In a split second, Annie’s mind raced, and her decision was made. Now fully dressed, Annie stepped forward, her posture rigid and her voice icy. “If you’re so certain I’m lying,” she said, her tone cutting, “then let’s check the surveillance footage.”
She refused to believe that in a palace bristling with cameras, the truth could remain hidden.
Ryanna, though visibly irritated by Annie’s actions, knew this couldn’t be swept under the rug. For the sake of the royal family’s reputation, they had to uncover the truth. After all, like it or not, Annie was still one of them.
Annie turned to Ryanna, her eyes wide and desperate. “Ryanna,” she said, her voice trembling, “I demand a full investigation. Please.”
Ryanna studied Annie for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, in a calm but firm tone, she replied, “You may investigate. But let me be clear—no matter what we find, I will ensure this is handled fairly.”
Before Annie could say another word, Lois stepped forward, her chin lifted defiantly. “I want an investigation too,” she declared, her voice steady. “I deserve justice.”
Ryanna shot Lois a sharp look, suspicion flickering in her eyes. Lois spoke with such certainty—was it possible she really had nothing to do with this?
Something about the situation felt off, but Ryanna couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Still, it had already escalated to this point. There was no turning back now.
Her gaze shifted between Annie and Lois before she finally said, “Since you both insist, let’s see exactly what happened.”
Just then, the King and Vincent, noticing the commotion, approached with serious expressions.
The King’s gaze swept over the gathered crowd, his voice cold and commanding. “What’s going on here?”
Mor shapters on ν. ?o
Before Ryanna or Annie could respond, the onlookers—eager for drama—rushed to explain everything that had just unfolded.
The King’s face darkened in an instant. This was no longer a minor dispute; it had to be thoroughly investigated.
As the crowd began reviewing the footage, Katelyn had already slipped out of the cameras’ view, heading toward a predetermined location Vincent had arranged.
Tucked away in the right-side garden, hidden among the bushes, was a small iron box. After ensuring no one was watching, Katelyn retrieved the box, moved behind a tree, and opened it.
Inside, she found a Bluetooth earpiece and a few compact tools. She put on the earpiece, and the moment it activated, Jaxen’s voice came through. “I’ve already taken care of the surveillance systems. You can avoid the crowds and head straight in.”
She scanned her surroundings before responding, “Got it.”
Once she was certain the coast was clear, she blended into the shadows, making her way toward the secluded forest where the mad woman was being held.
With Jaxen manipulating the surveillance feeds and guiding her, Katelyn moved swiftly, encountering no resistance. Her destination was a tall, isolated stone building nestled deep in the grove. Below it, about a dozen soldiers stood guard.
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