The man who stood transfixed in his colorful jacket was fully aware that everyone present came from a long line of influential people. Through their very assembly, they exuded intimidation. So he dared not offend them. He had to confess the truth immediately because this was the only right thing to do in this situation. "Well, it was Baron who told us," he began politely, "to investigate Angela's working life, and to escort her back to him... He told us his main attraction to her was that she seemed like the kind of person who knew how to have some fun...and so he wished to have fun... with her."

"You're lying I never said anything of the sort! Take it back this instant!" Baron convulsed rigorously from his bound position on the bed. He suddenly broke free with a jolt and stood up facing his accuser. Next, he launched into an attack of the man.

Arvin issued a command to Kent by way of a cold glare, and Kent set to peeling the two men apart.

When the man had enough breathing-room again, and felt at ease to continue his account, he said, "It was when we arrived at the hospital..." And from here, the man was at liberty to speak his truth, and he did so quiet calmly. Every wrongdoing Baron had done came to light in an unexaggerated manner so as to preserve the sanctity of the facts. When the man finished, everybody in the ward became like Roman statues, quiet and still.

Who was right and who was wrong - the deliberation didn't take long. It was obvious to everyone.

Haley's face turned pale; the heated stares fell like daggers on her son, but still, she had to do something to save his reputation and his dignity. "It doesn't matter what he says," she bargained, "she still should never push people into lake! It's by a stroke of luck that my son was saved! Would you imagine what would have happened if no one came to rescue him? Would you condone murder? I, his mother, may never be able to see his face again!"

"When she becomes a murderer, she will be liable to apologize," said Arvin with nerves of steel. "For now, she owes you nothing." There wasn't a hint of contrition behind Arvin's icy eyes, all that lay there was indifference and impartiality, and he didn't give a toss over what other people thought. He said his piece, and finally dragged Angela out of the ward.

They were followed shortly after by Teresa, and slowly the others filed out in twos.

Left alone with Tessa, Parker, and Baron, Haley went berserk and smashed the cups and kettle. The clangor of the metal echoed throughout the corridor.

Tessa walked towards Haley and clamped her arm like a vice. "Mom, listen. You don't have to be so mad, alright? Let's just put it all behind us. There's really no point getting angry."

The point Tessa was tacitly hinting at was that Baron's wrongs could not be disputed, that she had raised a bold son, and that it was time Haley accepted that. Couldn't she figure that out?

No. Haley remained infuriated, with Arvin's face burned deeply in her memory.copy right hot novel pub