The following morning, Jane once again made her way to the police station. Two officers accompanied her to Lover Lake, where she recounted in detail the previous day's events. They diligently recorded every piece of information, realizing that they could not afford to omit anything. Patrick had urged them to uncover the truth and prove Jane's innocence as swiftly as possible.
By the time Jane returned to the Pansy Group, it was nearly noon. Stepping out of the taxi, she was immediately surrounded by a group of unfamiliar people.
"Who are you? What do you want from me?" Jane asked cautiously, her instincts on high alert. The people surrounding her appeared hostile and uninviting. Could this be an attempted robbery in broad daylight?
"Jane North!" A gray-haired woman stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger as she grabbed Jane's clothing. "Look, everyone! She's the murderer!"
Jane frowned and pushed the woman away, demanding, "Who are you? And why are you shouting at me?"
"Don't you recognize me? You killed my daughter!"
The woman retained her balance and lunged at Jane again with tear-filled eyes. "You heartless woman! You pushed my daughter into the lake. My poor child is just twenty-five years old, and now she's in a coma because of you. I don't know if she'll ever wake up. Oh, Monica, what will I do without you?"
Jane realized that this woman was Monica's mother, and the surrounding people were likely friends and relatives of Monica, who had gathered to confront her.
"I didn't kill anyone. Your daughter is still alive. Shouldn't you be by her side instead of causing a scene here?" Jane crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Joan Betsy, Monica's mother.
Coma wasn't synonymous with death; there was still hope for Monica. A loving mother would be at her daughter's side during such a trying time, yet Joan was creating a spectacle outside the Pansy Group building.
"Bitch! How dare you talk back to me?" Monica's mother, Joan, shouted before slapping Jane.
"Shameless bitch! I'll tear you apart for what you've done. You have no idea who you're messing with."
"Are you insane?" Jane exclaimed as Joan prepared to strike again. She caught Joan's hand and pushed her away, causing Joan to tumble to the ground.
Joan sat on the ground, weeping openly. "Ah! Did you all see that? This murderer wants to kill me, just as she did my beloved daughter. Look at her face. She's wicked; don't let her deceive you."
The people with Joan grew increasingly agitated and began to shout at Jane. One person even unfurled a banner with red text reading, "Jane is a murderer! Blood for blood!"
The crowd began chanting loudly, drawing the attention of passersby, some of whom began filming the spectacle. Several even joined in cursing Jane.
"She's so beautiful; how could she be a murderer?"
"Haven't you heard that beautiful women are the most dangerous? This woman is no exception."
"Wow, I see it now."
The commotion attracted more onlookers.
In response, Joan heightened her theatrical display. She raised her hands to the sky and wailed as if profoundly aggrieved. "Oh, Monica, why are you so unlucky? Why did you encounter the devil's daughter when you were only trying to make ends meet? She pushed you into the lake just because you were better than her. She deserves to die, not you. I can't live without you, Monica. I'll join you if you die."
Jane could hardly tolerate this madness any longer; her head throbbed. "Get out of the way!" she shouted, glaring at Joan.
Joan stared back at her, her gaze unwavering. "I won't leave until I get justice for my daughter. I want everyone to see you for the murderer you are."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Unexpected Fiancée