Voices rose again. Doubts. Whispers. Harsh judgments. But Chibuzor remained silent, a storm burning behind his eyes as he weighed every piece of this disaster.
Olaedo stepped forward, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. The entire ballroom focused on her, every stare sharp and unforgiving. She had fought so hard to stand confidently tonight, to prove herself… and now everything was collapsing like wet sand.
Her voice shook, but the strength underneath it was unmistakable. "Yes," she said clearly, "those messages are real. But they were sent months before I even met Chibuzor. I haven't spoken to Maduabuchi since then."
The silence that followed felt endless, heavy, suffocating, until a sharp, mocking laugh cut through it like a blade.
On stage, Liam stood proudly, smirk stretched across his face. His eyes shone with triumph as he pointed at her for everyone to see.
"Convenient excuse, isn't it?" he drawled. "But come on… the truth is right there."
