She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 524

Her cheeks burned—not from shame, but from the terrifying realization that her master plan had utterly failed and might now backfire spectacularly.

She forced herself to stand tall, plastering on a stiff, bewildered expression, acting as though she were just as shocked and appalled by the turn of events as everyone else.

She absolutely could not afford to show a single crack in her armor right now.

Alicia let out a shaky breath, her voice trembling with manufactured disbelief. "All these years, I thought Yavon County was a safe, peaceful place. I can't believe such horrific crimes were happening under our noses. I spent so much time and resources trying to help rescued women, and Yarden always seemed so cooperative... To hear he's a suspect..."

She put a hand to her pale face, looking perfectly devastated, though she subtly shot Yarden a warning glare. "I just can't process this. How is this possible?"

Someone nearby immediately sympathized. "It seems Alicia was fooled just like the rest of us."

"You really can't judge a book by its cover."

Yarden knew exactly what her glare meant. They were in this together, and if he didn't hold the line and protect her now, his son would pay the price.

Taking a deep breath, Yarden puffed out his chest. "It's far too early to declare anyone guilty! You have no concrete evidence, and my wife is severely mentally ill—her words won't hold up in any court! Isn't arresting me right now a gross overreach of power?"

Lucian looked at him deadpan. "Which is why you are being brought in for an official summons and interrogation. Is there a problem?"

Yarden was speechless.

The exact same trap he had just tried to spring on Loyce was now being used against him. He was the one leaving in handcuffs.

Loyce, who was supposed to be branded a kidnapper tonight, was now being hailed as a heroic civilian who aided the military. Alicia's elaborate trap hadn't left a single scratch on her; instead, it had skyrocketed Loyce's public approval.

The three Lonsdale brothers finally relaxed, signaling the staff to let the guests resume the festivities.

Once the police had cleared out, Lucian finally turned to face Loyce. He glanced down at her gown, a faint smile touching his lips. "That's the dress I sent you."

Loyce lightly smoothed the fabric. "It's quite beautiful."

Lucian chuckled softly, then seemingly out of nowhere, produced a velvet jewelry box and handed it to her. "For the disruption to your homecoming gala. Consider this my apology."

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