Chapter 166
Zabelle sat in the dimly lit waiting area of the police station, her hands clasped tightly together as she anxiously bounced her knee.
After getting tired of waiting outside, they finally went into the station and sat in the waiting area.
The minutes stretched into what felt like hours, and yet there was still no word on Antonio’s bail. Why was it taking so long?
Alejandro had tried to convince her to leave, but she refused to do so.
If it was her who was behind bars, Antonio would rather let the world burn than leave her, and she was going to do the same for him.
After all, she was useless when it came to helping him.
Nivera had also tried convincing her to get some rest, but Zabelle couldn’t bring herself to step away.
Thankfully, she had to leave as a family emergency came up. It was unfair to keep her in the station for a problem that was hers but Nivera refused to leave her alone that was until the emergency came up.
How could she when Antonio was in there, locked away like a criminal? Her heart ached just thinking about it.
Alejandro stood a few feet away, pacing with his phone in hand, periodically checking for updates.
His expression was unreadable, but Zabelle knew he was just as worried, but he was staying strong.
She broke out of her thoughts when she heard the sound of approaching footsteps, and when she looked, she saw that her father–in–law had arrived.
His presence alone commanded respect and attention, and as he walked toward them, Alejandro immediately straightened.
Zabelle, however, barely had the strength to acknowledge him properly.
William’s sharp gaze flickered to Alejandro first. “Any updates?”
Alejandro exhaled, rubbing his forehead. “The Lawyers are still battling it out in court. Our team is arguing for Antonio’s release, but the state’s lawyers are pushing against it.”
William nodded as if he expected nothing less. “Let me know the moment there’s a verdict.”
Then, his gaze shifted toward Zabelle. His hardened expression softened ever so slightly. He then made his way towards her and sat beside her as he asked, “How are you holding up?”
“I feel like I’m losing my mind.” Zabelle answered honestly. “Plus, I feel useless as Antonio is behind bars for something he didn’t do, and I can’t do anything about ic”
“You’re here, your presence means a whole lot more that you know,”
He
William consoled her.
wasn’t too good when it came to such things and if his wife had been here, she would know what to say to Zabelle.
As if reading his thoughts, Zabelle turned to him and asked, “How is mom?” Concern evident in her voice.
She knew Antonio’s mother would be worned as well as the fact that she wasn’t there made Zabelle worry
“She’s d
‘s doing as well as she can be, considering the circumstances.” William’s jaw tightened.
She recognized the meaning behind the expression, as it was one she had seen on Antonio’s face countless times. “Dad, where’s Mom?” She probed. William sighed as his expression darkened. “Right now, she’s dealing with Lily as she needs a place to channel her
anger to
At the mention of the name. Zabelle’s face contorted into a deep frown. Lily? What did she have to do with this?
Before she could ask, William continued. “It was Gabriel,” he said simply. “He’s the one responsible for Antonio’s arrest” Zabelle’s blood ran cold, and her eyes widened in horror.
Her heart pounded in her chest as realization crashed over her like a tidal wave. Gabriel was retaliating for what she did to him.
Of course. How could she not have seen it when it was staring at her right in the face.
It wasn’t a coincidence that Antonio got arrested just days after she went to confront Gabriel.
A sharp pang of guilt immediately hit her, and it hit her hard. This was her fault,
If she hadn’t gone after Gabriel, if she had handled things differently, Antonio wouldn’t be in this mess.
She was such a fool who didn’t think things through and now Antonio was paying the price for it
William must have noticed the shift in her demeanor because he spoke again, his voice calm but firm. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“How can I not Zabelle clenched her fists as the tears dueatened to burst open.
William exhaled slowly. “Gabriel was always going to come after you and Antonio. This just gave him the opportunity he was waiting for.”
That was exactly the point. Gabriel had always been lurking in the shadows, waiting for his moment to strike, and she gave him the opening he was looking for.
“But don’t worry, he won’t get away with it. William’s voice lowered, his tone laced with something dangerous.
Zabelle lifted her gaze, her chest still tight. There was nothing that would wash away the guilt she felt.
“Gabriel’s son has been arrested. William revealed. “And this time, he’s going to face the full wrath of the law. It doesn’t matter whether you want it. or not,” he added.
Zabelle swallowed hard.
A tiny part of her wanted to say that she didn’t want another person to suffer because of this war, but that part was buried beneath her rage.
Gabriel had taken Antonio from her. He had ruined lives without a second thought. He didn’t deserve any mercy.
She set her jaw and met William’s gaze head–on. “Make sure he rots in jail, and after you’re done, go after Gabriel himself;”
A slow, satisfied smile spread across William’s face, and he looked at her with pride in his eyes. She had finally gotten over her phase.
“Gladly
Just then, Alejandro’s phone rang
He immediately picked up, his posture straightening. “What’s the update?” he asked, his voice tense,
Zabelle held her breath as she watched him listen to the person on the other end.
Then suddenly, his expression fell and Zabelle’s stomach twisted as he wouldn’t have such an expression if it was good news.
Alejandro barely moved for a second before he hung up, his grip tightening around the device.
“Well!” William narrowed his eyes.
Alejandro hesitated for half a second before finally looking up, his jaw tightening as he opened his mouth to speak,
“Antonio has been denied bail.”
The words hit Zabelle like a hammer to the chest, and she felt the air leave her lungs as her heart clenched painfully.
No. No. No. No.
This couldn’t be happening. It had to be a bad dream she needed to wake up from
Antonio was supposed to be coming home. Alejandro had said the chances were good, so what happened.
Zabelle’s body trembled as she fought the emotions threatening to consume her. How could they deny his bail? The system was supposed to be fair, right?
But of course, it wasn’t. If it was, he would never be in there in the first place.
Her hands curled into fists as frustration and devastation warred inside her.
William, on the other hand, remained still, his face unreadable. Then, finally, he let out a slow breath and turned to Alejandro.
“Take Zabelle to my mansion, Ill handle the rest,” he ordered, but Zabelle shook her head as she didn’t want to leave.
“Zabelle, there’s nothing we can do right now, but I promise, Antonio will be out before you know it and when he gets out, we’ll burn this station to the ground!” William said to her and she nodded reluctantly.
“I want to go back home. I’ll be fine. My guard is with me. Alejandro needs to be here so you can plan your next step,” she said. That was a lie, she wasn’t going to be fine. She wanted to be alone so she could cry and blame herself without any disturbance.
She hoped Gabriel wouldn’t insist she stayed at his mansion, and thankfully, he didn’t.
“Alright. Alicia and I will check up on you,” he told, and she nodded.
“Come. I’ll see you off to the car,” William then said, and he led her off the station.
