Chapter 193: The True Culprit
Lyse stood amidst the chaos, a picture of calm amidst the storm. While accusations swirled around her like a tempest, she remained composed, her expression betraying none of the turmoil she felt inside. She had anticipated something like this.
Brooke’s ambition was a force of nature, and Lyse had known that Brooke would not hesitate to use any means necessary to secure her victory. The missing garment, the accusations, it was all predictable, a page torn straight from Brooke’s playbook.
When the stage manager, his face a mask of official concern, approached her, Lyse met his gaze with unwavering steadiness. "Mrs Van Doren," he said, his voice laced with a mixture of apology and accusation, he wanted to be as harsh as possible but he was aware of her status as the wife of a wealthy man so he had to thread carefully.
"we are going to have to ask you to come with us. The missing garment was found in your room, and...well, we might to involve the authorities."
Brooke, who had been hovering nearby, her face a carefully crafted mix of concern and disappointment, couldn’t quite suppress a triumphant gleam in her eyes. She had done it. She had finally gotten rid of her biggest competition.
"Of course," Lyse replied, her voice calm and even. "I understand."
As she was escorted towards a small, makeshift office that had been designated for the competition organizers, she could feel Brooke’s eyes boring into her back. She knew Brooke was reveling in her apparent misfortune, convinced that her plan had succeeded flawlessly.
Inside the office, two members of the organizing committee sat behind a table, their expressions serious. They reiterated the accusations, their words formal and official. Lyse listened patiently, her mind already several steps ahead.
"Mrs Van Doren," one of the organizers said, "we are going to have to turn you over to the police for questioning."