Used, Broken, Reborn, Novel

Chapter 9 Chapter 9 298 Wonchet Anthony stood before the basement, now reduced to ruins by the explosion, the air thick with the acrid stench of smoke and burning. "Arabella..." he murmured, instinctively trying to rush forward, only to be held back tightly by his teammate. "Captain Whitehead-Captain Whitehead! You can't go in! The structure is unstable, there's a risk of a secondary collapse!" "She's already betrayed us! She's already dead! I can't just stand by and watch you throw your life away for her!" "The rescue team is here, they're more professional, Captain.

I'll contact you the moment there's any news!" Anthony struggled, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the basement. How could she be dead? Impossible! But he didn't even have time to grieve; the hostages needed comfort, the scene needed coordination, all waiting for him to arrange. By the end of the day, he still hadn't received any news from the rescue team. It wasn't until nightfall that he finally found time to return to the division, frantically asking for updates: "Where's Arabella? Has she been rescued yet?" Chandler, looking grim, slid a document across the table to him.

Chapter 9 288 Voucliers "Anton, Arabella's personal second-class merit has been officially revoked." Anthony jerked his head up, "Why?!" "The investigation into the explosion is complete," Chandler pointed at the document, "The chain of evidence shows Arabella was indeed connected to the kidnappers. Although the suspect is dead and can't be held criminally responsible, honors absolutely cannot be awarded to someone with a stain on their record. That's the principle." "Impossible!" His voice was hoarse, tinged with anger. "Chief Burke, you know Arabella, she's not that kind of person!

There must be some mistake!" Chandler sighed, "I know this is hard for you, but the investigation results are right here." Anthony felt as if a boulder was crushing his chest, making it impossible to breathe. Judith gently took his arm, her eyes rimmed red. "Anton, don't be too sad. Maybe Bella just lost her way for a moment....." "Captain Whitehead-Captain Whitehead, we found this in Deputy Jensen's recorder!" A teammate walked over holding a USB drive. "Deputy Jensen, stop covering for her.

This recording proves Arabella really did betray us!" Arabella's voice came from the computer: "I hate you! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have lost my legs!" "Yes, I did all those things. So what?" "Police? What's the point of being a cop? I ended up like this all 27.79% 10.57 Chapter 9 245 Mouchers because of so-called police..." Anthony's body went rigid, his thoughts thrown into chaos by the recording. How could it be? How could she be in league with the kidnappers? The Arabella who solemnly swore with him to "be loyal to the people, loyal to the law"?

The Arabella who, even in a wheelchair, never wavered and never gave up on justice? She was so proud she couldn't tolerate even the slightest stain-how could she possibly... The bright, smiling girl in his memory and the crazed suspect in the investigation results tangled together in his mind, making his head throb painfully. When he got home, Anthony received a call from the wedding planner. He was dazed, not in the mood to deal with it, but seeing Judith's expectant gaze, he forced himself to answer patiently.

Judith, however, seemed to have opened a floodgate, consulting Anthony about every detail of the wedding. He looked at the wedding dress, but what surfaced in his mind was Arabella, years ago, in a simple white dress, her face flushed with embarrassment as he clumsily slipped a ring onto her finger amid their friends' teasing. The home he once shared with Arabella now had Judith living in it as the lady of the house. 10 58 Chapter 9 288 Vouchers Judith had changed all the furnishings, yet Anthony felt Arabella's presence in every corner.

On the sofa, it was as if she was still curled up, having fallen asleep over case files: In the kitchen, he could almost smell the burnt instant noodles from her first attempt at cooking; On the balcony, he seemed to see her stubborn silhouette, gripping the railing and working hard at her rehabilitation..