Chapter 53
Investigation
Meghan’s POV
I didn’t want to do it but he pushed me to the wall. Every time they wanted Meghan to be the bad egg. The one with the heart of stone, plotting to take what doesn’t belong to her but they didn’t understand. They never understood.
Carter had left me no choice. He was arrogant, selfish, and dismissive, always assuming he could steamroll over me without consequences. I warned him, over and over, that I wasn’t someone he could treat like an afterthought. But he never listened. I tried to give him the love that he deserved but he trampled on it and spat in my face.
Now, he was learning the hard way.
I sat in the comfy couch of the guest room I’d rented for the night, sipping tea and scrolling through the endless barrage of messages flooding my phone. Some were from his family, others from nosy onlookers who had caught the drama earlier. The majority of them? Full of pity, encouragement, or downright venom for Carter.
“Stay strong, Meghan. You and your baby deserve better.”
“He’s scum. I saw the way he grabbed your arm!”
“Don’t let him get away with this.”
I smirked, tossing the phone onto the bed. People were so gullible. All it took was a few tears, a well–timed sob, and the world would fall at your feet. Especially those lousy fans.
It wasn’t as though I wanted to go this far, but Carter forced my hand. He thought he could walk away from me, leave me to fend for myself while he lived his charmed life. Not a chance.
I placed a hand on my stomach, a stomach that was most definitely not carrying his child, and sighed. The baby wasn’t his, of course, but it didn’t matter. It was the perfect card to play. Who wouldn’t believe the story of a desperate, pregnant woman being mistreated by her cold–hearted fiance?
Now every thing was to my advantage.
Carter and his family had wealth, connections, and power, and they used it to crush anyone who dared cross them. But I wasn’t just anyone. I was Meghan, the
Charming, clever Meghan. They underestimated me, and now they were paying the price.
The knock at the door startled me out of my thoughts. I set my tea down and opened it cautiously.
A familiar face greeted me, a man in a black suit, his expression unreadable. “Ms. Sterling?”
“Yes?” I said, folding my arms.
“My name is Detective Richards,” he said, holding up a badge. “I need to ask you a few questions about the incident earlier tonight.”
I feigned a shaky breath, letting tears spring to my eyes. “Oh… of course, Detective. Anything to help. It’s been such a difficult night…”
As I stepped aside to let him in, I reminded myself to keep my story straight. Every detail had to align.
Because no matter how hard Carter and his family fought, I couldn’t.
11300
afford to lose.
Detective Richards stepped inside, his eyes scanning the modest room. I motioned for him to sit at the small table by the window while I settled. into the chair opposite him. I clasped my hands together, making sure they trembled just enough to sell the act.
He opened a small notepad and clicked his pen. “Ms. Sterling, I know this is a difficult time for you, but I need to establish a clear picture of what happened tonight. Can you walk me through the events from the beginning?”
nodded, biting my lip as though holding back tears. “It started as a ormal evening. Carter and I went to a gala and got thrown out, unfortunately. We were outside discussing some… personal matters. I’ve been trying to keep things peaceful for the sake of our baby, but he’s been so volatile lately.” I paused, letting my voice quiver. “He started raising. his voice, and then he grabbed my arm.
The detective’s pen moved quickly, jotting down notes. “Grabbed your arm, you said? Did he hurt you? Leave any marks?”
I hesitated, feigning embarrassment. “I… I don’t think so. It happened so fast, and I was more concerned about protecting myself and the baby.”
His expression remained neutral as he scribbled. “Alright. Then what happened?”
“I pulled away and begged him to stop,” I said, lowering my gaze. “But he just got angrier. That’s when I fell. I don’t even know if he pushed me or if I tripped, it was all such a blur. I just remember people gathering around, and I was so scared.”
“And you’re certain he made threats toward you and the baby?” Richards. pressed, his tone steady but probing.
I nodded vigorously. “Yes, Detective. He said… he said he wished I’d never gotten pregnant, that I was ruining his life. I–I think he even said. he’d make sure I ‘disappeared.““I covered my face, letting out a shaky sob for effect. “I’m so afraid of what he might do next.”
Richards let out a small sigh, closing his notebook. “Thank you, Ms. Sterling. I know this is hard to relive, but your account is important. We’ll be reviewing security footage from the area, and I’ll need you to provide any additional details if we find discrepancies.”
My heart skipped a beat. Security footage? I hadn’t considered that there might be cameras. I forced myself to stay calm, nodding solemnly. “Of course, Detective. I just want the truth to come out.”
He stood, offering me a polite but cautious smile. “We’ll be in touch. If you think of anything else, call this number.” He handed me his card, then made his way to the door. “Try to get some rest.”
“I’ll try,” I whispered, clutching the card like it was a lifeline. As soon as the door closed behind him, I exhaled sharply, the mask slipping for a
moment.
Security footage. That could either confirm my story, or blow it to pieces.
I needed to act fast.
Grabbing my phone, I scrolled to a number I hadn’t called in months. Someone who owed me a favor. Someone who knew how to make problems like this disappear.
The line rang twice before a familiar voice answered. “Meghan. Didn’t think I’d be hearing from you again so soon.”
“Ryan,” I said, forcing a calm I didn’t feel. “I need your help.”
