Chapter 457: Chapter 458 Qualitative Analysis_1
Purple Summers suddenly felt like someone frantically pursuing something until exhaustion, only to abruptly realize that the direction she pursued was empty, devoid of meaning.
As time passed, the images of her death became increasingly hazy, and she was more and more uncertain whether the push she felt was an illusion or not.
Aria Jackson sent Purple Summers away.
Outside, the sunshine was splendid, and although the air was still biting cold, the roadside green belts had sprouted new growth signaling that spring was nearly here.
Purple Summers waited for a taxi under a tree, looking up to see the withered treetops sprouting tender green buds.
The rebirth made her gloomy mood slightly better.
Purple Summers took a taxi to the governor’s secretary’s home.
The position of the governor’s secretary was quite special; it seemed not to be high-ranking, yet it maintained close connections with numerous officials and dealt with affairs closely related to the governor, essentially acting as the second in command of a state.
The most delicate aspect was the governor’s term had limits, whereas the secretary’s did not. Consequently, Caden West had been seated in this position for twenty years, having assisted two governors.
In terms of power, Caden West might not be on par with the governor, but in terms of networks and prestige, he was not far behind. Along with Camilla Farrell, one could say that for Purple Summers, befriending this couple had enormous, immeasurable benefits.
The sudden visit from Purple Summers pleasantly surprised Camilla Farrell.
Camilla Farrell was pushing a baby stroller, enjoying the sun on the beautifully green lawn with the nanny and her child.
There was no wind that day, and the warm sun shone down. Spreading a cotton tablecloth over the white oak table in the garden and setting out black tea and cakes made for a cozy afternoon tea.
Camilla Farrell asked the nanny to take the child inside and stayed in the garden to talk with Purple Summers.
The delicate, floral-painted white porcelain teacup was filled with aromatic black tea that was mellow and sweet.
Purple Summers took a small sip and then stated her purpose, “Mrs. Farrell, my visit today is actually to ask a favor.”
Mrs. Farrell was a bit surprised by the words and then also pleased.
She wasn’t expecting Purple Summers to turn to her so soon, but this also just demonstrated that Purple Summers wasn’t treating her as an outsider, thus, Mrs. Farrell felt happy amidst the surprise.
“What is it?” Camilla Farrell asked her.
Purple Summers didn’t hesitate and directly said, “I’ve just been to see Jade Carlson, and my visit to you today, Mrs. Farrell, is to plead on Jade’s behalf. I ask you to be magnanimous and spare her.”
Camilla Farrell’s face darkened instantly, her eyes barely concealing her anger.
Jade Carlson had deceived her, used her, and even exploited her child as a stepping stone. Camilla Farrell’s hatred for Jade Carlson ran bone-deep!
Yet, Purple Summers’ first request was for her to let Jade Carlson off!
Purple Summers, having anticipated such a reaction from Camilla Farrell, did not rush things and slowly sipped her tea.
It was a good while before Camilla Farrell suppressed the impulse to storm off. Since Purple Summers had saved her child, she deserved respect.
Camilla Farrell asked in a stern voice, “Why?”
Purple Summers put down her teacup and asked instead, “Mrs. Farrell, do you hate Jade Carlson?”
“Of course,” Camilla Farrell replied with a knitted brow and a decisive tone, “I wish I could grind her to dust!”
“I hate her too,” Purple Summers said with a soft smile. “I have some history with her that I will spare Mrs. Farrell the details of. But I just think, if we let her go to prison just like that, wouldn’t it be… letting her off too easily?”
Camilla Farrell’s gaze flickered subtly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “You mean…”
Purple Summers explained, “A case is mainly determined by the perpetrator’s motive. If Jade Carlson stole the infant with the intent to extort, it should be seen as kidnapping. If she intended to sell the infant, that’s child trafficking. But she didn’t do it for money; she orchestrated this whole play just to show off, so ultimately… her charge could likely end up as unlawful detention.”