Chapter 8 You're a Fraudster
After hanging up with Jasper, Diana decided to hit up the small supermarket near her apartment for some essentials and groceries.
When she was in the Getty family, even though she didn't have a steady job, she sometimes took on gigs restoring old paintings and books, which helped her save up a decent chunk of change.
If it weren't for Robert, Diana's savings would have let her live pretty comfortably. She realized how foolish she'd been before.
A couple of hours later, Diana came back to her apartment loaded with bags.
She shoved the groceries into the fridge and pulled out some ingredients to whip up a quick lunch.
Just then, she heard the door open softly.
Diana turned around and locked eyes with Howard as he walked in. They both froze for a moment, not saying a word.
She suddenly realized that she was married now and had to get used to the whole married life thing.
Diana pressed her lips together, took in Howard's handsome face, and managed a small smile. "You're back? Want to eat together?"
Howard smiled back. "Sure."
Since it was for two, lunch couldn't be too basic.
Diana thought for a bit, then grabbed some more ingredients from the fridge and made a few dishes.
Howard silently eyed the simple home-cooked meal on the table, his deep eyes darkening a bit.
"I can only make simple stuff, please don't mind," Diana said awkwardly, thinking Howard didn't like it since he hadn't started eating yet.
"It's fine," Howard replied lightly, then sat down and took a bite. It tasted simple, but it felt like home.
After they quietly finished lunch, Howard stood up, pulled out a bank card from his wallet, and handed it to Diana. "This card has five million dollars on it. Use it however you want. Let me know when it's running low, and I'll top it up."
Diana took the card, a bit dazed, wanting to say something but held back and accepted it silently.
She didn't really need Howard's money since she felt more comfortable using her own earnings.
But since Howard offered, Diana couldn't refuse.
So, she decided to save it for now and give it back to him once their agreement ended.
In the afternoon, Howard was in his office going through some documents, while his assistant James kept staring at him.
Howard's eyebrow twitched. He looked up and glared at James, "What's your problem?"
James was taken aback, then smiled slightly. "Mr. Spencer, you seem to be in a good mood today."
Howard was a bit surprised.
For some reason, he suddenly thought of the home-cooked meal he had with Diana at noon and smiled unconsciously.
James's eyes widened in shock, not believing the fleeting smile he saw on Howard's face.
At the Spencer Group, everyone knew Howard rarely smiled at work.
He always had a stern look, giving off an intimidating vibe that kept people at a distance.
But unexpectedly, Howard actually smiled, looking even more handsome than usual.
Robert never expected Diana would dare to sue him.
When the cops busted into his place and nabbed him for fraud, Robert was floored.
"Officer, I swear I didn't commit fraud!" Robert pleaded anxiously at the police station.
The cop retorted, "If you didn't, then why would Diana sue you?"
"It's all a big misunderstanding! Diana's my fiancée. She's just mad at me and cooked up this scheme to get back at me!" Seeing the skepticism in the officer's eyes, Robert got desperate. "If you don't believe me, I'll call her right now!"
Robert pulled out his phone to call Diana, but it went straight to voicemail.
He cursed under his breath, suddenly remembering Diana had probably blocked his number ages ago.
With no other choice, Robert opened Facebook and tried a voice call.
Diana hung up on him after just three rings.
Determined, Robert called again, only to be hung up on once more. He kept calling until he couldn't get through anymore.
"That bitch!" Robert spat angrily.
Noticing the intense stare from the officer, Robert awkwardly turned and forced a smile.
Meanwhile, Laura was fuming because Diana had given her the cold shoulder at the hospital.
Walking down the street, Laura tried calling Robert to figure out their next move, but his phone was unreachable.
When she finally got through, she pouted and whined, "Robert, Diana ran off. You need to come up with something."
There was a pause on the other end.
Then, Robert's voice came through, gritting his teeth. "Laura, that bitch framed me! She sued me for fraud!"
Laura gasped, "What? Robert, where are you now?"
"The police station."
Laura hung up, her eyes flashing with a hint of malice.
She walked down the street, replaying Diana's odd behavior at the hospital in her mind.
Ever since Diana woke up in the hospital, she seemed different. The old Diana was timid and easy to control. Why did she suddenly seem like a whole new person?
Lost in thought, Laura accidentally bumped into someone.
"Sorry..." She started to apologize but froze when she saw the man in front of her.
In Emerald City, Howard's looks, wealth, and status drove people wild. Laura was no exception.
She stared at Howard's handsome face, his deep eyes seeming gentle and affectionate to her.
Thinking she might have a chance with Howard, Laura twisted her foot.
Without warning, she fell to the ground, looking up at Howard with tearful, pitiful eyes.
Howard walked past her without a second glance.
Laura's eyes widened in disbelief. She stood up angrily, ready to chase after him and demand an explanation.
Suddenly, an explosion rocked a nearby clothing store, and thick smoke quickly filled the street.
Screams erupted all around.
Howard stood not far from the blast, his eyes dark and focused on the chaos and smoke ahead, clutching the gem tightly in his blood-stained hand.