Sweet Mischief's Rollercoaster Romance novel Chapter 514

Before long, Mr. and Mrs. Byrne, along with the grandparents, arrived at the scene. Vivian had phoned for help, and Mr. and Mrs. Byrne, concerned for their daughter, had rushed over.

Once there, they discovered the gravity of the situation. Molly, fuming with pent-up anger, felt her confidence swell at the sight of her parents’ arrival. The arson case remained unsolved. Vivian’s statement lacked evidence, and Molly’s accusations went unacknowledged by Vivian.

At the police station, both parties recounted the afternoon's events. Molly, clear and articulate, repeated her story from start to finish, not omitting a single insult she had hurled. The officers were taken aback, glancing at Sergeant Sullivan at the back of the room. Molly, Chad's little sister, wasn't she supposed to be the bubbly and lively one? Chad awkwardly turned away, gazing out the window.

Vivian, in stark contrast, was rattled. She stumbled over her words, visibly anxious and scared. As the night grew late, the police had no choice but to send everyone home. But, with the boarding house having been set ablaze, Vivian couldn't return there. In Havenbrook, she only had the Byrnes, her only kin. She turned to Aunt Colleen, tears in her eyes, pleading for a loan. “Auntie, I’ve lost everything. Could I borrow some money to stay somewhere else?”

The room, filled with officers, perceived the awkwardness of the situation. How could Colleen deny her own “niece” a place to stay and instead make her borrow money for a hotel room? Furthermore, this was happening in front of none other than the renowned Officer Chad’s mother! If Colleen lent the money that day, it would be a slap in the face to the Byrne family. It could even lead to gossip about Chad at the precinct, suggesting they had a mansion but wouldn't offer a room to a niece in need.

Vivian, always playing the victim to gain sympathy, didn’t realize how her request affected the Byrnes’ pride. Seizing the moment, Molly, known for her fiery temper, stormed out to her car and grabbed Colleen’s wallet. She pulled out several hundred dollars and, in front of all the officers, slapped the bills across Vivian’s face. “Beat it!”

Her actions mirrored those of her father, Andre, when he was angry, although she lacked his composed demeanor. As the money scattered on the floor, Vivian stood humiliated, a flash of murderous intent flickering in her eyes. Chad, aware of his sister's impulsive nature, caught the dangerous glint in Vivian's eyes and quickly stepped in front of Molly. With a stern face, he said, “It’s impersonal to talk about borrowing. Keep the money, find yourself a decent hotel, and don’t bother returning it.”

The same goal, but Chad's approach, calm and assertive, left a very different impression. Learning of Vivian's intent to borrow money, Molly had reacted impulsively, her outburst leading others to see her as hot-headed. But Chad, ever the steady hand, took control. He offered the money, subtly reprimanding Vivian before everyone. The money was theirs to give, and they even generously suggested she needn't repay it.

The other officers quickly stepped in to mediate, even the coroner, who was close to Molly, pulled her aside. The money on the floor was picked up by the officers and handed to Vivian, their comments siding with Molly, “That’s just how Molly is. Spoiled rotten since she was a kid. Take this money and find a hotel. We’ll notify you if there are any updates on the case.”

When Molly tried to intervene, the coroner held her back, “Listen to your sister, don’t be rash.” Vivian, eyes lowered, did not reach for the offered cash but let her long hair hide the malice in her eyes. When she looked up, her face was once again innocent as she turned to Grandma Aubree and Grandpa Elmer, “Grandpa and Grandma, could you stay with me at the hotel? I'm frightened to be alone. You are the only ones I know here.”