Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1134

Valeria sat quietly by the bay window, her posture relaxed yet alert. The table still hosted her laptop, a testament to her relentless work ethic. Even during moments meant for repose, she was engrossed in her official duties. Dressed in a sharp black blazer, Valeria's appearance was as immaculate as ever. Once flaunting shoulder-length hair, she now sported a chic bob that added to her brisk, efficient aura. Her makeup, a palette of cool, deep tones, further emphasized her commanding presence.

Agnes, reminiscing about their first encounter years ago, found the scene eerily familiar. Valeria, alone with her laptop, exuded an air of quiet competence, her elite demeanor unmistakable. Agnes had always admired such traits and aspired to emulate them. Yet, despite gaining independence during her years abroad, she felt she fell short of Valeria's stature. Upon deeper reflection, Agnes realized she could never truly mirror Valeria. Her essence was more attuned to the warmth of reality, a stark contrast to Valeria's stoic pragmatism.

As Agnes entered the room, Valeria, ever polite, stood up to greet her. "Ms. Pritchard, punctual as always," she remarked with a polite nod.

Agnes responded with a smile, "Seems like you always manage to beat me to it."

"What can I get for you, Ms. Pritchard?" Valeria inquired, passing her the menu.

Opting out of coffee, Agnes casually ordered a glass of orange juice. "Let's cut to the chase, Ms. Thomas. What's this about new evidence you mentioned?" Agnes asked, keen to get down to business.

Valeria began, "I know how much you despise my father, wishing him eternal damnation. I share your hatred. It baffles me how he chose dependency over effort, squandering his life and betraying my mother, thus shattering my belief in marriage. Yet, he remains my father. I can't bear to watch him wither away behind bars."

Agnes, maintaining her composure, replied, "Mr. Thomas' crimes warrant punishment, and even as his child, one must not challenge the sanctity of law for personal gain. There's an old saying, 'Justice may be delayed, but it will not be denied.' Wrongdoers must face consequences, a principle central to my moral compass."

Her words were a veiled reference to a past incident involving Valeria's efforts to exonerate her father, Berlin, who had been implicated in a murder-for-hire case resulting in his imprisonment. Despite Berlin's incarceration, Valeria managed to secure his release, claiming moral relativism and the survival of the fittest. Agnes hinted at this event, emphasizing her resolve to see justice served, even if it meant revisiting the case through unconventional means.

Valeria continued, "My father is guilty, yes, but he shouldn't bear the sins of others or serve as a scapegoat, allowing the true culprit to roam free. As a journalist, Ms. Pritchard, don't you seek the truth? Aren't you curious about the real story behind that botched drug trafficking case?"

Agnes frowned, the mention of the unresolved case striking a chord. It had always been a thorn in her side, a constant reminder of justice unfulfilled.