Chapter 3 Accusation

• Raelynn was accused of bribing the plaintiff with sex.
• In court, the lawsuit was in full swing, and she firmly denied revealing the price amount to Colby Reece.
• She has always been aware that Colby is Kendrick's main rival.
• These two siblings have been in conflict for many years.
• She loves Kendrick so much, so how could she ever offer the lowest price to the opposing company?
• Yet, the man she had been devoted to for a decade presented all the proof.
• "The whole project was managed by Raelynn, and she communicated via email with the competitors' bidders," Kendrick stated.
• After reviewing the evidence, Raelynn gave a wry smile, "Kendrick, are you trying to set me up just to get back at my dad? Are you saying the emails you had me send are from the other company's bidders?"
• She took a long breath.
• What could be more agonizing than being sent to the prison by the man she had loved?
• Was his elaborate plot meant to keep her trapped in misery for good?
• Yet she couldn't allow herself to break down. Her father's steep medical bills still needed to be paid.
• She had to clear her name, she had to find a way to make money.
• While she had no part in the conflicts of the past, her father had always been kind and devoted to her. It was her responsibility as a daughter to care for him!
• "I didn't do this! I will hire a lawyer and prove my innocence!" Raelynn struggled to remain composed. Though she couldn't compete with Kendrick's power, after years of working as his secretary, she still had some resources at her disposal.
• In the break lounge, Raelynn stared at Kendrick as he took the stand to testify. "How much do you despise me? What have I ever done to hurt you? Kendrick, for ten years, I have loved you with everything I have, isn't that enough? I care for you so much that I would sacrifice my life for you, isn't that enough?"
• She locked her gaze with his, desperately searching for any sign of feeling in his eyes.
• But there was nothing.
• "Raelynn, the evidence against you is undeniable. It doesn't matter if you appeal. The truth is clear. If you choose to appeal, it will take some time for the verdict. By the way, next week is my engagement with Thea. You can attend, and then we'll continue with the trial."
• Raelynn shook her head in disbelief. "What did you just say? You and Thea?"
• Her voice quivered.
• Kendrick tilted his head and asked, "Are you asking for an invitation?"
• Raelynn took a few steps back and sank into a chair. "You know well that Thea Snow is my cousin. We've always been at odds. Even if I'm not worthy of you, why can't you marry someone else?"
• "Do I need to ask your permission before getting married?"
• She had never mattered to him. How could he possibly consult her on something as significant as marriage?
• Despite seeing the ruthless competition in the business world over the years, she still believed that her love with Kendrick was something pure and beautiful.
• But now, that beautiful thing had been shattered, and she couldn't understand why it hurt so deeply.
• She struggled to breathe.
• Raelynn's phone rang, and it was the hospital calling. "Ms. Elway, the patient's heart stopped suddenly. We tried everything we could, but there were no signs of life. You were aware of the patient's condition when they arrived. We did our best, but the patient had no desire to fight anymore ... "
• Raelynn calmly ended the call and said, "Thank you," as though she were finishing a conversation with a real estate agent, her tone completely composed.
• She walked past Kendrick and left the lounge.
• Back in the courtroom, she appeared composed, no longer the defiant career-driven woman she once was. She stood quietly at the defendant's table, listening to the judge's words.
• "Defendant!"
• Raelynn was jolted back to the present. Instead of focusing on the judge, her gaze shifted to Kendrick, and she smiled. Her expression was calm, much like when she used to call him "Ken" with such obedience.
• "Ken, my dad has passed away, just like your mom. He has received his punishment, and now I am heading to prison. Have I fully repaid my dad's wrongs to you? For the last ten years, I don't blame you for deceiving me. The sins of the father are carried by the daughter, and I accept that.
• "From now on, we are even! These last ten years, it's as if I never knew you at all ... " Tears filled her eyes as she turned toward the judge, her voice trembling but firm as she declared, "I plead guilty!"