

Description
Andrea Steele had it all-beauty, wealth, and the title of the only heir to the powerful Steele family. But when her father demanded she marry Sebastian Gonzalez, the golden boy of the Gonzalez empire, Andrea refused, risking it all to live on her own terms. She broke up with Sebastian, but things took a dark turn when she crossed paths with a mysterious detective-who just so happened to be her next-door neighbor-and slapped Sebastian in front of him. When Sebastian is found dead, all evidence points to Andrea as the prime suspect. Now, with her world falling apart, she must rely on the very man who witnessed her outburst to prove her innocence... but can she trust him, or is he the one who will bring her down?
Chapter 1
May 15, 2025
The sharp crack of Andrea’s palm striking Sebastian’s cheek silenced the entire restaurant. Gasps rippled through the room, and every eye turned toward their table.
“How dare you?” Andrea hissed, her chest rising and falling with fury. “You’re breaking up with me? You think you can just toss me aside like I’m nothing?”
Sebastian’s head whipped to the side from the impact, his cheek reddening. He slowly turned back to her, his expression a dangerous mix of shock and anger. “You’ve completely lost it, Andrea.” He rose from his seat, towering over her. “Don’t push me.”
“What’s the matter, Sebastian?” Andrea sneered, unfazed by his height or tone. “What’s stopping you to hit me? Go ahead! I dare you.”
His fist clenched at his side, and for a moment, it seemed like he might take her up on her challenge. But before either of them could escalate further, a voice cut through the tension.
“That’s enough!” A man in a dark suit stepped forward, pulling a badge from his jacket.
“Detective Matthew Cross. Both of you need to calm down—now.”
Sebastian froze, his hand dropping back to his side. “A detective?” he muttered, incredulous.
Andrea turned toward the newcomer, her smirk returning. “Well, this just keeps getting better.”
Detective Cross shot her a warning glance. “Miss, slapping someone is an assault. This is not how you sort things out.”
Andrea’s eyes narrowed, her amusement fading. “Excuse me? This is none of your business. He’s the one trying to dump me in the middle of a restaurant!”
The detective raised an eyebrow. “And that justifies violence?”
“Oh, please,” Andrea scoffed, grabbing her purse. “Stay out of it, Detective Pokenose.” With that, she spun on her heel and strode toward the door.
Andrea stormed into the parking lot, her heels clicking against the pavement.
She reached her car, yanked the door open, and threw herself into the driver’s seat. As she started the engine, she cranked up the music, drowning out the chaos still buzzing in her mind.
Her phone vibrated on the dashboard. She glanced at the screen and groaned. It was her father. She let it ring while gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Her Dad was the one who arranged her marriage with Sebastian after he had planned several blind dates for her with no results. She had rebelled against him and left the family mansion, hoping he would change his mind but he didn't.
She has frustrated Sebastian, wouldn't pick his call and barely saw him, until tonight when he texted her to meet with him at the restaurant.
She thought he wanted to plead with her but he asked that they break up. It was what she wanted, if she’s being honest, but the fact that he said that loud and clear when people were around annoyed her.
She was supposed to be the one to dump his ass.
And that made her slapped him in anger.
By the time she pulled up to her apartment, her anger hadn’t subsided. She rode the elevator to her floor and threw her bag onto the couch as soon as she stepped inside.
Without missing a beat, she grabbed her phone and dialed her best friend, Becky.
“Pick up, pick up,” Andrea muttered impatiently as the line rang. It went to voicemail.
“Ugh! Useless!” She tossed the phone onto the coffee table and flopped onto the couch, replaying the scene with Sebastian in her mind.
Moments later, her phone buzzed. It was Becky calling back. Andrea snatched it up. “Finally! You won’t believe what just happened.”
Becky’s voice was rushed and shaky. “Andrea, I need you to come over. Now.”
Andrea sat up straight. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“Just... come here. Please,” Becky said before disconnecting.
Andrea stared at the phone, her heart pounding.
Becky was pregnant—what if she was in labor?
Without wasting another second, Andrea grabbed her keys and bolted out the door.
She was halfway down the hallway when she collided with someone. “Hey, watch it!” she snapped, barely sparing them a glance.
The man took a step back, his hand steadying her shoulder. “You again?”
Andrea froze. That voice.
She glanced up and met Detective Pokenose’s piercing blue eyes.
It was the same man who had questioned her at the restaurant, acting like he had the right to know everything about her and Sebastian. Detective Matthew Cross.
She opened her mouth, but no words came. Feeling awkward, she turned quickly and headed for the door.

Innocent 'Til Proven Guilty
10 Chapters
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