Chapter 311 A Criminal Investigation
Samantha felt utterly miserable.
The terror of nearly losing her life inside the out-of-control sedan still lingered, refusing to fade. Every time she closed her eyes, she could still hear the deafening screech of tires, the blaring horns, and the horrified screams echoing through the streets.
Her entire body trembled uncontrollably.
Blood continued to seep through her fingers, dripping steadily from the deep gash on her forearm onto the pavement below.
The metallic scent of blood mixed with the lingering smell of burnt rubber, making her stomach churn.
Almost instinctively, she moved closer to Ryan.
Only after taking those few steps did she realize she hadn’t even asked why he was here.
Ryan lowered his gaze to the arm she was clutching.
The wound looked deep.
Blood continued to stain her expensive designer blouse.
Yet his expression remained as calm as ever, showing neither panic nor anger.
His eyes were as still as a frozen lake.
"I’ve already called a car," he said evenly.
"The ambulance is on its way too, but it’ll take time with traffic. Sit down and try not to move."
His tone was steady.
Practical.
As if he were simply stating facts.
Samantha bit her lip and nodded obediently.
Only then did Ryan look away from her injury.
Rose paid no heed to Samanth and walked over to Lucas.
She crouched slightly, studying his face carefully.
"Lucas, are you hurt anywhere?"
Lucas quickly shook his head.
"I’m fine, Miss Bennett."
A guilty smile appeared on his face.
"I’m sorry."
"I’ve been driving for G.S. for years, and this is the first accident I’ve ever had."
"I should’ve inspected the car again before leaving."
Rose immediately interrupted him.
"This wasn’t your fault."
She glanced toward the damaged sedan.
The front bumper was crushed.
Both front tires were shredded.
Long black skid marks stretched across the asphalt for dozens of yards.
"The car can be repaired."
She looked back at him.
"What matters is that everyone survived."
"If you had panicked tonight..."
She paused.
"...the outcome could’ve been much worse."
Lucas lowered his head.
"I was just doing my job."
Rose smiled faintly.
"And you did it well."
Her concern wasn’t fake.
Nor was it forced.
She genuinely believed Lucas had prevented a tragedy.
Watching the exchange between them...
Samantha felt another surge of anger.
Her face had already turned pale from blood loss.
Combined with the lingering terror from moments ago, she could barely maintain her usual gentle expression.
Her voice became ice cold.
"Rose."
Rose slowly turned.
Samantha stared directly into her eyes.
"Stop pretending."
"There isn’t anyone here you need to fool."
"You wanted to hurt me."
Her words caused several nearby onlookers to exchange uneasy glances.
Rose frowned.
"Samantha."
"I don’t know what you’re thinking."
"But this isn’t the time."
"The police can determine exactly what happened."
Samantha let out a bitter laugh.
"The police?"
"Of course we’ll call the police."
She took another step forward despite the pain shooting through her arm.
"Because this wasn’t an accident."
"You arranged every vehicle tonight."
"You assigned every driver."
"You knew exactly which car I’d be sitting in."
She pointed toward the damaged sedan.
"And somehow..."
"The brakes failed."
Her eyes filled with hatred.
"If Lucas hadn’t managed to stop that car..."
"I’d be dead."
Rose’s expression gradually hardened.
She finally understood why Samantha kept insisting on accusing her.
Everyone present knew they disliked each other.
Everyone also knew G.S. had arranged tonight’s transportation.
If someone wanted to investigate...
She would naturally become one of the first people questioned.
Especially after learning the vehicle had passed inspection only days earlier.
Rose looked at Samantha calmly.
"Do you honestly believe I would risk innocent lives just to harm you?"
Samantha didn’t answer immediately.
Instead...
She looked toward the growing crowd gathering around them.
Several people were already recording videos.
Others were whispering among themselves.
Only then did Samantha speak.
"Whether I believe it or not doesn’t matter."
"What matters..."
She held up her injured arm.
"...is that someone nearly died tonight."
She looked Rose directly in the eye.
"I’m calling the police."
"If the investigation proves someone tampered with the vehicle..."
Her voice became colder.
"...you’d better start preparing your defense."
Rose’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Now she understood.
Samantha wasn’t simply seeking justice.
She wanted something much bigger.
Even if the investigation ultimately proved Rose innocent...
The headlines alone would be enough to cause enormous damage.
[NYU Professor Investigated in Attempted Murder Case.]
[G.S. Executive Questioned After Company Vehicle Sabotage.]
The public wouldn’t wait for the final verdict.
Speculation would spread long before the truth emerged.
Years of hard-earned reputation...
Could collapse overnight.
Lucas clearly realized the same thing.
His face changed instantly.
He hurried between the two women.
"This has nothing to do with Miss Bennett."
"I was responsible for the vehicle."
"If anyone should be investigated..."
"It should be me."
Rose immediately stopped him.
"Lucas."
"No."
"This isn’t your burden to carry."
Lucas opened his mouth again.
"But Miss Bennett—"
She shook her head.
"If Samantha wants an investigation..."
"Then let there be one."
"I’ve done nothing wrong."
"My conscience is clear."
Samantha looked at Rose with cold satisfaction.
She had finally forced Rose into a corner.
Then...
She slowly turned toward Ryan.
Tears welled in her eyes once more.
The confident woman from only an hour ago had vanished completely.
She looked fragile.
Helpless.
Almost broken.
"Ryan..."
Her voice trembled.
"I need your help."
"I can’t just pretend this never happened."
She swallowed hard.
"If I stay silent today..."
"What happens the next time someone tries to kill me?"
She looked directly into his eyes.
"I need you..."
"...to stand beside me."
Ryan remained silent.
His gaze slowly settled on Samantha’s pale face.
Then...
On the blood staining her sleeve.
Finally...
His eyes shifted toward Rose.
The street fell strangely quiet.
Even the surrounding crowd seemed to wait for his answer.
After several long seconds...
Ryan finally spoke.
"All right."
His voice was calm.
Steady.
Certain.
"I’ll support a full police investigation."
The words landed like a hammer.
Samantha’s shoulders visibly relaxed.
Relief flooded her eyes.
Lucas froze.
Several company executives looked at one another uneasily.
Rose...
Simply stared at Ryan.
Disbelief slowly spread across her face.
She hadn’t expected that answer.
Not from him.