Chapter 543:
Elyse nibbled blueberries, then asked, her voice sharp and cold. “Excuse me? Who do you think you are? Your father caused a fatal car crash, and now you want me to find him a defense lawyer? Have you lost your mind?”
Mabel shrugged dismissively. “I looked into the accident. The victim was an elderly woman, already near death after numerous medical interventions. She was languishing in the hospital, waiting to die. My father merely hastened her end, freeing her from misery. If anything, she should be grateful, not have him imprisoned.”
Despite expecting Mabel’s absurd justifications, Elyse’s anger flared. “Lanny Lloyd is a monster. Are you aspiring to be one too? How can you be so cruel?”
Noticing Elyse’s fury, Mabel’s excitement peaked; her tone turned haughty. “Oh, so you don’t want to help find a lawyer for my father. You just want to see him behind bars, right? Well, I hate to disappoint you, but that’s not going to happen.”
Elyse scoffed. “A life for a life. Are you planning to break him out of jail?”
“Stay out of it!” Mabel snapped. “Just so you know, your plans will fail. I’ll get my dad out legally, and we’ll go home together.”
Elyse frowned. “What do you plan to do?”
Mabel replied smugly, “You’ll see. Just remember, I’m not going to let you win.”
“Oh, what a drag!” Elyse’s expression darkened as she ended the call. She’d never planned to compete with Mabel, especially not in this “battle” involving Dorothy’s life. Mabel’s call left Elyse disgusted and ruined her appetite. She set down her spoon, leaned back against the cushion, and resolved to discuss it with Morgan later.
Before she could call Morgan, however, the police station called to inform her that Lanny had been declared not guilty and released.
Confused, Elyse pressed, “Why was Lanny Lloyd released? He hit the old lady in the car accident, and there was clear evidence, right?”
The police explained, “His family submitted a medical report proving mental illness. Additionally, someone posted his bail. Therefore, he was found not guilty, and his case has been postponed.”
“A mental illness?” Elyse confirmed in disbelief before hanging up. Remembering Mabel’s earlier call, she snorted dismissively. “No surprise there. She was too bold. Clearly, she’d been prepared for anything.”
Inside the car, Lanny sat deeply appreciative of the lawyer who secured his release. “Mr. Blakely, you’re a miracle worker! Thank you for your help. I’m at your service,” he declared gratefully.
Harley Blakely, the lawyer, smiled, swirling the wine in his goblet, and remained silent.
Embarrassed, Mabel tugged at Lanny’s shirt. “Dad, there’s no need to debase yourself. He’s just a friend of a friend. You don’t owe him anything.”
“Quiet! You don’t understand a thing.” Lanny was involved in a fatal car accident that took Dorothy’s life. Ordinarily, a medical report claiming mental instability wouldn’t be enough to free him so easily. Yet, he was out of detention within a day. Clearly, Harley had used more than just the report to arrange his release; he’d employed additional networks and resources.
Lanny, while often feeling like a failure, had a keen eye for influential figures and knew how to align himself with them. He knew there was something special about Harley and decided to stick by him. “Mr. Blakely, you’ve kept me out of prison. How can I thank you enough? Just say the word. I’m at your service.”
Over a sip of wine, Harley inquired, “You’ll meet any demand?”
Lanny, beaming, responded, “Absolutely! Whatever you need, consider it done.”
Harley gave Mabel a significant look. Mabel looked puzzled.
Quick to understand, Lanny narrowed his eyes and cautiously proposed, “If that’s what you need, Mr. Blakely, perhaps we might think bigger.”
Harley asked casually, “What are you suggesting?”
Lanny asked uncertainly, “Is there a chance we could talk about a million dollars?”
Finding the suggestion amusing, Harley laughed. “Just one million? One million for three days. I’ll bring her back to you in three days.”
“Deal!” Lanny agreed without hesitation.