Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 183

When I got home, the first thing I did was back the car into the garage.

Then I called Quinlan.

"Sorry, the number you dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later."

Her phone was still off.

I started to worry.

Just then, Sunny, who had been cooped up at home all day, heard me come in and excitedly ran towards me. It was still small, so it could only circle around my feet.

From its barks, I could tell how much it missed me.

It tugged at my pant leg, trying to pull me outside.

It was clear Sunny wanted me to take it for a walk.

Sunny was often alone at home, and I felt bad for it. After thinking it over, I decided to take it out.

As soon as we stepped outside, Sunny eagerly ran towards Christopher's house.

Christopher was standing at his door with Biscuit.

Sunny was so excited that it almost startled Biscuit.

I felt a bit embarrassed. "Sorry about that. Sunny's been cooped up all day and got a bit too excited seeing Biscuit. Hope it didn't scare Biscuit."

Ever since Biscuit got sick, it had become a bit more timid.

Christopher looked at Sunny, who was being very affectionate with Biscuit, and suggested, "Tiana usually has time to walk Biscuit. Why don't you bring Sunny over during the day? Walking two dogs isn't much different from walking one."

I was tempted by his suggestion.

Dogs were energetic and loved to go out. While I wanted Sunny to keep me company and guard the house, I also knew it needed more freedom.

But then I thought about Biscuit's current timidness.

"I'm afraid it might scare Biscuit." I shook my head and had to decline.

Christopher glanced at Biscuit, who was still cowering, and said, "Courage is built over time. Let them get used to each other. Biscuit will adapt."

I thought about it and realized he had a point.

People were the same way. Even the shyest person felt comfortable around familiar faces.

My eyes lit up. "I'll bring Sunny over tomorrow, along with its toys and food."

"Sounds good!" Christopher nodded.

I was about to take Sunny back home, knowing it would have plenty of time to play with Biscuit tomorrow.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Quinlan.

I quickly answered, "Quinlan, where are you? Do you need me to pick you up?"

I was worried, so my tone was a bit urgent.

There was a brief silence on the other end before she mustered the courage to say, "Melinda, I'm sorry to bother you again, but I need your help."

I could hear the sadness and helplessness in her voice.

Without hesitation, I agreed. "Tell me, what do you need?"

I knew her well enough to know she wouldn't ask for help unless she had no other choice.

"I'm at the police station. They need a family member to come."

My heart sank. It hadn't been that long since I last saw her. She wasn't the type to get into trouble. How did she end up at the police station?

"Don't worry. Which station are you at? Do I need to bring anything?" I was concerned she might be in serious trouble and might need a lawyer.

"No, just a family member."

"Okay, the Starlight City police station?"

"Yes!"

"Alright, I'm on my way!"

I hung up, looking anxious, and prepared to take Sunny back inside so I could drive to the station.

In my hurry, I didn't have time to say goodbye to Christopher. I just headed back.

After securing Sunny, I drove out of the gate, only to see Christopher standing there.

"Where are you going? I'll come with you!"

"No need, I can handle it." I tried to refuse.

But Christopher didn't seem to hear me. He opened the passenger door and got in.

I thought about it. If Quinlan was in real trouble, having Christopher there might be helpful. Plus, I was in a hurry and didn't have time to argue, so I drove off.

There were fewer cars on the road at night, so the drive was smooth.

What normally took forty minutes, I managed in half an hour.

Christopher and I walked into the police station.

As soon as we entered, I heard a familiar voice.

"Officer, this woman deliberately approached my brother and took him to a bar. My brother is young and mentally challenged. She clearly had bad intentions. You can't just let her go."

The officer tried to calm her down. "Ma'am, please calm down. We've investigated and found that your brother followed her to the bar on his own. She didn't lure him. We understand your concern, but we can't accuse someone without evidence."

"No way! She's lying. She did it on purpose because we had a disagreement at work. She's holding a grudge and took advantage of my brother's condition. You have to arrest her and question her thoroughly. If you don't punish her, my brother could be exploited again. How can we, as his family, feel safe?"

The person speaking was none other than Marlowe, who I had argued with earlier today.

I didn't expect to see her again so soon.

The officers, worried about Marlowe's agitation, pulled her aside to talk.

I stepped forward.

I had heard enough of Marlowe's conversation with the officers to have a rough idea of what happened.

But I needed to see Quinlan to get the full story.

"Officer, where is Quinlan? I'd like to see her."

The officer, hearing I was there for Quinlan, asked seriously, "What's your relationship to Quinlan?"

"I'm her cousin! How is she?"

"Don't worry, she's fine. You can see her, but I need to ask you a couple of questions first."

"Go ahead."

The officer was just doing his job, and I trusted Quinlan, so I cooperated.

"Quinlan's supervisor mentioned they had a work-related disagreement. How much do you know about that?"

I could answer truthfully.

But the officer's question suggested he was somewhat convinced by Marlowe's story.

I felt a pang of sympathy for Quinlan.

So I answered firmly, "I know Quinlan. She's kind and a bit timid. She would never do what that woman is accusing her of. Marlowe's claims are clearly false. If she's making baseless accusations, I can get a lawyer and sue her for defamation."

I spoke passionately, making it clear where I stood.

I was deeply concerned for Quinlan. She was already struggling, and Marlowe's baseless accusations were unacceptable. I couldn't tolerate it.

As her family, I was here to ensure she wasn't treated unfairly or wronged.