chapter502

No, this couldn’t be happening.

This was a matter of life and death. If Tarquin was wrongfully implicated in such a grave crime, the consequences would be unthinkable. The image of him facing the harshest judgment flashed through Elysia’s mind, making her heart leap into her throat in a blind panic.

She had to know the truth.

Setting down her kitchen knife and wiping her hands on her apron, Elysia dialed Lowell’s number with trembling fingers. "Lowell, do you have any idea what’s happening at the station? He’s innocent, so why is he still being held? Haven’t they cleared his name yet?"

"...Not yet," Lowell’s voice was heavy.

Elysia’s brow furrowed. "Is someone trying to frame him?"

Lowell hesitated. He was worried about scaring her or revealing too much. In Elysia’s eyes, Tarquin wasn’t the powerful CEO of the Bradford Group; he was simply a man from a wealthy family who had fallen on hard times. After a moment of silence, Lowell replied, "Ms. Thorne, please don’t worry about this. We’re handling it. Your priority right now is to take care of Elijah for him."

After hanging up, Elysia stood frozen for a long time. Then, with a determined set to her jaw, she hurried to finish making breakfast.

Once the meal was ready, she checked on the children. They had only fallen asleep at dawn, and only Elliot was awake, murmuring a sleepy "Mommy" as she approached.

Elysia whispered softly, "Elliot, I have to step out for a bit. Breakfast is in the pot. Remind Blossom and your brothers to eat when they wake up."

"Where are you going, Mommy?" Elliot asked, his eyes clearing with concern.

"I’m heading to the police station. With everything happening, I’m worried about him. His family... they aren't the kind to help. Since Elijah is his only real kin, I should go check on him on Elijah’s behalf."

A softness touched Elliot’s gaze as he looked at her. His mother might be naive at times, but she truly had a heart of gold. "Go ahead, Mom. Don’t worry about the others; I’ll look after them."

"Alright. If you’re still tired, sleep a bit more. And remember—if someone knocks, do not open the door until I get back."

"I know, Mom."

After checking on a sleeping Blossom, Elysia grabbed a thermos filled with warm breakfast, worried that Tarquin might be hungry, and headed out. Since her electric scooter was out of charge, she hailed a cab. To ensure the authorities would let her through, she knew she needed a valid reason to be there.

Josiah was also at the station, surprised to hear that a "family member" had arrived to visit Tarquin. He knew the Bradford family; most of them were likely hoping for Tarquin’s downfall. Who would bother to visit him now? Was his intelligence wrong, or did this visitor have a hidden motive?

Josiah approached Elysia personally. He studied her, looking puzzled. A member of the Bradford clan would usually be draped in luxury, but her outfit was exceedingly plain and practical.

"You’re here to see Mr. Bradford?" Josiah asked, searching her face.

Mr. Bradford? Elysia noted the respect in the officer’s tone. She nodded quickly. "Yes, I’m here on behalf of his family."

"And you are...?"

Elysia took a deep breath. To avoid any further complications or being turned away, she claimed a title for herself on the spot.

"I’m his girlfriend!"