Laila sat quietly in the interrogation room, and the fast food in front of her smelled delicious. However, she wouldn't eat anything of unknown origin, especially food given to her by people with ill intentions.
Originally, she thought that once those two police officers recognized her, the game would be over. The most likely scenario was that they, along with their superiors, would come to apologize to her in the hope of burying the incident.
If she could get enough compensation, she didn't want to sour her relationship with the police too much. The last time she was attacked by malicious thugs during a protest, it had led to a torrent of accusations against the police. She didn't want the police to think she was deliberately antagonizing them; it wouldn't benefit either party.
However, what she didn't expect was that after being left waiting for a long time, a delivery boy burst in excitedly and left the fast food without saying a word. She was still left alone in the interrogation room. No apologies, no negotiations, not even a drink of water, just a meal...
Is this how people who should apologize behave? Laila couldn't guess what they were up to.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Lawyer Walton entered from outside.
Seeing him, Laila knew that today's affair was over. She stood up, gazing at the two police officers pretending to admire the scenery outside the interrogation room, silently noting their appearances.
Very well, they have some nerve not to apologize at this point. Since they're so bold, let's continue playing! She didn't want to sour the relationship too much, but that didn't mean she would forgive the insult to her interests and dignity. She had never been one with a good temper!
"Can we leave now?" She looked at her lawyer.
"Of course!" Walton said, his attitude becoming haughty as he noticed Laila's unkind look toward the two police officers outside the room. "I don't think anyone will stop you!"
Laila walked toward him. "Good, let's go."
As she passed by the two officers, she deliberately slowed down her pace, waiting until she felt them both hold their breath before she smirked and walked away.
Let her come and go as she pleased. What did they take her for? Let's see how this plays out!
"What about the bodyguards?" Laila asked as they entered the elevator.
"I've arranged for their release, and they're probably waiting in the car by now."
"Good." Laila nodded. "What about the young people who got involved? Besides Aidan, some were released on bail, and some are still in the hospital. The police didn't give them a hard time."
Walton's response was as expected. Owen and the others were merely unlucky individuals caught up in the situation, and their offenses weren't significant. The café's surveillance footage could prove that they had acted in self-defense, and they were in a vulnerable position.
"Have Aidan released as well. And for the ones in the hospital, I'll cover their medical expenses," Laila said, recalling something. "By the way, what about the motorcycle gang? Were they released too?"
"Yes, they were taken away by a guy who frequently handles dirty work," Walton said with a touch of disdain. Even when he was struggling financially, he would never take on dirty jobs that would tarnish the sanctity of the law. Whether you called him an idealist or a perfectionist, he simply couldn't tolerate it.
Laila also sneered inwardly. Did those people think that being released meant everything was fine? Victor had a point when he said, "The world only shows kindness to the wealthy." She would show him what it truly meant to be wealthy!
"What's next? There are many reporters outside now," Walton asked.
Laila was surprised. "How did the reporters know I was here? Are their ears really that sharp?"
"They make their living this way; they have to be good at it," Walton chuckled. "If you plan on getting some favors from the police, I suggest not appearing too angry in front of the media. But if you want to take legal action against them, feel free to vent your anger."
Laila nodded thoughtfully. "What do you think I should do?"
"In my opinion, it wouldn't hurt for the police to know how formidable you can be. Also, this year is an election year, and tensions are running high. If you have a suitable candidate you want to support for the position of police chief, you can use this incident to your advantage."
Laila's lips curled slightly. She didn't have such ambitions. However, having a high-ranking police officer who would cooperate closely with her seemed like a good contact.
"I'll consider it," she replied. The politicians she knew were mostly high-ranking individuals, people qualified to associate with her grandfather. When it came to building her own power base, she didn't think she was cut out for it. It might be better to make a phone call home and ask for their advice.
This year's election had been the most lively and controversial in history, lasting over a month before George Bush was finally elected. Bush had won by a slim margin, and he was still facing various criticisms. It was only thanks to the presidential election that started in early November that the various "rumors" surrounding Laila and Roy were no longer in the spotlight.
Next year, Bush would take office, and at this time, an incident involving the heir of the Moran family being wrongfully arrested and threatened in an interrogation room would undoubtedly create immense pressure on the police.
But what did that have to do with her?
Walton saw the curve of Laila's lips and knew that this young lady had made a decision. He silently prayed that it was a decision that would allow him to showcase his skills.
As soon as they stepped out of the police station's lobby, a large group of reporters swarmed towards them.
"Director Moran, is it true that you were arrested for drug trafficking?"
"Did you have close ties with the motorcycle gang?"
"According to our sources, you used banned substances to seek inspiration. Is that true?"
The flashbulbs popped incessantly, making it difficult for anyone in the vicinity to open their eyes. Laila had come prepared; she had put on her sunglasses as soon as she exited the elevator. Poor Walton had rushed over after receiving a phone call and was now struggling to see anything through the blinding flashes.
It wasn't surprising that the reporters were excited. After all, Laila Moran, the well-known Hollywood darling, was being arrested and detained at a police station. Readers would love this kind of news - it was as if the last true lady of America had been caught up in a scandal.
Laila just stood there, smiling, and let them ask their questions. She exuded an aura that said, "Ask whatever you want; I won't answer a word."
The noisy scene finally dissipated as the police and the arriving bodyguards managed to disperse the reporters, leaving only the occasional flash of camera bulbs.
"No more questions?" Laila looked at them with a smile. "You know I can't hear anything you're saying when you all talk at once. Each time, you rush like this, it's wasting everyone's time, isn't it?"