Chapter 57
Simon was rattled, and his words came out a little shaky. “That dog was old, wasn’t it? It’s not unusual for it to die. Why is it so strange? Her dog dies, and she comes to make a scene at my house. What’s up with her?”
“Are you sure it had nothing to do with you?” Cassandra asked coldly. “I don’t believe you.”
Simon snapped, “Do you have any proof? What makes you so sure I poisoned your dog?”
“How did you know that Snowball was poisoned? And you still claim it has nothing to do with you?”
“Yeah, I poisoned it. So what?” Simon stuck out his chin. “It’s just a dog. It’s not like I killed a person. The cops aren’t going to arrest me over killing a dog, are they?”
Cassandra turned to Ryan. “Mr. Scott, is there no law that can punish him for this?”
Ryan hesitated, then shook his head. “At most, he’ll get a slap on the wrist or have to pay a little compensation. That’s about it… Nothing more.”
Simon burst out laughing. “Exactly! If killing a dog were a crime, what about the people who slaughter other animals for food? It’s not like dogs are endangered. So what if I killed it? Whatever you paid for that mutt, I’ll pay you back A Westie isn’t even worth that much.”
Snowball had been with Cassandra for 15 years. She was loyal and obedient. When Cassandra was sick, Snowball would quietly stay by her side, even bringing toys to cheer her up.
Did all that love and companionship mean nothing?
Cassandra trembled all over in rage.
Was she supposed to stand by and watch Snowball die in pain, unable to do a thing about the person who caused it?
Ryan tried to reason with her. “You’ve already taken it out on them. The paintings and that orchid were worth a fortune, too.”
“Are you telling me to just give up?”
“No. Whatever you decide, I’ll help you.”
“I told you. I want them in prison.”
Ryan thought for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”
Suddenly, police sirens sounded outside.
Grace saw her chance, scrambling to her feet and rushing out. “Officer, someone’s trying to kill us!”
Chapter 57
But the police kept things fair. They didn’t just take Grace’s word for it.
After hearing what happened, they sighed. “There really aren’t any harsh penalties for poisoning a dog. If he’s willing to pay for the cost of the dog, that’s all we can do. As for emotional distress, there’s no set amount. It’s something both sides have to agree on themselves.”
Simon pointed at his study, furious. “But what about my study? She set the whole room on fire! Dozens of valuable paintings were ruined, and my wife’s orchid was destroyed too! She has to pay for all of it!”
Grace cut in, “That’s right! All those paintings are masterpieces, and that orchid is a rare breed! Make her pay! If she can’t, she should be locked up!”
“I’d like to see anyone try!”
Cameron had come home.
He took in the disaster in the living room, then walked straight over to Cassandra. “Cassie, don’t worry. I won’t let you pay for any of this.”
He reached out for her hand, but she jerked away
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