Whitaker Scarlett and her companions stayed in the most expensive suite at the guesthouse, and their introduction letters came from a prestigious organization in the capital.
When Leo explained the situation to the guesthouse staff, they were stunned. With no surveillance cameras in those days, no one could verify how Wesley had even entered the guesthouse. The amount involved in the “embezzlement” exceeded $5,000, and when the police arrived, they immediately pinned Wesley to the ground, treating it as a major theft case.
This was Kay and Leo’s second visit to the Greenfield County police station.
The officers recognized them. “Aren’t these the two who were commended for their heroic actions the other day?”
Wesley continued to wail about being wronged. Leo scratched his head apologetically.
“Sorry, officers. When we returned and caught this guy stealing public funds, we might’ve gone a bit overboard.”
Wesley’s injuries were far more severe than “a bit overboard”—it was clear they had beaten him senseless. But given their reputation as heroic citizens, the officers believed them. Upon verifying Wesley’s background, the police found it too coincidental.
This man was already on their wanted list. The crackdown had specific targets, and they weren’t about to leave a repeat offender like Wesley roaming free while innocent people were accused.
“Petty theft, misconduct, and numerous complaints about improper relationships with married women—and now he’s stealing public funds too!”
“Add charges of theft and indecency. He’s not walking away from this one!”
Kay and Leo were satisfied with the outcome. Wesley, meanwhile, screamed that they were using the law for personal revenge. But by the time he said this, Kay and Leo had already left the police station.
The female officer who had helped Whitaker Scarlett previously approached the station chief, Officer Liam.
“Chief Liam, do you think there’s something suspicious about this case?”
Chief Liam’s expression was stern. “Comrade Amir, we cannot let a criminal go unpunished. A woman’s reputation is hard enough to maintain. Wesley is a known repeat offender and fits all the criteria for the crackdown. We don’t need to dig into other details.”
Wesley’s testimony was erratic—one moment, he claimed Kay and Leo framed him with a suitcase full of cash, and the next, he accused them of carrying firearms. However, their introduction letters were from one of the most reputable organizations in the capital, sent to procure supplies in Harborfield. It was perfectly reasonable for them to carry large sums of cash.
Even if there were some hidden agenda, the connection to “Whitaker Scarlett” was coincidental enough. Chief Liam quietly observed Wesley and decided:
“If he’s admitted it, we’ll make sure the case is airtight.”
Wesley didn’t dare say another word.
If he continued to insist he had a relationship with Scarlett, it would only add more charges to his record.
Meanwhile, Scarlett had no idea that Kay had dealt with one of her biggest enemies.
Wesley had been one of the main culprits behind Scarlett’s previous suicide attempt, and he was the only one Kay had managed to trace so far. As for Scarlett’s cousin and her future fiancé, Kay was still uncertain about their involvement. However, one thing was clear: he held no goodwill toward Rosaline, the supposedly model university student.
Scarlett cycled back home, her spirits high.
The Miller family had finished harvesting their rice fields. With the sun shining brightly for several days, it wouldn’t be long before the grains were ready for storage. While other families had helped the Millers during the harvest, William and Amanda had now turned to repaying their neighbors with their labor. As for drying the rice, that task was left to Elizabeth.
Each village had its drying field. In the morning, families would spread their mats and empty freshly harvested rice from baskets, laying it out in thin, even layers to dry the moisture out.
Someone had to turn the rice under the blazing sun every couple of hours. During this season, the drying field was always bustling with activity.
