lillian opening the emails."

Manuel glanced at Alex, who stood by the car, looking pale and dejected.

Manuel smirked and continued, "I handed those videos to the police. Neal is now a prime suspect. He was arrested before you were released."

Harper raised an eyebrow, smiling.

Manuel continued, "However, the most challenging aspect of this type of case is not the investigation, but the gathering of evidence. As long as Neal's hired hackers are skilled enough, it will be exceedingly difficult for the police to find any proof."

Harper frowned, "I know."

"Good. I don't want you to get your hopes up only to be disappointed. If there's no evidence, Neal will be detained for just twenty-four hours. The case will become a cold case."

"I've anticipated that." Harper paused, confidently raising an eyebrow, "Do you think I wouldn't have a plan? The day I agreed to let Neal into FusionX Company, I already had a strategy. Everything is under control."

She glanced back at Alex with a relaxed smile, almost like a provocation.

"Let's go," she said, turning to leave.

Alex stood in the sunlight, yet it felt like he was shrouded in shadow, his eyes dim.

Watching Harper approach, he took a few steps forward, then stopped.

He wanted so badly to be close to her, but knew he no longer had the right. The feeling was excruciating.

"Harper, let's talk here. Just give me ten minutes, okay?"His tone was earnest.

Harper shook her head slightly.

Manuel stepped forward, blocking Alex's view.

"Manuel, step aside. This is our private matter; it has nothing to do with you," Alex tried to control his emotions.