The young officer gave a small nod . The lead interrogator turned to Sharon , his tone polite but firm . " Sharon , a new eyewitness has come forward . We'll need to investigate further . I'm afraid you won't be able to leave just yet . " An eyewitness ? If there had really been one , things wouldn't , have dragged on this long . And now - of all times- -someone suddenly steps forward ? Sharon felt as though she'd been dropped into an ice bath . Cold spread from the base of her spine , numbing her limbs . Whoever it was must've known exactly what kind of situation she was in . They chose this moment , this very second , to come forward . What a deliberate , calculated , and cruel move . It sent a chill straight to the bone . The interrogator looked at her again . " Please cooperate with the investigation , Sharon . " She composed herself quickly . " May I ask who this witness is ? " The officer shook his head . " I'm sorry . For the witness's safety , we can't share any information right now . If you have any objections , you're free to contact a lawyer or a friend and apply for bail . " Everything had happened so fast . She hadn't even had the time to reach out to a lawyer . John was already caught in the storm of public opinion - there was no way she could drag him into this . Wendy was far too naïve . She was no match for Carter . If she misspoke , it might only make things worse . Was this what Carter had been waiting for all along ? For her to break down , admit fault , beg for forgiveness - until then , he'd keep treating her like a criminal ? A trace of irony flickered in Sharon's eyes . She looked down and said calmly , " I understand . " Just as the officer was about to escort her to the holding room , a deep , mellow male voice rang out - smooth and rich like the bow of a cello . 1 " Sharon . " She looked up . Xavier stood not far off , dressed in a white shirt , posture relaxed and unhurried . The collar of his shirt was casually open . There was something untamed in his elegance . A faint smile played on his lips , and his dark eyes shimmered like drifting blossoms on a still pond - seductive and dangerous . " Mr. Cooper ? " Sharon was a little shocked . " Why are you here ? " Wasn't he supposed to be back this weekend ? Xavier offered a light smile . " Matty told me you were in a bit of trouble . " Matty . Ever since that morning when he was pelted with eggs , she'd sent Matty home . There was no telling how long her situation would remain unstable , and keeping her around would've been too risky . Since everything had started falling apart , Carter and Theo had gone completely silent - not a single call , not even a message . Chapter 27 But Matty had called every day , sent messages , and checked in on her constantly . A stranger showed more concern than her own husband and son . Meanwhile , Carter still had the time to go sightseeing with Kelly . Xavier turned to her . " We can talk once we're out of here . I've already posted your bail . You're free to go . " She was silent for a moment , then gave a small nod . " Thank you . " +25 BONUS Elsewhere , in a quiet office- Simon Dale entered and found Carter standing before a wall - mounted television . The screen was playing news footage of Sharon - eggs thrown at her , a mob shouting , pushing . She looked like a stray dog , cornered and disgraced . Simon quickly averted his eyes , unease flickering across his face . He spoke softly . " Mr. Biggs , Sharon was just taken in for questioning . Word is , an eyewitness has come forward ... If no one posts her bail , she'll likely be held . " He hesitated . " Should we arrange for her release ? " Carter turned to look at him . " When did this happen ? " " This morning . " Carter glanced at his phone . Nothing . Not a single call . Not even a message . " She'd rather be hounded , humiliated , locked away - than admit she was wrong . I doubt she cares for anyone's help . " A cold smile touched the corners of his lips . 1 " She likes to play the tough one , doesn't she ? Let her . Leave her in there . Let her rot . " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!