My Mother Killed Me For Her Stepdaughter novel Chapter 18

When the police arrived at the hospital, I saw Lucy, Evelynn, and their entire group panic.

"Listen, dear," Lucy pleaded, "we didn't mean it! Do you really want to ruin your father's chance to marry Evelynn?"

It was clear to everyone that this had escalated into a criminal case. If I pursued the matter, everyone who had assaulted me would face jail time.

I ignored their pleas, closed my eyes, and remained silent. At this point, I didn't need to say a word—my father would never have anything to do with Evelynn again. His hatred for her was palpable; marriage was out of the question.

As long as I was here, Evelynn would never step foot into the Torres family.

Evelynn, Lucy, her father, and their friends were all taken into custody.

The lead officer stood in my hospital room and addressed me politely:

"Miss Torres, we've reviewed the footage from the school and the engagement banquet."

"They are suspected of intentional assault and unlawful confinement, both serious offenses. We also need to assess the property damage caused during this incident."

"If no settlement is reached, these will be considered during sentencing."

My father handed the officer the certificate for the diamond ring Lucy had discarded.

"This diamond, Desert Star, is the brightest in the world. Its quality can be verified by your department or a third party. Its current market value exceeds three billion and is irreplaceable."

The officer nodded, made a brief record, and left.

I didn't see Evelynn or her family again until a week later. I had spent seven days in the hospital, barely able to walk. Evelynn, Lucy, her father, and their friends had spent that time in detention.

In the mediation room, all eyes turned to me as I entered. Evelynn looked pale, still wearing the once-luxurious dress from the engagement banquet. Now wrinkled and unkempt, it was a far cry from its former glory.

Her friends, who once reveled in her dominance, now glared at her as if they wanted to tear her apart.

"Miss Torres," one of them began, "we're sorry. This was all Evelynn's idea."

"We didn't want to hurt you. She told us to strip you and beat you. Please, we'll do anything to avoid jail!"

Before I could respond, they admitted their guilt, desperate to shift the blame.

"We've already been punished enough. Isn't it time to let this go?" Lucy added in a low, groveling voice.

Evelynn, on the verge of tears, turned to my father.

"Jack, please, for the sake of our relationship, don't hold this against us. Can't we move past this?"

"And your daughter isn't entirely blameless. She could've clarified from the start that she was your daughter!"

I finally spoke, my voice cold and steady.

"Don't call me your daughter—I wouldn't qualify to be yours."

"And for the record, I did tell you who I was. I said I wasn't a mistress but Jack's daughter. You refused to listen and only escalated things."

"Oh, and the diamond ring your mother smashed? That was supposed to be a gift for you."

Lucy froze, stunned by my words. Evelynn turned to her mother with venomous eyes.

"This is your fault! I hate you!" she screamed.

My father's face was stone-cold, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at Evelynn.

Lucy, desperate, pleaded with me.

"Miss Torres, you're so wealthy. Can't you let this go?"

"There's no way we can pay that much. Look, we've already suffered. Can't you be magnanimous? If you're still upset, hit me instead!"

"But money? We don't have any. Take my life if you must."

They were shameless, resorting to playing the victim.

I calmly turned to the police officer overseeing the mediation.

"I reject any settlement. Let's proceed with legal action. File the charges and let them face the consequences. As for the four billion, not a penny less."

Lucy shrieked, "This is extortion! No diamond is worth that much!"

"I refuse to accept this!"

Even now, they showed no remorse.

As I prepared to leave, Evelynn suddenly lifted her head and screamed,

"I'm pregnant! You can't put me in jail!"

I instinctively glanced at my father, who stood frozen, stunned by her words.