Chapter 1718

Alyssa and Jasper grew solemn in front of the serious-looking Cyrus. "Cyrus, go ahead.”

"You're well known as a couple who seek justice and fight for what's right.” Cyrus sounded sarcastic.

His remark prompted Jasper to glance at Alyssa. Jasper caressed her nape while replying, "Well, I'm

not that great. I'm only assisting Lyse. She's the one who's outstanding, smart, and kind."

"Cyrus was just teasing us! How could you make me shoulder his taunts while you act like the

humble one?" Squinting, she playfully elbowed Jasper.

"I didn’t tease you. I meant it." Growing serious, Cyrus explained, "The two victims killed today by

the man who held Lauren hostage were members of a school bullying group.”

Jasper's eyes darkened, and his face paled. Similarly, despair flashed across Alyssa's eyes. The fated

couple had both experienced bullying before. Therefore, they hated bullying behavior more than

anyone else.

"The murderer had a daughter who had been severely bullied by the five students in her two years

at the school. She even got her nude photos taken. The five students made her their slave, and if

she refused to comply, they threatened to spread her nude photos on the school forum.

"She and her father repeatedly lodged police reports, but they were being dismissed as there was

insufficient evidence against the five, all because two of them came from wealthy and powerful

families.

"The father and daughter endured abuse because no one would help them. In the end, the poor girl

chose to jump off a building because she couldn't stand the humiliation.”

"Wealthy and powerful?” An intimidating gleam appeared in Jasper's eyes. "Tell me their names. I'd

like to see how wealthy and powerful they are.”

Equally indignant, Alyssa asked, "How's that girl doing?"

"She's in the ER, but she's still unconscious.” Cyrus let out a frustrated sigh and curled his fist. "I read

the reports she had filed and her medical inspection. There was sufficient evidence to sue the

bullies. Since they are legal adults, if we follow the legal proceedings...”

"You wouldn't have come to me and Jasper if you were thinking of settling it legally," Alyssa pointed

out Cyrus’ thoughts.

Cyrus swallowed hard. He said in a hoarse voice, "One needs to pay for his crimes. I sympathize with

that father, but I disagree with his way of taking revenge. He needs to be punished by law, but his

daughter is innocent. Her bullies need to pay a huge price for her sufferings.”

"That was probably the only way the father could avenge his daughter, I guess,” Jasper mumbled.

"Cyrus, the police station must have received many of these reports in a year. Right?" Alyssa

questioned curiously. "Why are you showing more interest in this case? Do you know the victim

personally?”

Cyrus recalled how Lauren curled up in his arms, her lashes and nose wet from the tears. She looked

disheveled but still adorable. He was attracted to her looks.

He went on, "I had to speak up because this was a tragic case of long-term bullying. Besides, Lauren

told me to seek justice for that girl.”

The sudden mention of Lauren caught Alyssa and Jasper off guard.

"The hostage situation was really bad. Lauren only managed to save herself by convincing the

murderer. She promised to stay by the girl's side throughout this ordeal and to avenge both father

and daughter. I don't want to let Lauren down."

However, Cyrus realized that his remark came out wrong, so he casually added, "Lauren is innocent

and pure. I wish to see her stay the same and be a person who keeps her word. I want her world to

be free of lies."

Alyssa met Cyrus’ avoidant gaze with mixed emotions in her eyes.

Jasper agreed, "Since that's Lauren's wish, that gives me more reason to make it come true.”