He Framed Me To Protect His Apprentice

A buzzing filled Violet’s head, as though her mind had exploded. She let out a bitter laugh of despair. The beating must have knocked all sense out of her for her to expect Duncan Morris to clear her name. The laugh cracked, and tears spilled down her cheeks. Pain flickered through Duncan's eyes as he leaned closer and whispered, "Violet, you're indispensable to the country's research projects. Even if you've made a mistake, the fallout won't be dire. That way, the institute can be saved too."

"Think about the long game. I promise, once all this is behind us, I'll send Ella away," he said. Before she could answer, Duncan stood abruptly and turned to the restless crowd with a slight bow. "Violet and I see you all as family, and we'll make sure you're taken care of. If you run into trouble down the line, come to us."

"Violet is my wife, and this mess has taken a toll on her, too. I'm asking you all to give her some peace. In three days, I'll compensate everyone double."

As director of the research institute, Duncan commanded real authority. His words cut through the uproar, and the crowd slowly dispersed. Once they were gone, only the three of them remained in the room. At the blank, dazed look on her mother's face, she pleaded one more time.

"Duncan, I don't care what you tell everyone else, but please—just tell my mom the explosion wasn't my fault, and that Rohan's death wasn't my doing."

Duncan went still, disbelief threading through his voice. "Rohan... is gone?"

She nodded, pain twisting sharply inside her. "I'm begging you. Please tell her."

Sorrow clouded his eyes. He nodded, lips pressed into a grim line. Then he said the words that hit her like a sucker punch.

"Mom," he said softly, "Violet didn't intend for any of this to happen. We'll take good care of you from now on."

With a resounding crash, her mother hurled a thermos at her. "Get out! I never want to see you again, Violet Morris. From now on, we are no longer family."

Scalding water splashed over her, but she felt like she’d fallen into an icy abyss.

"Mom! Why won't you believe me?" she cried out.

Her mother sobbed so hard she could barely breathe. "Believe you? When your brother was burning up with a fever and fell unconscious, you were so wrapped up in your research that you ignored us. Duncan was the one who rushed Rohan to the doctor and paid for his medicine."

"And that year, just before New Year, a fire burned our home to the ground. On New Year’s Eve, I sat with your brother with nothing but cold water to drink. Duncan brought dumplings and meat and spent the holiday with us."

"You're consumed by your work, blinded by obsession, while he's human enough to care. Who should I trust? Get out! I've got nothing more to say to you, Violet Morris. Leave!"

With one last, tormented cry, her mother lost consciousness again. Doctors rushed to her aid and ushered Duncan and her out of the ward.

Outside the emergency room, Duncan let out an exasperated sigh. "Violet, is now really the time to argue with her? You're acting childish."

"Let's go apologize to the institute's leaders. Once they decide on your punishment, I'll come back and help with your mom," he insisted, reaching for her hand. She yanked it away.

"Duncan, who gave you the right to decide for me—or to make me the scapegoat for Ella?" she snapped.

"Her unauthorized use of the electronic equipment caused the lab explosion. She could go to prison for that. Aren't you afraid you'll be charged for covering for her?"