In the dimly lit waiting room, Whitney, sporting a pair of chic black glasses, made her entrance and was soon face to face with Jaxon, accompanied by the district attorney. After the attorney went through the procedural questions and stepped out early, Jaxon, handcuffed, fixed his gaze on Whitney.
It didn't take long for him to sense something off and recognize her. His face darkened, the stubble of several days adding a menacing edge to his features. "Whitney, you've got some nerve showing up!"
He was furious, blaming Whitney for his failed attempt to flee the country.
Jaxon scoffed loudly, calling out, "Officer! There's an intruder here trying to threaten me..."
"Jaxon, I'm just a woman with no ill intentions. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for something critical concerning you," Whitney said, swiftly slipping on a pair of gloves and covering his mouth to mute his protests. After ensuring he was quiet, she released him.
"Did the Bartels family pay you a visit this afternoon? Promised to keep you quiet with the police, offering you a mansion and a fortune? Assuring that your family and Uncle Lyle's folks would be well taken care of?" she asked directly.
Jaxon stared at her intently. Indeed, the lawyer sent by Zane Bartels had made such promises, including a significant share in the Bartels Group's assets!
And, of course, there were threats. His and Lyle's families were overseas, under the Bartels' watchful eye.
With a smirk, Jaxon replied, "Thanks to you, Ms. Valentine, I ended up here. But don't worry, once the Bartels get me out, we'll settle our scores. Bryce's bodyguard beat me up yesterday, and I didn't utter a word. You won't get anything out of me today either. Your uncle? He deserves whatever's coming for killing Uncle Lyle. But let me tell you, you're not saving anyone. You'll end up behind bars with him, all part of Elaine's grand plan."
Whitney remained unfazed, offering a slight smile. "I don't know about my fate, but yours? I'm quite sure about it. Are you certain you won't end up a corpse by the time the Bartels 'rescue' you?"
Her words, laced with a chilling undertone, made Jaxon shiver. The possibility of the Bartels sacrificing him to protect their interests crossed his mind, but his arrogance reassured him. Holding many of their secrets, he doubted they'd dare harm him.
"You think your words can make me doubt the Bartels? I'm loyal to them, not you. Save your breath and leave," Jaxon said with a sneer, dismissing Whitney's attempt to sway him.
Whitney, however, wasn't in a hurry. Glancing at the door, where Bryce's hired district attorney was keeping watch, she quickly handed Jaxon a small, white pill. "What's this?" he asked, puzzled by her action.
With a sly smile, Whitney explained, "It's a drug that mimics death. Should the Bartels attempt anything, taking this will put you in a state of shock for about 12 hours, protecting you from other lethal injections. It could save your life and give you a way out."
"Says who? How do I know it's not poison? The Bartels wouldn't harm me," Jaxon retorted, skeptical of her intentions.
Forcefully, Whitney pressed on, "Better safe than sorry. Keep it, no harm in that. When your life's on the line, remember my words. What's more important, loyalty or survival? I've already sent people to find your and Lyle's families abroad. We'll soon know if they're alive or not."
After whispering these words, Whitney stood up straight, leaving Jaxon with a mix of concern and defiance in his gaze.
"At your darkest moment, you'll know who to turn to," she said, handing him a note with a phone number. "Call this number if you need my help. Then destroy it."
With that, Whitney left the police station under the cover of night, her confidence unshaken that Jaxon wouldn't betray her to the Bartels.
Clutching the note and the pill, Jaxon knew the importance of keeping options open. He quickly pocketed them and returned to his cell.
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