The bodyguards restraining me quickly let go. Clara Johnson glared at me with hatred, then forced a smile as she greeted them.
The officer barked, “What’s going on here? A public brawl? You’re all coming back to the station with me!”
I struggled to my feet, cradled Sophie in my arms, and pointed straight at Clara:
“Officer, she and her staff framed my daughter for stealing and then stomped on her hand, breaking it. I want to press charges for assault!”
Clara’s eyes flickered with guilt, but she quickly retorted:
“Who framed who? That kid stole from the restaurant. The stolen goods are still in her bag!”
“And besides, she broke her hand falling. What does that have to do with me?”
Listening to her lies, I clenched my fists so hard my palms bled, barely restraining myself from tearing her mouth apart.
At that moment, Sophie slowly regained consciousness. Weakly, she whispered, “Mom, I really didn’t steal anything.”
Tears filled my eyes.
I had to clear her name today—otherwise, she would live under this shadow forever.
I said loudly, “The restaurant has surveillance cameras everywhere. One look and the truth will be clear!”
The officer nodded in agreement.
Clara’s face paled, and she shot a desperate glance at Rachel Lee.
Rachel stammered,
“Well… the cameras are broken. We haven’t had time to fix them yet.”
I snapped back, “Broken now, of all times? Who do you think you’re fooling?”
The officer, experienced and sharp, wasn’t buying it. He growled:
“You know the consequences of obstructing an investigation. Bring me the footage now.”
Panicked, Clara blurted, “Just a moment, I’ll call the tech staff.”
Then she slipped into the back, secretly dialing Edward Shaw in tears.
Twenty minutes later, Edward arrived.
He went straight to Clara’s side, soothing her for a long while before finally turning toward me and Sophie.
When he saw our faces, he frowned deeply.
“Grace Miller? Sophie? What are you doing here?”
I let out a cold laugh, glaring at him.
“Sophie and I came to surprise you for your birthday. But it looks like you surprised me first.”
“A mistress, and you even gave away my restaurant? Quite the achievement!”
Impatience flickered in Edward’s eyes, though he forced himself to look serious.
“Grace, don’t misunderstand. Clara and I are just boss and employee.”
Clara hadn’t expected me to truly be Edward’s wife. Her face turned ugly, and hearing his denial nearly drove her mad with jealousy.