The day shift officers had taken over . When they heard the person who'd called 911 was also the suspect , the officers did a double - take , wondering if they were still half - asleep . Usually , someone who walks into a station on their own to clear their name is either a connected thug who thinks he's untouchable - or actually innocent . One look at the young woman's steady face , and most of them were leaning toward the latter . But with the " victim's " family swearing up and down otherwise , they had to play it by the book . Then they found out the victim and the suspect were from the same household . The cherished one was the adopted daughter ; the one standing alone , insisting on clearing her name , was the biological daughter . The female officer taking the statement practically got a headache untangling the family tree , her expression skewing . Good grief . Two Lancaster brothers - one icy , one barking - glaring at their own sister like she was a mortal enemy . The supposed motive ? The bio daughter had been " jealous " of her adopted sister for years and thought she stole her boyfriend . The officer flicked a look across the room - at the boyfriend in question , who was hovering over pale , coughing Lydia , tucking a blanket around her , offering water and pills like he was auditioning for Florence Nightingale . The officer snorted silently . Give me a break . Who wouldn't suspect something ? Do they have to be caught in bed before anyone will admit it ? Her eyes slid back to Claudia , who stayed quiet and cooperative . The officer's heart squeezed . Claudia caught her eye and gave a light , easy smile . It made the officer's pulse skip . How could a girl like that be a would - be killer ? Put next to that pampered " innocent , " this screamed rich - family mess , not cold - blooded crime . Still , feelings don't run cases . The officer drifted over with a paper cup of hot tea , a couple packets of snacks , and a chocolate bar , setting them within reach . She'd noticed earlier - when a maid brought breakfast into the waiting area , there wasn't even a portion for Claudia . The double standard was right there in the open . Lydia's injuries were minor , and she didn't want to press charges , but arranging for a driver to mow someone down is not something you shrug off . The cops handled it carefully . In the end , the fix was straightforward : question the driver . He admitted he took money . 9:34 Tue , Oct 7 M. ... Julie and Lydia danced in the same troupe and were rivals for the spotlight . Julie confessed she just wanted Lydia nicked up enough to lose the lead . She also knew Claudia and Lydia had a tense history - and Julie herself had been bullied by Claudia back in school - so she nursed a grudge and tried to kill two birds with one stone by framing Claudia . She figured that even if suspicion fell on Claudia , Lydia wouldn't push it out of " loyalty ," and it would end there . She didn't count on Claudia refusing to swallow a false charge . In the end , Julie's dance career went down the drain . But since Lydia wasn't badly hurt , and she felt for the driver's situation , she agreed to a private settlement . Neither Julie nor the driver took a heavy hit . Julie didn't flinch . Losing dance was a pity , but she came from a regular family . Dance was a paycheck , nothing more . This outcome , she could live with . As she passed Claudia , she shot her a look that said everything . Sure , you cleared your name . But did you really win ? After all these years , Lydia still held the high ground . Julie let out a soft , mocking laugh . So what if you were born with a silver spoon ? In the end , you're no better off than a nobody like me . When the truth came out , the Lancasters looked awkward . Wilson thought of the slap he'd laid on Claudia that morning . Regret pricked him , but blame came out instead . " If you hadn't been so domineering and bullied your classmate , nobody would've had a chance to use her against Lydia ." Claudia almost laughed . " By your logic , if a strand , of her hair falls out , it's my fault for walking by and stirring the air ? If she's that fragile , bubble - wrap her and stick her on a pedestal . " " What garbage are you spewing ? There you go , slandering Lydia again ! " Wilson's hand shot up for another swing . " Hey ! No hitting in the station ! " the note - taking officer barked . Lydia launched into a hacking cough that left her gasping . Lottie wrapped an arm around her and shot her husband and sons a glare . " Lydia's health is already fragile , and now she's dragged down here at dawn to suffer more . Claudia , when will you learn to be sensible ? " 9:34 Tue , Oct 7 M. ... Clarence's face was carved from stone . " You knew you didn't do it . Why couldn't you just say so ? Did you have to haul us to the station and make a spectacle ? " Zane sneered . " Maybe she wanted the circus . She only feels good when she's center stage ." Under the barrage , Claudia's face didn't flicker , like she'd lived this exact scene a thousand times . She rolled her eyes . " Yeah , yeah - I'm awful , I'm vicious . But at least I'm still human . Unlike you -nice human faces and nonstop lies , brains just for show , cyes just for decoration , and hearts rotten clear through ." Pfft- A couple of officers couldn't hold back a laugh . The bio daughter had almost been railroaded into a crime she didn't commit , and all this family could do was fuss over the adopted one . The female officer finally stepped forward with a professional smile . " Ms. Lancaster , it's been established you're not involved . You're free to go get some rest . Ms. Lydia , as the victim , we may need further cooperation from you ." Claudia didn't care to trade another word . She thanked her and turned to leave . Jasper started after her , but Lydia swayed , dizzy , and he stayed planted at her side . Instead , Lottie called out , " Claudia , where are you going ? Your engagement to Jasper is less than a month away . You should stay home until then ." The guests and banquet could be handled without her , but the dress fittings needed her . At the word " engagement , " Lydia dropped her gaze , fingers tightening on Jasper's arm . Claudia turned , smile sharp as glass . " Mrs. Lancaster , open your eyes - who is Jasper holding right now ? You really think it's appropriate to plan an engagement party for me and him ? " Every eye in the room swung to the pair twined together . Handsome man , delicate beauty - a pretty picture . But one was the older sister , the other the soon - to - be brother - in - law . Indecent , right ? And yet ... " In my opinion , only dirty minds see dirt everywhere , " Zane shot back . " Lydia's health is Jasper's just helping . You're petty and jealous , Claudia - so jealous even this offends you . " poor . Send Gifts 10 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!