Chapter 108

In the interrogation room of the police station, Daxton sat pale-faced, a cup of steaming drink at his side. Aubree occupied the seat next to him.

“Alright, start talking. What happened here?” The interrogating officer glanced from one to the other, rubbing his temples in frustration.

The officers were quite familiar with Daxton and his group, which only made the whole situation even more baffling to them. They thought, ‘Weren’t they supposed to be siblings? How did this turn into trespassing? And he got beaten up this badly?’ Daxton was so badly injured that officers had to support him all the way to the police station.

Daxton’s back felt as if it had been scorched, burning and stinging with every movement. Gritting his teeth, he snapped, “Doesn’t this count as her intentionally assaulting me?”

The moment the cops barged in, it all clicked; Aubree had known it was him all along and had deliberately set him up for that beating. He’d really lost his head and actually let her get exactly what she wanted.

The searing pain on his back was a brand of humiliation, a constant reminder that he’d been outmaneuvered by the very person he despised most.

Aubree hunched her shoulders, feigning a frightened look. “Officer, I was home alone when some stranger broke in. Wouldn’t any girl be terrified? I couldn’t see his face or know who he was, so isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?”

Aubree tried to look as helpless as possible and said to the officer, “Officer, didn’t the medical report just confirm they’re only superficial wounds? At worst, this counts as self-defense, right? Shouldn’t we be focusing on his trespassing violation instead?”

Only now did Daxton snap, “I’m your brother!”

Aubree’s eyes flashed with derision. “We don’t have any adoption papers proving we’re siblings, nor are we even listed in the same family registry. So what kind of siblings does that make us?”

Daxton was left speechless. Back when Aubree had first been found, mostly because he didn’t want Carmen to get hurt, and with some other complications at the time, he’d strongly opposed his parents putting Aubree on the family registry and letting her take their surname. He never imagined that decision would come back to bite him now.

At this point, the resolution was crystal clear. Aubree had the moral and legal high ground, and Daxton could only swallow his pride and accept the beating he’d gotten.

The police gave Daxton a brief verbal warning, had both of them sign the paperwork, and then let them go.

Daxton had contacted the Wilson family early that morning to pick him up. To his surprise, when he stepped out of the police station, it was Ronald who had come.

He asked, “Dad? What are you doing here?”

Ronald didn’t respond, steadying Daxton with one hand while his gaze settled on Aubree. As he reassessed his daughter, he was startled to realize that the timid and unpresentable girl he’d always remembered now had eyes shining with unmistakable confidence.

The more he looked at her, the more pleased he became, and his tone softened noticeably. “Aubree, it must have been tough for you out there on your own these days. Dad’s been giving things a lot of thought lately, and I realize I was unfair to you before and caused you grievance. Let me start by apologizing to you here and now.”

Aubree narrowed her eyes warily at Ronald’s sudden change in attitude. ‘What’s his game this time?’ she thought, instantly on guard.

Aubree shifted her feet slightly. She thought, ‘It’s too late, and Zachary isn’t by my side anymore. But at least I’m still right outside the police station. If Ronald tries anything, I can just shout for help.’

Daxton started, “Dad, what are you…”

“Daxton!” Ronald cut in sharply. “After wronging Aubree so many times, shouldn’t you give her a proper apology and make it up to her?”

‘Me? Apologize to Aubree?’ Daxton thought, stunned. ‘I’d have to be out of my damn mind to apologize to Aubree!’

“I don’t want it!” Aubree snapped. She wouldn’t dare accept Daxton’s apology. ‘Who knows what kind of trouble he’ll bring me tomorrow if I accept it today,’ she thought warily.

Aubree said firmly, “Besides, it’s best we go our separate ways!”

Ronald didn’t seem the least bit angry. ‘Kids will be kids,’ he thought indulgently, ‘A little attitude is only to be expected.’