One of the men Aiden had sent to spy on the family reported back to him.
"Sir, they've found evidence," the spy said, his voice laced with urgency.
Aiden's expression darkened.
He stood up from his car, towering over the informant.
"Get out," Aiden growled, tossing the envelope containing money at the spy.
The spy caught the envelope and scurried away.
Aiden's eyes narrowed.
"So, they think they can release Aria tomorrow morning?" he muttered to himself.
"Not happening."
Aiden's smile grew wider.
"I'm one step ahead of them in this game."
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"Be at the police station tomorrow," Aiden instructed.
"Make sure nothing goes as planned."
The person on the other end acknowledged.
Aiden disconnected the call.
Still smiling, he slipped back into his car.
The engine roared to life.
Aiden drove off into the night.
His mind already plotting the next move.
The next morning, Aria stepped out of her cell, surprised by the officers' announcement. She blinked in the bright light, her eyes scanning the familiar faces before her.
Everyone's face lit up as she emerged, their smiles radiant. Aria's eyes welled with tears as she took in the scene.
She hugged each person tightly, holding them close for a moment. Daniel, Ivy, Leah, Leo, Mrs. Hilda – each hug a reunion.
Finally, she turned to Jack. Their hug lingered, the warmth of their embrace a comforting haven.
"I've missed you so much," Aria whispered, her voice trembling.
Jack's grip tightened, his arms wrapping around her like a shield.
Aria pulled back, her eyes locked on Jack's.
Together, they turned to face the Inspector General.
"We're here to prove Aria's innocence," Jack declared.
The Inspector General raised an eyebrow.
"What proof do you have?" he asked, skepticism etched on his face.
Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope.
He tossed it onto the table.
The Inspector General opened it, his expression changing as he pulled out the contents.
A photo of Aiden slid out, followed by a phone with a recording and a video playback.
The Inspector General's eyes scanned the evidence.
His face darkened.
"Free Aria immediately," he ordered.
"Find Aiden, now!"
The officers sprang into action.
Aria hugged Jack tightly.
"I'm happy that Liam will be getting the justice he deserved and everyone else that was hurt by Aiden," she exclaimed.
Daniel and Ivy exchanged warm smiles.
Leah's eyes met Leo's, and they shared a moment of triumph.
Mrs. Hilda beamed.
The lunch box in her hands forgotten.
Sara, at the back, smiled quietly.
Mr. Jack and Mrs. Aria, together again.
The room filled with joy.
Aria's freedom.
A new beginning.
The Inspector General's voice cut through the celebration.
"Aiden will pay for his crimes."
Aria's grip on Jack tightened.
"It's finally over," Jack whispered.
"It's not over yet!" A voice echoed from the back.
Everyone turned to see Aiden standing, a sly grin spreading across his face.
The air was thick with tension as Aria's eyes locked onto Aiden, her anger simmering like a pot about to boil over.
Everyone turned, their faces a mix of shock and alarm.
Aria's hands clenched into fists.
"Arrest him!" The inspector General demanded, his voice firm.
The officers moved swiftly.
But before they could reach Aiden, a figure emerged from the shadows.
Mrs. Lila, Allison's mother, stepped forward.
Her eyes blazed with a fierce determination.
"Inspector General, Aria needs to be put back in jail," she declared.
The room fell silent.
Jack's eyes widened in surprise.
He had known Mrs. Lila since childhood.
Her voice was laced with venom.
"I have proof she's guilty. They're fabricating lies."
The words hung in the air like a challenge.
Aria's face paled.
Mrs. Lila approached the Inspector General's table.
Her bag clutched tightly in her hand.
Her gaze fixed on Aria.
Anger and grief etched on her face.
"You killed my daughter," Mrs. Lila spat.
The slap echoed through the room.
Aria's head jerked back.
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
Mrs. Lila's grip tightened on Aria's shoulder.
"Why?" she demanded.
Her voice cracked.
Jack intervened.
"Stay away from her, Mrs. Lila," he said firmly.
He gently prised Mrs. Lila's fingers off Aria's shoulder.
Aria stepped forward.
Her voice shook.
"I didn't kill Allison," she protested.
Mrs. Lila's face contorted.
She raised her hand again.
Daniel caught it.
"That's enough, Mrs. Lila," he said softly.
His eyes filled with compassion.
"Aria's pregnant."
He glanced at Aria.
"She's been through enough."
Mrs. Lila's smile sent chills down Jack's spine.
"You think you can get her out?"
Her voice dripped with malice.
"I'd love to see you try."
Mrs. Hilda spoke up.
Her voice calm.
"Aria's innocent."
Mrs. Lila turned.
Her eyes flashed.
"Mind your business, Mrs. Hilda."
Aiden watched.
A sinister grin spread.
Chaos reigned.
The Inspector General's voice rose.
"Order!"
But the damage was done.
Doubt crept in.
Aria's freedom hung in the balance.
Again.
The air was heavy.
Tension simmered.
The Inspector General's voice cut through the tension, his words echoing off the cold walls of the station.
"Take Aria back to her cell," he ordered, his tone firm.
The family's faces fell, their expressions reflecting their despair. Sadness and worry etched deep lines on their features.
Jack's grip on Aria's hand tightened, his fingers intertwining with hers in a desperate attempt to hold on. He didn't want to let her go, not now.
But before the officers could move to enforce the Inspector General's order, a voice rang out from the back of the room.
"Wait!"
The sound echoed through the space, causing everyone to turn.
Mrs. Kim, Jack's lawyer, stood confidently, her presence commanding attention. Her eyes scanned the room, locking onto the Inspector General.
Aiden's eyes widened in shock, his face paling. Mrs. Lila's expression mirrored his, her anger and determination faltering.
Jack's smile returned, his confidence renewed. His hands remained in his pockets, his stance relaxed.
"Let Aria go," he instructed the officers, his voice calm.
Mrs. Kim approached the Inspector General's table, files clutched tightly in her hand. She dropped them with a resounding thud, the sound echoing through the room.
"I'm Mrs. Kim, Jack's lawyer," she announced, her voice clear. "I'm here to fight Aria's case."
Jack's smile broadened, his eyes locked onto Aria's. The family's faces lit up with hope, their despair replaced by determination.
Mrs. Kim's eyes locked onto the Inspector General. "I have evidence," she began, her voice steady. "Proof of Aria's innocence."
Aiden shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between Mrs. Kim and Jack. Mrs. Lila's anger turned to dismay, her face pale.
Jack stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Aiden. "You started this game," he said, his voice low. "I'll end it."
His smile grew, his confidence radiating.
Aria's tears dried, her eyes locked onto Jack's. She smiled, freedom within reach.
The Inspector General's expression changed, his face reflecting his doubt. "Release Aria," he ordered finally.
The officers complied, their movements swift.
Aria's hands were freed, her wrists rubbed gently.
The family cheered, their voices filling the room.
Jack enveloped Aria in a warm hug, holding her close.
"Justice will be served," Mrs. Kim assured, her voice firm.
Aiden's plans were foiled, his schemes exposed.
Mrs. Lila's anger and determination crumbled.
The truth finally out.
Aria was free.
The room erupted in chaos, voices and tears mingling.
But Jack and Aria stood steady, their love and determination shining through.