Chapter 311

The accusation thundered through the office, leaving everyone in shock.

Hannah sprang up from her chair. She didn't bang on the table. She kept her tone level, refusing to raise her voice., Her gaze, sharp and unflinching, locked onto Daphne with the force of a blade. When she spoke, her words sliced through the silence. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Daphne smiled coldly and mouthed the words, silent but unmistakable, "You're going to prison."

Bang! The office door flew open with a crash. Two officers entered, their faces set in hard, grim lines.

"Officers, this woman... She threatened my life!" Daphne cried out, scrambling behind one of the officers for protection and pointing a shaking finger at Hannah. "I was terrified for my safety!"

One officer stepped closer, authority clear in every movement."Ms. Scott, Daphne has made a formmal accusation. The entire exchange has been recorded and is legally admissible. We need you to come with us for questioning."

Hannah never broke eye contact with Daphne, her voice smooth as glass. "Would you like a reminder about the penalty for criminal defamation?" She lowered her voice just enough for Daphne to hear, each word deliberate. "Your dear Brinley? I was the one who had her locked up. Do you really want to share her fate?"

Daphne's smug smile faltered, and fear flickered in her eyes. "You-you think you can intimidate me like this?" she shouted, her voice trembling and raw. "You just wanted the spotlight and poisoned Alice! Officers,take her away!"

Hannah refused to spare Daphne another glance. She turned instead to the officers, dusting off her sleeves as if nothing was out of place."Of course. A citizen has to cooperate with the police. Officers, shall we?"

With'a quiet dignity, Hannah walked out of her office flanked by an officer on each side-escorted, never dragged.

Out in the hall, executives and staff had already gathered, their conversations stilled by the sight. Some stared at Hannah in open shock, while others directed looks of doubt and disdain toward Daphne.

Hannah's composure never wavered. Step by step, she moved forward with her head held high, showing not

a shred of shame even as her colleagues watched her being led away.

The elevator dropped down toward the ground floor.

From the basement garage, the police car rolled out beneath the Nova Tech tower. But the instant it reached the street, the world exploded into mayhem.

A wall of people crowded the sidewalk outside Nova Tech, all shouting and waving signs in the air.

Among the protesters, some wore Alice's fan shirts, others just seemed eager to join the outrage. They chanted slogans and brandished photos, holding up signs that read things like "Justice for Alice" and "Lock up Hannah Scott!"

As soon as the police car came into view, the crowd erupted.

"Hannah Scott, you think your money will save you?"

"Say sorry to Alice!"

"Officers, send her to prison-give her what she deserves!"

Eggs and bottles flew, pelting the police car with sharp, loud smacks against the glass.

In the chaos, the police car crept forward inch by inch, barely able to force a way through the furious mob.

From inside, Hannah stared straight ahead, her eyes steady as she watched angry faces pressed up against the window. Insults hurled through the glass, vicious and loud. For the first time, her calm facade had cracked-not from fear, but from the gravity of the situation. This scene was too carefully timed, too convenient to be an accident.

Clearly, someone had planned this-every moment, every crowd, every accusation. The timing of Daphne's confession was already suspicious, and now, right after her accusation, a mob had appeared with perfect precision. Everything seemed far too coordinated. At last, the police car managed to break through the chaos and leave the scene behind.

Once at the station, Hannah was led straight to the interrogation room.

Gavin took the lead, handling the questioning himself.

Throughout it all, Hannah kept her composure, responding to every question and methodically breaking down Daphne's accusations.

Hannah said calmly, "The hospital confirmed that Alice suffered from an allergic reaction to Red Thorn,a toxic substance. I do not have access to that. You're welcome to search me, my apartment, or my office if you like."

Hannah paused and then continued with a cold, pointed tone, "Even if I wanted to hurt Alice, you've seen for yourself how Daphne treats me. She despises me. Are you really convinced she would simply follow my orders? What I want to know is why she fought so hard to deny it before, only to suddenly confess now. Isn't that a bit strange?"

Gavin listened without giving anything away, his face unreadable. Even so, uncertainty hung in the air. The interrogation reached an uneasy pause.

For the time being, Hannah was sent to a temporary holding room to rest.

Her attorney, Samuel Pierce, had already arrived and was working through the paperwork. They were given a moment to speak in private.

Standing by the window, Hannah's gaze was cold and determined.′′Mr. Pierce, is there any chance I can post bail today?"

He looked surprised. "It might take some real effort. Are you certain this is the route you want to take?"

She turned away from the glass to face him. "Whoever orchestrated this had a clear plan--get me arrested,have Daphne throw out the accusation, and use the public outrage to ruin both my name and Nova Tech's reputation. Someone is controlling everything from behind the scenes."

Her tone dropped, growing firm and quiet. "That's why I want to leave through the front door, head held up.I want to force whoever's behind this to reveal themselves."

Recent successes had given Hannah momentum, as VelaCore's lingerie show had been a hit, store sales had soared, and the Celestial Voyage project had been making real progress. She wondered if her enemy was a business rival trying to knock Nova Tech off its path. That answer still escaped her. But one way or another, she planned to uncover the truth.