When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian)
Chapter 37

Chapter 37 Why Are You Still Defending Him

"What? Assault?" Write's eyes undened "When did ever try to hit her on purpose?"

Whitney frowned. "She's probably blaming you for the tall down the stairs."

"But get hurt too!" Wette pointed to her bandaged head, then to her ankle.

Whitney reminded her, "You did grabber arm."

vene proteased. "I barely touched her she's the one who lunged at me with all her weight

Themas spoke up. "That's the problem-It's impossible to prove."

Only vette and Rachel knew the exact force of that moment. And everyone who saw them fall down the stairs had seen Yelte each for Rachel first

checlaimed that Yvette had acted out of anger and misjudged her strength, it would seem plausible to everyone else

Rachel seriously hurt?" Whitney asked Thomas

checkedon.She has a scrape on her forehead, but Damian brought in antologist."

That was when Rachel decided to press charges.

Wettelet out a mocking laugh. "A scrape on her forehead, and she needs a neurologist? She's not even as injured as Fan'

pos arguing about that really matter right now?Thomas snapped, his patience fraying

Yvette turned to him, furious. "Oh, so you think this is my fault? For not apologizing? For ruining your mom's birthday banquet? You don't even care whether tactually took the necklace! You're just worried offended Damian and might drag the York family down with me! She couldn't stop thinking about hour he had spoken to Damian earlier. The memory made her chest tighten with frustration.

Thomas's temper flared "te, have you lost your mind? Or do you just not have a conscience?"

Sensing that they were on the brink at all-blown argument, Whitney stopped forward, trying to calm them down

But before she could say anything, a pillow flew across the ward.

Hour of here, York wette shouted while pointing at him, her eyes red and bling with anger.

Thomas snocted, picked up the pillow, and placed it back on the bed before tuming to ko. Hath out a final, cutting remark as he went, "Fine! Let's so if earl

The door slammed shat with a loud bang.

Tw's chesthered as she tumed.

Whitney picked up the pillow and gently placed behind her, sighing. "He's not just word about offending the Howards, Yvette You're misunderstanding him."

Yen locked away, "why are you soll defending him?

"Your career is just starting to take off. If you bring in the police, It'll blow up. Word will get out, and everyone will know you crossed the Howards. The Howards aren't just Damian When potential partners hear about it, do you think they'll want mark with you?" Whimey looked at her seriously.

"Thomas may be friends with Noel,

but even he can't protect you when it is the Howards. In his mind, it's better for you to take a temporary hit and investigate quietly later." Witte stayed stent, but Whitney could tell her words had struckachord.

Aspected, Wettelooked at whitney with a trochled expression. "Tachling me is going to be even worse than calling the police."

A lawsuit meant they'd have to go to court unless Rachel agreed to drop the charges.

"antis point, the best thing we can do is be prepared. We should get a lawyer to help us navigate this, Let's reach out to Helma," Whimey said after a moment of thought. Helena was Damian's younger sister and a top notch attorney. She'd be the ideal person to represente

modded in agreement.

over the phone.

Whitney indly called Helena and explained the basics of the situation over

"We'll go the details in person at the hospital," Helena replied briskly, not asking anyunecessary questions before hanging up.

Ader the call, Whitney encouraged to get some rest.

But deep down, Whitney felt a heavy weight of guill. This whole mess had started because of her ongoing conflict with Rachel i hadn't been for that, Wette would't have dragged initiatal.

for Yes, this was nothing more than collateral damage, and Watney couldn't shake the wing that she owed her friend

She slipped quietly out of the ward

Whitney headed down the hall to Rachel's hospital ward.

The guard at the door recognized her and let her in without question.

When she opened the door, she sawminating beside Rachel's bed, carefully entering her a perfectly peeled apple. The scene brought back memories.

whiteyemembered how she had

once playfully asked Damian to peel an apple to her. He tried to do it, but the peel had come out thick and uneven, and henced his hand. She get so worried that she never asked him to peel anything for her again.

Now, seeing the thin, continuous peel the table-a skill that only came with practice-shealed she had never once en truth had peeled himself.

Not wanting to linger on the past, she walked straight in.

Damian's hand paused mid-air when he noticed her.

"Are you...okay?"" Whitney asked, moving closer to the bed Shelded Duranta gaze, keeping her focus on Bachel

Just as Thom had sad, Rachel had only abondage wrapped around her head. There were no other visible injuries. Chapter 57 Why Are You Still Defending Him

There was no need to ask as it was clear enough.

But Whitney had come with a purpose. She needed something from Rachel, so she forced herself to soften her tone.

"Whimney, thank you for coming to see me," Rachel said, her expression warm and grateful. "I thought you might be angry with me."

Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. "I didn't want things to go this far. Ms. Jennings is your friend, and I don't want to hold a grudge. I just... I just want my necklace back." Hearing this, Whitney seized the moment. "So, could you consider dropping the charges?"