Chapter 248
Chapter 248
52%
Domestic violence leading to death cases occur every year–hundreds, if not thousands. The legal path for victims is long and
tough. Because of connections, victims often remain victims forever.
If women don’t kill their husbands, they might not survive. Laws over the past 22 years fail to clarify the boundaries of domestic
violence. This problem is unsolvable; one after another, victims step forward.
“Sir, I confess too. Twenty–one years ago, my father–in–law had dementia and violated me. With my husband dead and relatives
turning a blind eye, I wanted to end it all but couldn’t leave my three–year–old daughter, Sophia.”
“I heard of an unnamed man in the city helping the suffering, so I wrote a letter and left it at the last crime scene. I thought
there’d be no response.”
“I was about to jump into the river with Sophia when I heard my father–in–law had died.”
“Now, Sophia has graduated from college and found a job. I’m so grateful to that man for letting her grow up safely.”
“And me. Twenty years ago in spring, I was left by my dad beside the stove and burned my hand. My mom had already run away
but wanted to come back for me. Afraid she’d suffer again, I wrote a letter to the unnamed uncle.”
“With only one hand left, I couldn’t write well–just a messy doodle. I wasn’t sure if Uncle Zane could understand. Luckily, he did
and came to save me.”
“Last year, my mother passed away. I felt like I had no one left to care about, so I wanted to prove Zane’s innocence and thank
him in person.”
In the adjoining room, Zane shut his eyes, hiding the sorrow behind them. He never wanted to drag these people into this.
One by one, they stepped forward to share their motives for killing and extended their hands toward Bennett.
Their palms showed signs of age and deep scars, some even disfigured. Still, their faces wore a calmness grateful for their
salvation.
“This was the grand gift Joseph mentioned. Damn it,‘ Stanley realized. He typed with his head down. [You’ve got to be kidding
me.]
Joseph replied. [I didn’t call them; they came on their own.]
Stanley’s feelings of anger momentarily faded. After replying with an awkward “Oh,” he wiped his eyes and pressed down on
“Bennett, was it too heartless to arrest them?”
Bennett sighed. “If they confess, we have to interrogate them according to procedure.”
‘Forget the regulations!‘ Stanley wanted to curse in his heart, but the cameras were on; he had to ke backlash.
“Hmph, then I’ll pay to help them with their cases. Who was scared of whom?”
Im to avoid
At the same time, viewers in the live chat felt just like Stanley, accusing Bennett of being too cold–blooded.
[Outside of legalities, we should show empathy; they are victims!]
[Right! Dying doesn’t make them great. Let’s see them live with the shame.]
[I think those people deserved to die.]
1/3
83
09:06 Sat, 12 Apr BB.
Chapter 248
[Zane was justified in his actions.]
* 52%
Media representatives on–site lowered their voices. At this point, anyone demanding justice for the victims looked ridiculous.
They had elderly relatives, wives, and children at home. If they faced similar situations, they might resort to even more brutal
means.
Eventually, no police had to drive everyone away; they all left on their own, even those pretentious family members, generally
accomplices in abuse, leaving to avoid punishment.
Joseph then entered from outside, bringing a group of serious journalists and influencers. The live stream had ended, but the
cameras were still rolling.
“Bennett, the public is very interested in these former victims. How will your agency handle this?”
Joseph was handsome and gentle, but his smile sent chills down their spines.
“So, you want me to explain myself?” Bennett chuckled, not daring to underestimate these rich kids. “The murders happened 20
years ago. The statute of limitations has passed. At most, they’ll be detained for a while as a warning and then released.”
That was his plan all along.
“Quinlyn, Elowyn wants us home for dinner,” he called.
Moments later, Quinlyn peeked her head around a corner, running out. “Joseph!”
Zane followed closely with Cher.
The handcuffed masterminds paused, surprised, and then bowed to Joseph.
Zane stopped a meter away. “Why are you here?” He hadn’t even met some of them, avoiding drawing attention.
The group smiled sincerely.
“We should be here. Twenty years ago, you saved us; now it’s our time to give back. Others wanted to come but had family
obligations, so we talked them out. They wanted to apologize to you.”
Zane shook his head; he didn’t need thank yous or apologies.
“And thank you, Cher, for not letting our letters be revealed during the trial,” they said, turning to Cher, their expressions friendly.
They knew the letters still existed and were anxious and fearful daily, torn between worrying Zane would get the death penalty
and that they couldn’t protect those they cared about, risking life imprisonment.
Among the public outcry, only they understood where Cher’s judgment had been.
“This case must have negatively affected you. We hope to make our letters public. Will you return them to us?” They wanted to
restore Cher’s honor.
“Sure.” Cher nodded but first required each of them to register an account, take pictures of their letters, upload them and then
hand them to the nearby police officer.
Bennett looked utterly confused.
“Ms. Richardson, if you’re going to teach them, do it away from me. You’re violating professional ethics.”
09:06 Sat, 12 Apr B BA
Chapter 248
452%
Teaching offenders to manipulate public sentiment could influence court decisions if public opinion was high enough.
Cher looked at him, defiantly replying, “I’m not a judge during my probation period.”
Bennett thought, ‘Okay, I can’t win an argument with a legal expert.
Cher was just being cautious; after all, outside were those crazy enough to elevate Zane to the status of a killing machine. She
wanted to show them how demons appear while harboring angelic hearts.
Meanwhile, in the interrogation room, the defiant killer Robin believed he wouldn’t get the death penalty–only life imprisonment.
But after seeing those letters and the live content, he completely broke down.
“No, it’s impossible. Self–defense! How could that be justified? Officer, what about me? I saved that kid. Doesn’t that count as
self–defense? I can’t die! I don’t want to die!”
田