I stepped forward to shield Steven and stared at the men warily.
Michael frowned, seemingly upset.
âWhat are you up to this time, Rachel?â he asked.
âWhat? You donât dare to watch it? Donât you want to find out what kind of person Yasmin is?â
Rachel sneered and took out her phone to show him the video.
It was the video of Jack yelling in fear on the ground. He was shouting at someone not to come after him and to find Michael instead. In the video, he also said that it wasnât Stephanie who had pushed Yasmin down the stairs.
Michaelâs expression darkened as he watched the video.
I watched his reaction closely, hoping to see a trace of guilt and panic in his eyes so that I could feel the pleasure of getting revenge.
However, that wasnât the case.
The air Michael exuded felt dangerous. It seemed like he didnât believe what he had seen in that video.
I sneered inwardly. I had truly underestimated Michaelâs love for Yasmin. But it didnât matter since this was just the beginning.
âRachel, I know you look down on Yasmin, but donât you think itâs a little despicable to use tricks like these?â Michael said.
Rachel burst out laughing. She then put away her phone and glowered at him with her jaw clenched.
âYouâre so pathetic, Michael,â Rachel said. âI wonder just how long youâll take Yasminâs side.
âBy you the way, the data in Stephieâs phone was destroyed during the recovery process. Who else do think has the power to destroy the policeâs protected evidence that was in the hands of technicians?â
She looked at Michael and said, âYasmin sure is extraordinary.â
âDo you know how ridiculous you sound?â Michael snapped. âYasmin is an orphan, and she was adopted. She doesnât have the power to do that! Even the Bailey family doesnât have that much power!
He continued angrily, âIâve failed Stephanie, but I wonât let off those who had hurt her. But unlike you, I wonât simply assume that Yasminâs the one behind this!â
âGo to hell, Michael!â Rachel cursed. Then, she turned to look at Steven and me.
She continued, âIâve called the police. You were illegally detaining him. Heâs a suspect with a mental illness who has surrendered himself to the authorities âThereâs no evidence to prove that he was the murderer, so the police have no right to conti detaining him. Do you want to lynch him?â
I shielded Steven with my body and backed away cautiously. âMichael, youâre disgusting,â I said.
Michael frowned and looked at me. I didnât know what he was thinking.
Rachel then glanced at me indifferently and said, âYouâve seen it for yourself. He firmly believes in Yasmin. He really doesnât deserve Stephie.
She turned to look back at Michael. âWeâll see how you defend Yasmin once the data in Stephieâs phone is recovered.
1 remained silent as 1 held Stevenâs hand and left with him. Steven looked at Michael indifferently.
After walking a few steps, Steven muttered, âI donât know how toâ¦â
Startled, I turned to look back at him. What was it that he didnât know how to do?
âIâll always believe in you,â Steven said earnestly. âAnd Iâll believe in you forever, no matter what.â
At that moment, his expressión, his gaze, and the way he spoke could make anyoneâs heart melt. It was too easy to get trapped in those eyes.
Taking a deep breath, I lowered my head and smiled bitterly. Why should I believe in a psychoâs words?
Michael left the mall with his men. They seemed like they were going to block our path again, but Zion arrived with his men just then. In the end, Michael could only give up.
When I walked past Zion, I instinctively wanted to greet him. I opened my mouth but ultimately held my tongue.
Zion glanced at me and then at Steven. âAre you his guardian?â he asked, to which I nodded.
1 Steven seemed rather happy as he nodded along with me, looking quite proud of himself.
I felt a little helpless and tightened my grip on his wrist.
Zion checked the time and asked, âWhere was he yesterday? And where was he earlier today?â
âHe was at the Lincoln residence the whole time,â I told him. âThere are surveillance cameras there.
The footage can prove that what Iâm saying is true.â
Zion nodded. âAlright. As his guardian, you have to keep an eye on him. Donât let him run around too much.â
âOkay.â I nodded and left, pulling Steven along with me.
âSince you sneaked out, how are you supposed to get back home? The nanny said that James is looking for you. If he catches you, heâll beat you up again.â