Katelyn leaned against Vincent’s sturdy frame, her usual vitality nowhere to be seen. The contrast between her typical energy and current frailty was striking to all who knew her.
Even Ryanna found herself unexpectedly concerned for Katelyn’s wellbeing. She didn’t know why she felt this way, but she soon pushed the feeling aside with deliberate effort. Meanwhile, murmurs rippled through the gathering.
“She accused Miss Bailey before the surveillance footage was even reviewed,” someone whispered. “Could it be that she herself committed some wrongdoing and, knowing the footage wouldn’t prove her innocence, sought to divert attention elsewhere?”
Others nodded in agreement. “That must be the explanation. Why else would she be so hasty to cast blame?”
“How deceiving appearances can be. What an unexpected turn of events!”
Each whispered comment stoked Annie’s humiliation until it burned unbearably. “What do you know? The surveillance hasn’t even been examined, yet you spread gossip like wildfire! Mind your tongues, or face the consequences!”
The room fell into an uneasy silence. No one dared to speak, each afraid they might be the next to face Annie’s wrath.
But it was this very tension that caused Annie’s expression to change drastically. She was used to being arrogant, used to getting her way—yet now, she was unraveling, lashing out without regard for her surroundings.
The King’s voice thundered across the hall. “Enough!”
Annie flinched. A cold shiver ran down her spine. She had never seen him lose his temper like this, especially not in front of so many people. The others stood frozen, unwilling to utter a single word. The King’s anger was not something to be taken lightly.
His gaze sharpened, his tone cold. “Where is the surveillance footage? How long does it take to retrieve something so simple?”
The delay was Jaxen’s doing. He had been stalling, buying Katelyn time. But now that Katelyn had returned, Jaxen no longer interfered.
Lаt?st chαpt?rs in glovls.ｃοm
Right on cue, a soldier rushed back into the hall, carrying a small device. He bowed respectfully before placing it in front of the King. “Your Majesty, here is the surveillance footage you requested.” He quickly set up a projector, adjusting the screen so the entire hall could see.
Katelyn, standing beside Vincent, glanced around in confusion. “What’s going on?” She had to act clueless—after all, she hadn’t been here.
The moment she asked, several eager bystanders filled her in on the situation. Once they finished, she nodded in understanding. “I see.” Now, all attention returned to the screen. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the truth to be revealed.
Annie watched intently, unable to blink. If something incriminating was missed, her reputation would be ruined.
Yet, as the footage played, nothing seemed amiss. It showed Lois handing Annie a drink, but the glass had come from the waiter’s tray. Her fingers barely brushed the bottom—there was no indication of tampering. She hadn’t even touched the rim. Not only that, but Lois had clinked glasses with others afterward. Strangely, while everyone else remained fine, only Annie had been drugged.
.
.
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