Chapter 5

Dorothy had expected Scott to be involved. But when June said it out loud, Dorothy felt her legs go weak.

"Don't you believe me?" June grinned and pressed a button. The wall of the private room slid open, revealing an even larger hidden space. And right there behind the glass stood Scott. "Why don't you hear it from him yourself?"

Scott stood in the inner room, his back to them, talking on the phone. "I'm not divorcing Dorothy," he said.

Dorothy's heart leaped into her throat. She couldn't understand why Scott would suddenly say something like that.

Scott continued, "These shady deals need to be cleaned up anyway. Dorothy's demands are reasonable, but the Bennett family isn't about to stop.

"As for June, she's sharper than Dorothy and knows how to read a room. I don't want to tie her down with marriage. If things really go south, she'd only get dragged down with me."

"Dorothy, I almost feel sorry for you. You went all in, thinking Scott would give up everything for you, but in the end, you're his safety net. And me? I'm the one he truly loves," June said, her voice laced with mockery.

She crossed her arms, a smug expression on her face.

The humiliation and shame Dorothy felt were nearly unbearable, but she took a deep breath, pulled herself together, and her gaze sharpened.

"My relationship with Scott isn't your business," Dorothy said, her voice steady and unwavering. "And if his business really crosses the line, I won't hesitate to take action."

After that tense confrontation, Dorothy barely made it out of BrightStar Entertainment. The moment she stepped outside, the stress overwhelmed her, and she doubled over, retching uncontrollably.

*****

"According to the latest news, police officer Dorothy Reed is married to Scott Bennett, the real owner of BrightStar Entertainment.

"There are now allegations that some of his business dealings may have taken advantage of her position on the force..."

The midday news crackled from the taxi's radio, and Dorothy's eyes widened in disbelief. A chill ran through her so deep it felt like it swallowed her whole.

Scott knew she had never done any of this, yet he still chose to frame her, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.

She had to clench her teeth to keep from shaking. The only thing she could do now was rush back to the station and clear her name.

But as soon as she walked through the door, a stack of documents came slamming down on the desk in front of her.

"Dorothy! Explain yourself. What's really going on between you and Scott?" Thalia demanded.

"I can explain. Yes, I'm married to Scott, but I've never—" Dorothy shot back, her voice trembling with desperation.

"We might believe you, but do you think the public will? Dorothy, you're a seasoned cop. Don't you know what it means to stay above board?

"Why didn't you disclose your marriage right away? Why didn't you protect yourself?" Thalia's expression was fierce, her harsh words raining down on Dorothy.

A wave of injustice, helplessness, and regret washed over Dorothy. She hadn't cried before, but now her tears finally spilled over, falling to the floor in heavy drops.

When Thalia saw Dorothy crying, her expression softened a little. After a few moments of silence, she spoke again, her voice heavy with emotion. "Dorothy, you should resign. It's the only way to keep you safe."

Dorothy froze for a moment, then understood. At this point, she had to consider the impact on the entire department.

Thalia's voice wavered. "I managed to hold onto your overseas transfer for you, but you'll have to go in a temporary capacity."

She walked over and patted Dorothy's shoulder. "I put my own commendation on the line for you with the higher-ups. I promised you wouldn't get caught up in this mess. Don't let me down."

Dorothy lowered her gaze and murmured, "Okay."

She walked out of the station clutching her belongings, her mind blank and her heart heavy. She never thought her life could turn upside down in a single day.

After wandering for three blocks, she finally stopped and wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.

But when she looked up, she was stunned to see Scott's car parked right there in front of her.