I love an interesting case

Chapter 12

“Selena, a gift basket just arrived for you,” one of the prison wardens informed her as she handed over a basket with a small cake and a note attached.

Happy birthday, Ma, with love – A.

Selena smiled graciously, staring at the gift. She never thought she would spend her 40th birthday behind bars, with no contact from her daughter. Life was so unpredictable. For the past five years, Alex had sent her birthday cards and cakes. Even though he had left the country years ago, he still remembered her birthday, a gesture she would never forget.

A little part of her wished she could get a note or even a glimpse of Violet, her daughter. How could she be genuinely happy when she didn’t even know if her daughter was dead or alive? She sighed and mumbled, “Thank you, Alex.”

***

“What is the cake for?” Riele asked as she walked into the breakfast room, where both Violet and Sean were present. The red cake decorated with a delicate white floral pattern caught her attention.

“Take a seat,” Sean said without making eye contact with her.

“It’s for my mom,” Violet said, her voice thin and innocent, a tone that surprised Mabel, who had just walked into the room.

“It’s her birthday,” Violet added, smiling painfully. “She turns forty today.”

Her words tugged at her emotions, but she held back the tears threatening to fall. Mabel stared at her, completely fazed by this sudden display of vulnerability, while Riele mouthed an “Oh.”

“Violet, you don’t have to punish yourself. We can go visit her. We can finally see her,” Sean said, his voice trembling with emotion.

“I wasn’t there for her. She has suffered so much these five years... I failed her,” Violet said, tears finally breaking free. She wiped her face quickly.

“No,” she said firmly, composing herself. “I promised to see her only when I’ve started working on her freedom.” Her once soft voice turned hard.

Sean stared at her, squeezing her hand as a sign of support.

“I can only face her when I’ve laid the foundation for her return. Until then, I will not see her. That is the promise I make on her birthday.”

Without another word, Violet blew out the candle and walked out of the room, leaving the others stunned and breakfast untouched.

***

“You sent for me?” Mabel asked as she entered Violet’s study.

“Sit,” Violet said without raising her head from the laptop.

After a few minutes, Violet finally looked up, her gaze sharp and intimidating. Mabel felt a chill run down her spine.

“Where did all the softness go?” Mabel thought to herself.

“Yesterday, after your mission with Lucas, we didn’t get a chance to talk,” Violet began.

Mabel nodded. Violet had been pulled into an emergency meeting the previous evening, making it impossible for them to meet.

“Well, there’s something new,” Violet said, raising an eyebrow. “Mabel, how far are you willing to go to assist me in my revenge?”

Mabel froze as Violet stared directly at her, as if trying to see through her soul.

“Ma’am, to be honest, I see this as an exchange,” Mabel said, her voice steady. “You are spending millions to save my sister’s life. That is my price. I’m willing to go to any length.”

“Hmm,” Violet murmured. “Look, I hate Lucas more than anything, but I won’t force you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with,” Violet said, her voice hard.

Mabel nodded solemnly.

“You might have to... sleep with Lucas,” Violet added, her face twisting with disgust at the mere thought.

“I know, ma’am. I’m okay with that,” Mabel replied without hesitation.

“Good. Now, on to business.” Violet leaned forward. “Lucas Wells will be throwing an unforgettable party to celebrate his wedding anniversary in a matter of weeks. That’s where I want you to make your move.”

“Understood,” Mabel agreed without missing a beat.

***

News of Lucas and Josephine’s wedding anniversary spread quickly, becoming one of the most anticipated events in the country. Josephine was ecstatic.

“Just two more weeks,” she thought as she stood by her bathroom window, a triumphant smile on her face.

“I can’t believe I’ve made it this far. I mean, I did pay the price,” she said to herself, patting her back.

Just as she was basking in self-congratulation, Lucas walked in, startling her.

“Good morning, Lucas,” Josephine said, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Good morning,” he replied with a smile.

“Have you seen the article about our anniversary?” Josephine asked, beaming with pride.

“I sure have,” Lucas said. “I trust you’ll make it a memorable one.”

“You’re so right!” Josephine squealed as she left the bathroom, her excitement bubbling over.

***

A week later...

“Hi, I’m Violet Wells,” Violet said, extending her hand to the man sitting across from her.

“Nice to meet you,” he said, shaking her hand firmly.

“So, you’re good at what you do,” Violet continued, her piercing gaze studying him like a book.

“Well, I have a passion for it,” he replied modestly.

“I’ve looked at your success rate. It’s impressive,” she complimented.

“Thank you, Miss Wells.”

“I want you to take up a case for me,” Violet said, her tone dead serious.

“Of course. What’s the case?” he asked, leaning forward with interest.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous Christopher Wells case, the one involving his butler and the person who got arrested for it,” Violet said bluntly.

“Yes, it was quite unfortunate,” he replied.

“Hmm. Do you know the person who took the fall was my mother?” Violet’s voice was cold and steady.

The man was taken aback.

“Yes, the Christopher Wells case was quite popular. But I was out of the country when it happened, and it was solved so quickly that I didn’t pay much attention,” he admitted.

“There’s a conspiracy,” Violet said sharply. “And I want the best lawyer in this country—you—to help me not only fight but win.”

The man leaned back, a spark of intrigue lighting his eyes.

“I love an interesting case, Miss Wells,” he said, his lips curving into a smile. “And yours is above the roof.”