Charlotte shot Phoebe a furious glare. "Did you actually do this? You useless girl!"
Snatching a random object off the table, she hurled it straight at her niece.
Phoebe stumbled backward, tears streaming down her face. She shook her head frantically. "No, it wasn't me!"
"The evidence is rock solid, and you're still denying it?" Marina had zero intention of letting her cousin off the hook, especially after the way the family had just tried to corner her. "Do I really need to call the cops to get a confession out of you?"
Mrs. Evert's tone toward Marina softened dramatically. "Marina, this is a family matter. Please don't get the police involved."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Marina demanded. "When you all thought I was the guilty one, you were ready to strip twenty percent of my inheritance and shares to give to Phoebe. Now that the tables are turned, the punishment stays the same, right?"
Mr. and Mrs. Evert exchanged anxious glances, stammering and unable to form a coherent sentence.
Charlotte stepped up, trying to play peacemaker. "Marina, you're the older sister. Phoebe is still just a child. She doesn't know any better. Be the bigger person here."
Marina let out a cold laugh. "She's exactly one year younger than me."
Charlotte pivoted to Mrs. Evert. "Rhiannon, I apologize to Marina on Phoebe's behalf. It's just kids messing around. Phoebe has always been a bit immature!"
Carson abruptly cut in. "Marina is too soft-hearted. I'll make the call to the police. Since this involves my fiancée, I have every right to step in."
"Carson!" Jude looked at him pleadingly. "This is our family's private business. If word gets out, it will ruin our reputation."
Carson casually tapped his phone against his palm, his expression completely detached. "If you don't want the cops involved, then stick to the original terms. Transfer Phoebe's shares to Marina, and I'll drop this."
Knowing that Phoebe could absolutely not have a criminal record, Jude gritted his teeth in defeat. "Fine. I'll have the paperwork drawn up right now."


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