After Rejection, she crawled to my feet for forgiveness

Norman's accusations

At the Ryders Villa, Lucas walked in with some documents in an envelope.

Lana and Henry stood up from the coach when they saw him. “Dad, did you find anything?” Lana asked eagerly, her eyes glinting with anticipation.

They had been looking for ways to bring down Norman totally. Norman's influence was undeniably great in Valkoria, with his sudden arrest it could cause commotion in the city, if they didn't have enough evidence to back up their accusations. Just yesterday they had been confronted by Mr. Harris and Donald had confronted them immediately they heard the news. Donald even went as far as refusing to waive their bill.

And with the looks of things, the city would soon turn against them if they didn't act quick.

“Mr. Lucas, did you figure out anything?” Henry also asked, he was fully concerned, after all if everything goes smoothly, he'll be the next acting Mayor.

“Yes, I've got something.” Lucas said with a smirk.

“Really?” Lana was revealed by the response.

Lucas sat down on the couch, and they both followed. He placed the documents on the table, containing various pictures of beautiful houses.

“What are these?” Lana asked.

“These are all documents of Norman's houses, that scumbag has been using the city's money to build several mansions. They are all located at Crestview hills.” Lucas gritted his teeth.

Even the Mayor couldn't afford to buy this type of mansion. How on earth would Norman, a mere acting Mayor own such a property?

It only makes sense that Norman was in fact embezzling funds.

“What? These are all expensive mansions, how can Norman own all these properties? And in Crestview hills?” Shockwaves rippled through Lana's mind.

Crestview Hills, a neighborhood where the city's elite reside. The thought of him living among mansions and manicured lawns was jarring.

"Crestview Hills? You can't be serious. How did you...?" she stuttered, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“I'm as shocked as you, Lana. But that's the truth. And not only that, I found out some ladies are living inside the mansion too.” Lucas said further.

Lana frown deepened, “Some ladies?!” Her shock was replaced with anger, and a hint of jealousy. “Has that trash been cheating on me?” Her urge to completely expose him increased.

“So what do we do now, Mr. Lucas?” Henry asked.

“This is enough evidence we need to bring him down completely. Let's pay a visit to the police station first thing tomorrow morning.”

The next morning, Norman awoke to find two officers waiting outside his cell.

“Can I help you?” he asked.

“Mr. Norman, the Chief requested we escort you to breakfast,” one of them replied.

Nodding, Norman changed and followed them. They escorted him

Inside a decorated office. The place was arranged like an expensive restaurant with a table and a lot of food. Bethany was already seated, rising to greet him as he approached. She adjusted his chair, gesturing for him to sit. “Good morning, Mr. Norman.”

“Bethany, this isn’t necessary. A simple meal would have been enough,” Norman said, though he allowed a small smile to show his appreciation.

Bethany couldn't stop being more impressed by his modesty, despite his influence he was as humble as anyone. “Please, Mr. Norman. Just accept this, it's the little I can do.” She requested, despite everything she had done, her guilt was still hanging in her chest, she wanted to make it up for his detention.

Norman nodded and took a seat.

They sat, and were just about to start when Bethany’s phone buzzed. She picked it up, hearing one of her juniors on the other end.

“Chief, where are you? You need to come to the station immediately,” the voice urged.

“I’m at breakfast. Why?”

“There’s an update on Mr. Norman’s case. The Mayor has provided new evidence against him.”

Bethany’s tone sharpened. “What are you talking about?”

“It seems Mr. Norman owns several properties in Crestview Hills, and there are reportedly women living there.”

Bethany’s heart pounded as she ended the call. She turned to Norman, hesitant but needing answers. “Mr. Norman, may I ask you something?”

“Of course,” he replied calmly.

“Do you by any chance, have properties? In Crestview Hills?” She lowerd her voice, feeling unsure of her question, and hoping it doesn't offend him.

“I just received a call, the Mayor had reported this at the station. And he said you had some women living in it.” She quickly added, so his anger wouldn't be directed to her.

Norman was momentarily stunned rather than angry. About a year ago, he had bought several houses in Crestview Hills to shelter the families of fallen soldiers—comrades who had fought alongside him to protect Valkoria, once a war-torn region.

Back then, Valkoria had been a battleground. Norman, alongside other heroes, had stood against enemy nations, often at great personal risk. Many comrades hadn’t made it home, and their families were left without support. Knowing it was the government’s responsibility to care for those who had sacrificed so much, Norman had stepped in, recognizing that Lucas, the current Mayor, was too indifferent to act.

As acting Mayor, Norman felt it was his duty to look after these families, providing homes for widows and children who had lost everything. He had kept this initiative private, fearing others might question his decisions or motives. Now, the fact that Lucas had somehow uncovered it surprised him. He hadn’t imagined Lucas would go to such lengths to undermine him.

But Norman wasn’t worried about the discovery itself. It was only unsettling to realize how far Lucas was willing to go to bring him down, twisting something he’d done out of compassion into a weapon against him.

Norman glanced at Bethany and nodded positively. “Yes I do.”

Bethany was frozen, she had expected a negative answer and she was ready to believe him and back him up of the accusations. But he surprisingly affirmed it.

Maybe he didn't hear the question properly, she thought, asking him again. “Did you mean those houses are yours?”

“Yes I'm the owner of it.” Norman said, his demeanour calm.