Several police officers pulled Egbert away while helping me up. The officers asked routine questions, but I clenched my teeth and remained silent.

This was far from enough.

I was determined to ensure that Avery and Egbert would pay.

Egbert whispered a few words to a police officer who introduced himself as Wilcox. Egbert nodded thoughtfully. "The situation here is unique. I'll contact the department for a joint investigation and keep following up. However, you must not use violence or any illegal methods, or I will arrest you immediately."

Egbert frowned and stared at him as if looking at a fool. "Do you know who I am? Your chief..."

Before he could finish, Wilcox interrupted him, "I don't care who you are. Everyone is equal before the law. We are recording everything, and every word you say will be used as evidence in court."

Egbert was visibly frustrated by Wilcox's naivety, his hand stopping his bodyguard who was about to intervene.

At that moment, Wilcox received a troubling message.

A phone ringing broke the deadlock.

"Mr. Alcott, Madam Alcott is in bad shape. She's becoming delirious, mumbling about 'money' or something. The doctor suggests you mentally prepare yourself," came the call from Egbert's personal assistant.

"Lucia. my mother wants to see Avery one last time," Egbert said through gritted teeth, glaring at me.

His eyes seemed to flay me alive.

The noise attracted many curious neighbors. As more people gathered at the door, some even started live streaming after figuring out the situation.

"Excuse me, please let me through," a familiar figure struggled through the door.

Archibald, tall and imposing, positioned himself in front of me.

I hadn't cried when Egbert threatened me, nor when he hit me, but now, seeing this man,, a sourness filled my heart, and my eyes warmed.

"You're here," I said hoarsely.

Egbert hung up the phone and threw it at my head. I couldn't help but groan in pain, feeling something warm trickle down my forehead.

The crowd outside gasped at the scene.

"Lucia, you're so despicable. You fooled my wife into selling you a family heirloom worth millions for just a few hundred dollars, claiming it was a fake," Egbert shouted.

"You also got my wife to embezzle company money for some ridiculous investment with you, and I haven't seen a dime returned. You know where that money went better than I do."

"I'm not in the mood to argue with you today. My mother is dying and just wants to see Avery one last time. Are you still opposing me? Do you have any humanity left?" Egbert became more agitated, grabbed me by the collar, and slapped me hard.

The bystanders remained indifferent to my plight after hearing him, including Wilcox and Archibald.

People outside looked at me with disdain, some even whispering, "Serves her right. She deserves to be beaten to death."

After a moment, Archibald stiffly moved to help me, but Egbert kicked me back down.

"Try helping her up again." He was threatening Archibald.

Archibald met Egbert's furious gaze but eventually said nothing.

Still, Egbert felt it wasn't enough.

"Still being stubborn? Keep hitting her until she talks," he signaled to Archibald to take action.