One of the officers spoke with authority. “We’ve received your report, and we’ll be proceeding with an investigation.

“However, you will also be charged for intentional injury. This will be a public prosecution case, and whether or not your actions were in self-defense will be determined by the court.”

Tessa nodded. “I understand.”

After posting ball, Tessa left the police station and got into Stephen’s car.

“I’ll make some calls and get them to drop the charges,” Stephen offered. Tessa shook her head. “There’s no need. I’m confident I can handle this,”

Night had fallen, and the world around them was quiet,

Stephen’s face was hidden in the shadows. His voice was deep and steady as he said, “Tess, every time something happens, you handle it on your own. You could try relving on me.”

Tessa sighed. “After my mother passed away, I went through a long period of depression. Then, my father remarried, and it felt like I was left with no one to tum

The night was still. They sat side by side in the car.

Tessa’s face was obscured by the shadows, hiding the sorrow etched in her eyes. She forced a light tone

as she continued, “After that, I leamed to handle everything on my own because I didn’t know who else I could rely on

Stephen’s heart skipped a beat as he looked at her with concem. “You still have me.”

But Tessa didn’t respond.

Sienna’s words earlier had planted a seed of doubt in her mind.

Could Jacqueline, Stephen’s adopted sister, have ulterior motives toward him?

From what Tessa knew, Stephen was deeply fond of Jacqueline.

Despite scolding her for her rude behavior yesterday, it was clear his frustration stemmed more from

Jacqueline’s lack of manners and disrespect than from a desire to defend Tessa.

How could she possibly compare to the sister who had grown up alongside him?

If conflict ever arose between her and Jacqueline, she was certain Stephen would take Jacqueline’s side.

To avoid further disappointment, Tessa decided not to expect too much from Stephen.

When Tessa remained silent, Stephen felt a wave of frustration wash over him.

He sighed softly and ruffled her hair. “Tess, no matter what happens, I’ll always be on your side. Tessa nodded quietly.

After dropping her off, Stephen made a call to have the police drop the intentional Injury charges.

Then, be dialed for his assistant “Find out which hospital the two men who harassed Tess are at, and take care of them.”

The tattooed man had just finished surgery and was resting in a hospital bed, while the blood was in the bed next to him.

A man in a mask entered the ward at this moment.

Both the tattooed man and the blond recognized him instantly.

Earlier at the bar, this man handed each of them so thousand dollars to harass Tessa. If it weren’t for him, none of this would have happened.

Now, the tattooed man was going to be impotent for the rest of his life. How could 50 thousand dollars possibly make up for this?

The tattooed man was livid. “Why didn’t you tell me that woman was trained? She kicked me in the balls! I might end up impotent!

“Shut up,” the man snapped Impatiently, “I’ll give you both an additional 30 thousand dollars. If the police ark, just say you did it out of lust. Don’t drag anyone

else into this. Got it?”

The blond man nodded immediately. “Deal.”