Chapter 20
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The group gathered around to inspect the evidence Caitlin presented. Sure enough, Peter’s shoe sole glittered faintly with the same powder Caitlin had used to mark the area.
“It matches exactly!”
This left no doubt–Peter had taken the snake.
Faced with undeniable evidence and the presence of the police, Peter crumbled. He fell to his knees, trembling as he confessed.
“… I did it… I put the snake there… Beatrice… I’m sorry! Please forgive me!”
Beatrice’s tone was as sharp as a blade. “Peter, when has The Vanderbilt Family ever mistreated you? Why would you commit such an inhumane act? What drove you to harm Sebastian?”
“L..” Peter’s tearful eyes darted around nervously before he hesitantly admitted, “A while back, Mr. Vanderbilt scolded me harshly… I held a grudge and lost my mind. That’s why I did it…”
At the mention of this, some Vanderbilt family members vaguely recalled an incident months ago. Peter had been caught harassing a maid, and Sebastian, upon discovering it, had berated him severely.
If not for Beatrice and Marcus intervening on Peter’s behalf, Sebastian would have had him fired on the spot.
The Vanderbilt Family had been lenient, giving Peter a second chance, but instead of repenting, he had harbored resentment and sought revenge.
“Peter, oh Peter…” Beatrice’s voice was thick with disappointment. “To think I trusted you, only for you to repay kindness with malice. And over such a trivial matter? Truly disgraceful!”
Regret now tinged Beatrice’s expression. She turned to the police and declared, “Since you’ve committed this crime, you will bear the consequences. Officers, take him away!”
The police hauled Peter to his feet as he wailed, “Beatrice, I’m so sorry.. I’ve failed The Vanderbilt Family… I’ll take responsibility, but please… please spare my family…”
His plea rang out as the police led him away.
Beatrice heaved a deep sigh and turned to address the crowd. “Today, thanks to Caitlin’s quick thinking, we’ve unmasked the culprit. Were it not for her, this criminal might still be free to harm others. Caitlin has done a great service to The Vanderbilt Family, and we owe her our gratitude!*
Beatrice’s gaze softened as she looked at Caitlin, her fondness for the young woman growing.
The others also cast Caitlin admiring glances.
“It was nothing,” Caitlin replied calmly. “I was simply doing my part.”
Her nonchalance only made her more impressive.
Grace and William, however, exchanged wary glances. If Sebastian married an ordinary woman, they wouldn’t mind. But Caitlin, with her intelligence and boldness, was a formidable presence. Her involvement would make any underhanded schemes far more difficult.
With the matter resolved, Beatrice dismissed the crowd. Caitlin returned to the Vanderbilt estate, accompanied by Molly.
At the entrance, Howard was waiting. Spotting Caitlin, he dashed over and wrapped his arms around her leg.
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Chapter 20
Caitlin lifted him into her arms and playfully pinched his nose. “Howard, are you hungry?”
Howard shook his head, his small arms clinging tightly to her neck. His dark eyes gazed at her unwaveringly.
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Molly watched in astonishment. “Am 1 seeing things Little Howard ran to you for a hug
Howard was infamous for his aloofness. Even though he had a decent relationship with Molly, he had never initiated affection, let alone asked for hugs.
Molly was stunned. Who was this Caitlin? How had the managed to win over not only their stern elder brother but also their little troublemaker?
“Fine, fine. I’m leaving!” Molly said, laughing as she left the room.
Sebastian scowled. “Didn’t I tell you to leave? Why are you back?
Caitlin smiled, her voice turning teasing. “Won them over? You mean your grandma, your sister, and Howard? Well, they’ve all fallen for my charms. But what about you, Mr. Vanderbilt? When are you going to fall for me?”
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