Julia's brow furrowed, dread settling in her stomach. Victor's empty bed from the night before loomed in her mind, and his mother stood there, eyes sharp and critical. The police behind her made Julia's heart pound; this visit smelled like trouble.
She snapped her laptop shut and took a step back, pulling Eli on her back and she acted like she was his shield, ready to face whatever was coming.
She glanced at Victor, his expression unreadable, before turning to his mother's tight, furious face. "Mama, what's happening? Why are you here? And why are there police with you?" Her voice trembled with worry, but she had to know.
Though she caught the sharp words exchanged between his mother and the police, Julia longed to hear her mother-in-law explain this mess herself.
The older woman arched an eyebrow, a sneer curling her lips. "Mama?" she echoed, dripping with sarcasm. "You still dare to call me that after all the trouble you've brought into our lives! Why are you questioning me? This is my son's home, and I'll show up whenever I want. Don't you dare question me!" Her voice rose, filling the room with anger.
Julia could sense Eli's little body trembling behind her. She tightened her grip on his hand, sending him a message of strength—she was right here, and everything would be okay.
"Mama, you don't need to be upset," She spoke softly, trying to maintain calm. "I'm not questioning why you're here; I just want to understand what's happening and why you brought the police with you?" Even as she spoke, a knot of fear twisted in her stomach.
A sly smile spread across the old woman's face as she turned to the police officers. "General, please tell that foolish woman why you're here."
The older police officer inhaled deeply, locking eyes with her. "Mrs. Julia Voss," he said firmly, "I am General Smith, and these are my officers. We are here to arrest you for stealing $3.5 million from your husband's company."
Julia stood frozen, her mind racing. $3.5 million! Did that mean money was missing from Victor's company? But how could that be? Why was this happening?
Wait, why was she the one being accused?
"Excuse me, General Smith," she spoke up, her voice trembling slightly. "I deny that accusation. I did not steal that money. I didn't even know my husband was missing money! He never talks to me about it. You have no evidence against me, no arrest warrant. I haven't even received a subpoena!" she insisted, fighting back.
She caught sight of Evelyn Voss's face becoming redder, and the police officer exhaled slowly. "You have motive to steal from your husband out of anger and revenge, Mrs. Voss. Your husband and mother-in-law will testify against you. Just come with us to avoid more problems."
Julia glared fiercely at Victor, searching his face for support. He didn't move to help her, standing rooted to the spot as though his feet were stuck to the floor.
"Victor, you know I would never do that!" she shouted, her voice breaking. "I am not a thief. I've never cared about your money!"
Victor's mind was a whirlwind of confusion. Deep down, he believed Julia wouldn't steal; she wasn't that type of woman. Yet, he couldn't ignore his mother's words. A small part of him wondered if maybe Julia really was involved.
Victor's eyes darted away, avoiding hers as if they were on fire.
A smirk danced on Evelyn Voss's lips. "No matter what excuses you make, we see your true colors. You're just a gold-digger, a thief! You want to climb up from the muck you come from. People like you, with no real job, how could you save up to build an agency? Because you're a thief!"
Heat surged to Julia's head, fueling the fire inside her. "Mama, I know you've disliked me for a long time. I don't know why, but I already accepted that. I accept that you belittle me too. But you have no right to question where I got the money to start my business! That's my hard work; my blood and sweat built my income without depending on your son. You cannot accuse me of being a thief!" Her eyes blazed fiercely as she shouted.
Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise at Julia's defiance. She quickly turned to her son, wrapping her arms around him. "Victor! Did you see how your wife screamed at me and disrespected me? That's how she treats me! I'm just worried about you. I know she's the one who stole the money—no one else!" She sobbed into Victor's chest.
At that moment, Victor felt a surge of anger; he couldn't let anyone disrespect his mother. He turned on Julia, voice raised, "You're so disrespectful! Who do you think you are to shout and answer back to my mother?"
Julia was taken aback, disbelief flooding her. "Who am I? I'm your wife, Victor! Why do you blame me for how I reacted to your mother? She's making accusations without any proof! She's disrespecting me too!"
The grim look on Victor's face shifted toward the police. "Arrest that woman!" he ordered.
For a brief moment, Julia thought she saw pity in General Smith's eyes, but it vanished, leaving only a cold, blank stare. He stepped closer. "Mrs. Voss, to prevent further trouble, please come with me. We are arresting you for stealing from the company."
He grabbed her arm, ready to slap on the handcuffs. But she jerked away, anger igniting inside her. "What you're doing is illegal, General. You know that! The law requires due process. Treating me like this makes me worse than a criminal! I have rights! You're abusing your power. How much did my mother-in-law pay you to sell your dignity?" she fired back.
The old man's expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. "Handcuff that woman and take her to the station!" he barked at his officers, frustration seeping into his voice.
His officers quickly obeyed, cuffing her wrists tightly. Her eyes darted to Eli, who stood there, tears streaming down his face. Rage boiled inside her. "You shameless people! You did this right in front of my son!" she shouted, voice shaking.
"You talk too much, come on!" General Smith growled, yanking her forward with a firm grip.
"Mommy! Don't leave me, please!" Eli wailed, his small body shaking with sobs, something he had never done before. He hated crying because it made her sad.
Eli clung to her waist, holding on tightly. Julia closed her eyes, fighting back tears. "Be strong, my boy. I will come back, okay? I'll just be gone for a moment. Mommy won't leave you," she promised, voice gentle but firm.
Evelyn Voss rolled her eyes, annoyance etched on her face. "This is so pathetic to watch! Anyway, this is the last day you two will be together as mother and son. Let's see how your lives turn out after this," Victor's mother sneered, a cruel grin spreading across her face.
"Be a good boy, Eli. Mommy will come back, I promise you that," she said softly, cupping his face in her hands.
"Don't expect your mommy to come back, Eli. She's a thief," Evelyn sneered, her voice dripping with malice.
"That's not true, grandma! Mommy is not like that!" Eli shouted, defiance shining in his tear-filled eyes.
"This conversation is over. Come on," General Smith said, yanking her arm as he moved her along.
Eli sobbed as a housemaid struggled to hold him back. Julia walked past Victor, who wore a blank mask as she stopped in front of him. "You should be ashamed of yourself. You really have no guts! It's too easy for you to believe those lies. You can't even defend me!" she said, disappointment lacing her words.
Evelyn arched an eyebrow, looking Julia up and down as if questioning her very being. Julia matched the gaze, undeterred, sizing her up from head to toe as well. From now on, she vowed to never give her respect again; she didn't deserve it. Not all people in this world deserve respect just because of their age.
"You will eat every word you threw at me, Evelyn. I will show you that all your accusations are not true. All lies. Celebrate now if you want, but remember—your happiness is time-limited. When I get free, I will make sure…" Her fierce gaze shifted to Victor and his mother. "You will all pay for what you did to me," she declared, her voice a low roar.
Evelyn's confidence wavered as she noticed Julia's deep breath; fear flickered in her eyes. Everything moved so fast, and soon General Smith led her away, keeping her among several others detained at the station.
Julia sent a fierce glare at the General, promising herself he would pay for this when she was free. As he stepped away, he glanced back at her. "I won't apologize. But know this: money changes everything. My job is very important to me, and I don't want to lose it." That was all he said before he walked out of her sight.
Weakness overwhelmed her as she sank onto the cold floor. Exhaustion washed over her, and tears spilled down her cheeks. What was she supposed to do now? Why was this happening to her? What had she done to deserve this suffering?
She didn't even notice when sleep claimed her on the cold, dirty flooring of the station. Worn out from tears and stress, she jolted awake to the sound of someone calling her name.
"Voss, hey, wake up! Sleeping well, huh? You have a visitor!" shouted the station guard.
A woman in the same cell kicked her legs hard. "Hey! Are you deaf? Wake up! You have a visitor!"
She felt irritation bubbling up inside her, but arguing with people like this was a losing battle. She knew all about the bullying and violence that happened in the station and jails.
Gathering her strength, she stood up and looked straight at the station guard. "I—I have a visitor…?" she asked, hope flickering in her voice.
Who could be waiting for her? What would happen next? Did she still have any hope of getting out, especially with her enemies being such powerful people?