Return of the Crowned Heiress (Felicia)

A single revelation set off a storm.

The hall was abuzz with murmurs. Just moments ago, the lively and cheerful atmosphere in the grand hall had been palpable. But now, it was as if someone had flipped a switch. Silence fell over the hall. It was so absolute you could hear a pin drop. All eyes turned to Kayla, and whispers began to ripple through the crowd.

"Gosh, murder?"

"Is this for real? It can't be, right?"

Someone else chimed in, "Do you even need to ask? Look at the victim's family standing right there. This has to be true!"

"I heard about it! A driver of the Fuller family did pass away recently. They found the car and body yesterday near the beach on Cedar Street. Word is, it sank straight into the water. A friend who went to the scene told me it was... horrific." "Gosh! If Kayla really did it... Well, I guess you never truly know someone, do you?"

The crowd started shifting subtly. Some people discreetly moved farther away from Kayla. Step by step, the space around her widened until she stood almost entirely alone.

Kayla felt like she had plunged into an icy abyss. How had things spiraled out of control like this? Why had Mina barged in and exposed everything? What made it worse was how she could claim to have evidence tying Kayla to a crime. What did she know?

Kayla clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Regret churned in her gut. If she had known this was coming, she would've dealt with Mina a long time ago. Anything would've been better than being bitten back like this. Dexter and Myra exchanged a quick glance. As protective parents, they wasted no time stepping forward to shield their daughter.

Dexter's expression was grim as he stared down the flashing cameras and reporters. His voice was cold and sharp. "This is private property. Who gave you permission to trespass? Security! Confiscate their equipment and escort them out

elize

immediately!"

The security team, already flustered, sprang into action. Mina had arrived with the reporters in tow, claiming they were relatives helping her pack up some belongings. Trusting her, the guards let them in without a second thought. Who could've guessed these so-called relatives would whip out cameras and reveal themselves as undercover journalists?

As the guards prepared to act, one of the reporters boldly stepped forward. "Mr. Fuller, as the wealthiest man in Khogend, are you trying to cover up a murder your daughter committed?"

Dexter's face turned red with fury. "Which media outlet are you from? Are you accusing my daughter of murder without proof? You'd better be prepared to face the consequences of your slander!"

The reporter smirked, unshaken. "OfExclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

course, every word I report is backed by evidence. And this story-oh, it's a blockbuster. The victim's family

called us directly, and when we ne

realized it involved your family, Mr. Fuller, we knew we had to pursue it."

Dexter's anger deepened, but Myra gently placed a hand on his arm. "Darling, don't lose your temper," she whispered. "Throwing them out will only give them more fuel. If we want to prove Kayla's innocence, we need to rely on facts, not force."

Taking a deep breath, Dexter nodded, reining in his emotions. He turned to face Mina, who the reporters surrounded. Letting out a measured sigh, he spoke calmly but firmly.

"Mina, I was heartbroken to hear about Ruben's accident. I even arranged for someone to visit you at the hospital. I gave you money and provided a care package."

He paused, his tone growing

sharper. "If you feel it wasn't enough,

I'm willing to offer more to help you through this difficult time. But accusing my daughter and dragging

her name through the mud is not the way to go about it. Don't let grief cloud your judgment."

Dexter's words were calculated, framing Mina's actions as those of a grieving widow desperate for compensation. The narrative shifted-she wasn't exposing a murderer; she was fabricating a story to extort the Fuller family. The crowd began murmuring again, their whispers filling the hall.

"That makes sense. I mean, Kayla is just 19. How could a young woman like her possibly pull off something as extreme as murder?"