"Someone showed up and saved her," the truck driver said in a low, grim voice into his phone. "We''ll have to find another time."


    Just as he finished speaking, his truck was cut off.


    "We suspect you''re connected to a homicide investigation. Put your hands up and get out of the vehicle!" a police officermanded, gun drawn.


    The phone ttered to the floor of the cab as the driver, looking utterly defeated, stepped out of the truck.


    ...


    At the Wilcox residence, Trent had heard the entire exchange with the police before the line went dead.


    "What the hell? A homicide? How did the police track him down so fast?"


    Just as confusion gripped him, a knock echoed through the house.


    "Mr. Trent! There are guests!"


    Trent opened his door and nearly collided with Ezra in the hallway.


    "Who is it?" Ezra asked.


    "I think... I think it''s the police," the housekeeper answered nervously.


    "Did the driver rat us out about J?" Trent cursed under his breath. As a precaution, he grabbed his phone, wiped it clean, and tossed it into the fish tank.


    "That''s unlikely," Ezra countered, frowning. "This is a murder charge. He wouldn''t confess so easily."


    Besides, J was unharmed, so they couldn''t even prove a crime had beenmitted. It had to be something else.


    Ezra rubbed his temples, baffled by the turn of events. "Where are your mother and Yelena?"


    "Sir, Mrs. Wilcox and Ms. Yelena went out and haven''t returned yet."


    "Fine." Ezra waved a dismissive hand. Since J was safe, the police investigation would likely go nowhere.


    The father and son went downstairs, where the lead officer presented them with a warrant. "We''ve received a report linking you both to a case of premeditated murder.


    novome


    with us to assist with the investigation."


    "Murder?" Trent''s gaze turned icy as he repeated the word.


    "That''s right," the officer confirmed. "You know a J Wilcox, I presume..."


    At the mention of her name, both men tensed, the blood freezing in their veins.


    ...


    At the police station, just as Ezra and Trent walked through the doors, a familiar


    voice cut through the air.


    "I demand to see my family! I want awyer!"


    It was Yelena, her hair a mess, shrieking like a madwoman.


    "Yelena?" Ezra was the first to spot his daughter, utterly confused as to why she was there.


    "Dad!" Yelena cried out, trying to run to him but was blocked by an officer.


    "Your daughter hired a hitman. The evidence is conclusive, and the victim is pressing charges." The officer eyed the family with undisguised contempt.


    "Like father, like daughter," he thought. Not only do they both hire killers but they do it on the same day No need to calk for family, they''re all here now.”


    "Hired a hitman?" Trent heard clearly now, his brow furrowed. "To kill who?"


    "Me," a cool voice drawled from a


    nearby bench. It was Juniper,


    lookingpletely rxed. "M


    Wilcox and Ms Wilcox are now officially attempted murderers."


    In an instant, both Trent and Ezra spun to face her, their eyes widening in disbelief.


    Juniper? How in the world did Yelena get tangled up with her?


    "Mr. Wilcox, I think you should be more concerned about yourself right now," the officer advised dryly. "By the way, your victim is here as well."


    Trent followed the officer''s gaze and saw J, sitting in another chair, staring at him with cold, hard eyes.