Chapter 499

The venue was in complete chaos. Security personnel scrambled to maintain order, but the pandemonium was beyond control.

Today's event had turned into a media frenzy. Reporters swarmed Edgar like vultures to carrion, trapping him from all sides. He was completely immobilized, with no escape in sight.

That's the media for you—scandal was their oxygen, their lifeblood.

And this wasn't just any scandal. It was explosive.

Jeff's son—Edgar, the rising star in the mayoral race—was exposed as nothing more than a corrupt leech, lining his pockets while indulging in every vice imaginable.

Every journalist in the room was desperate for the exclusive. They looked ready to tear Edgar apart, piece by piece.

"Mayor, should I call for backup? This is spiraling!" His secretary rushed to Mr. Bartley's side, face etched with worry.

Mr. Bartley stood in a quiet corner, deliberately avoiding the spotlight. A smug smile played on his lips as he watched his rival drown in the chaos. Why get our hands dirty when we can enjoy the show?

"Let them fight. No need to intervene. Just make sure my wife and I stay out of the crossfire."

To prevent further escalation, the Chambers family tightened security at every entrance.

Then, three sleek black sedans pulled up with authority, parking directly in front of the venue.

The doors swung open. Out stepped a team of prosecutors in sharp suits, badges gleaming under the harsh lights.

Leading them was Arnold, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a steely intensity. His commanding presence was breathtaking.

The security guards exchanged nervous glances as the prosecutors marched forward.

"Step aside. Do not interfere with official business," Arnold said coolly, his voice devoid of warmth.

The guards hesitated but ultimately yielded.

Arnold tapped his earpiece as he stepped inside. "Evadne, I'm in."

"Hmm. That was easier than expected," came her surprised reply.

"Of course. You didn’t think I’d fail you, did you?"

His bravado lasted all of three seconds before the Chambers family’s men moved to block their path—a wall of muscle and menace.

"Looks like you spoke too soon," Evadne teased, laughter dancing in his ear. "Not as smooth as you thought."

"You can see me?" Arnold tensed, scanning the room.

"Every move. I’ve got eyes on everything inside."

Elsewhere, Evadne lounged back, watching the live feed of Edgar being mobbed and Jeff looking like a cornered rat.

"This is better than I imagined," she mused, lips curving.

Arnold straightened his tie. "Just watch. The grand finale is mine to deliver."

"Confident words, Prosecutor Arnold. But you still need to get past those guards first."

Before she finished, Thaddeus’s warm hand settled on her shoulder, his touch reassuring. "Don’t worry. I’ve got people inside. They’ll clear the way."

Her eyes softened. Independent as she was, she found herself leaning into his embrace. With Thaddeus, she didn’t have to be the thorny rose—just his.

"Unauthorized personnel are not permitted," one of the Chambers’ bodyguards barked.

"Arnold, Elmsworth Attorney at Law," Arnold countered, eyes like ice. "I have a warrant for Edgar Gardner’s arrest. Stand down."

"We’ve received no such orders. No entry."

Arnold smirked. "Interesting. You’re not official security. Which means you’re with the Chambers family."

Panic flickered across the guard’s face.

Before they were deployed, Mr. Chambers had been clear—deny any affiliation. If Edgar was taken, it was game over.

"We’re with Mr. Bartley!" the guard bluffed.

"Oh? Funny. I don’t recognize you."

A calm voice cut through the tension. All heads turned.

Mr. Bartley’s chief of staff approached, flanked by his own security.

The Chambers’ guard paled.

"Bold of you to impersonate our staff and slander the Mayor," the chief of staff said sternly before turning to Arnold. "Prosecutor, perhaps you should arrest these obstructionists too. Clear our Mayor’s name."

Arnold nodded. "Justice will be served."

"Excellent. The Mayor is eager to cooperate with the DA’s office."

The Chambers’ men were outmaneuvered. No one dared block the prosecutors now.

Arnold strode forward, his team in tow.

The chief of staff slipped away to make a call.

Meanwhile—

Thaddeus had Evadne pinned against the car window, his lips claiming hers in a deep, possessive kiss.

She gasped when he finally pulled back. "You’re everywhere. Even in Bartley’s inner circle?"

He smirked. "Money and influence open doors, darling."

She tapped his cheek. "Arrogant."

"Bartley’s a tyrant. His chief of staff has been overlooked for years. Loyalty has its limits."

Her eyes gleamed with understanding. "So you offered him a better future."

"Exactly. He’ll be useful."

Just as Matthew thought he had the situation under control, Arnold and his team stormed in.

"Matthew! Stop them!" Bertha shrieked, clinging to him.

"Shut up!" he snapped, silencing her.

Arnold shouldered past him. "Step aside, Mr. Chambers."

Matthew’s glare burned into Arnold’s back.

The reporters parted as the prosecutors approached Edgar, whose face had gone ghostly pale.

Arnold held up the warrant.

"Edgar Gardner, you’re under arrest for embezzlement, abuse of power, and bribery."

The room fell silent.

Game over.