Chapter 11 I won't let anyone slander my wife

At the police station, things moved quickly. Celeste was soon whisked away for a solo interrogation. The thick steel door clanged shut, and the officer, in uniform, gave her a thorough once-over. "What's with the rough look?" Zoe scrutinized the young woman in front of her. Celeste's outfit was upscale, but her makeup was smeared and her hair was a mess, like she'd been through a lot. Knowing Celeste's capabilities, Zoe, a senior officer at Sea City Police Station and Celeste's longtime contact, was well aware that Celeste wasn't one to be easily messed with. Ignoring the formality, Celeste grabbed a coffee, kicked off her heels, and casually draped her legs over the chair, sighing. "You think I wanted to be here? I needed to get in touch with you." "What's the update?" Zoe knew the importance of the information and became immediately serious. "We're still trying to flip Molly to get more leads, but progress is slow. The boss is extremely cautious; he doesn't even go out much." Zoe processed the information swiftly. "You've got crucial info. Thanks for that. Now, about you being mistaken for a thief, how do you want me to handle it?" "Just follow the book," Celeste replied, standing up slowly and brushing her hair from her forehead, revealing a captivating smile. Just then, loud arguing echoed from outside. "Where is she?!" A deep voice boomed, filled with anger and authority. Zoe's face tensed; she hurried to the door. "Who dares to make trouble here?" But stepping outside, she saw a total change in Celeste, who just seconds ago was full of confidence. "You—" Nathaniel entered to find Celeste emerging from the interrogation room, her luxurious dress stained and clinging awkwardly to her. Her hair was disheveled, partly covering her pale face, and visible scratch marks marred her neck. She clung to the wall, looking like she might pass out any moment. "Mr. Ford…" Celeste's voice was barely a whisper. Approaching her, Nathaniel noticed a tear in her eye. As he took her hand, it fell. His heart skipped a beat. "Did they bully you?" Instinctively, Celeste nodded, but upon seeing Chloe, she quickly shook her head. Her eyes were downcast and teary as she leaned into Nathaniel, looking absolutely vulnerable. Even Zoe was shocked by the transformation. This poor, delicate flower—what man could resist? Nathaniel's brow furrowed and his eyes sharpened. Zoe couldn't help but be amazed. After years of working with Celeste, she knew her acting chops were solid, but she didn't realize Celeste had reached such a masterful level. That perfectly timed tear, the subtle expression of fear that flashed across her face, she managed to stir up a storm without saying a word, putting Chloe and Ava in the hot seat. Nathaniel had already taken off his jacket and draped it over the shivering girl, a kind gesture. He glanced up, throwing a cold look towards Chloe and her crew. "It's not... a misunderstanding. Nathaniel, my sister was just trying to do the right thing. She thought this lady stole your card, so she wanted to sort it out. We didn't know you gave it to her." Isaac quickly intervened, hoping to smooth things over before they escalated. "When did it become your place to meddle in my affairs?" He paused, his voice growing even colder, "Chloe, did you do this on purpose?" "What if I did?" Chloe shot back, her eyes red with jealousy as she watched Nathaniel protect Celeste. Why does she get what I can't have? Just because she's a bar girl? Isaac was beside himself with worry. How could he have such a foolish sister? Couldn't she see that Celeste was the apple of Nathaniel's eye? And she's only making things worse? "I was just doing the right thing! Someone like her with a billion-dollar card, looking all guilty. What's wrong with calling the cops? "Nathaniel, are you really going to punish me over some lowly bar girl?" "I won't stand for this!" "Who told you she's just a bar girl?" Nathaniel's face grew even darker as Chloe kept throwing insults, terrifying Celeste so much she shook in his arms. Celeste played the part of the scared girl to perfection, her face hidden in his chest, yet a sly smile peeked through. "What else then? She's a nobody from the countryside, not fit for the high society." Chloe still didn't think she was wrong. A nobody from the lower class, even if wrongly accused, deserved it in her eyes. "If it hadn't been for you constantly rejecting me, Nathaniel, yet falling for such a woman, I wouldn't have—" "Shut up!" Nathaniel clenched his fist, muttered a curse, and scooped up the trembling girl, striding out as he spoke deliberately. "I won't let anyone slander my wife."