Chapter 359

"What's going on?" Melanie asked, anxious at the sight of the police officers. She'd heard about Lily's kidnapping, but the authorities had never revealed the kidnappers' identities. News reports and articles only stated that three internationally wanted criminals were responsible. The motive remained unexplained.

Melanie considered it unfortunate that Lily hadn't been killed during the abduction. Even if Lily survived, Melanie wished she'd been rescued later, preventing her participation in the competition's final round. However, Lily had been rescued unharmed. This news was infuriating to Melanie. Adding to her anxiety, she couldn't reach Frank, suspecting his involvement in the kidnapping. However, Frank's involvement was ultimately inconsequential to Melanie.

She'd recently realized Frank was becoming unreliable and offered little benefit. She'd initially believed that aligning herself with him would lead to international recognition as a perfumer and connections with renowned colleagues. Upon arriving in Westwood, however, she discovered Frank's terrible reputation and struggles to establish himself. His solution had been scamming people in other countries. Knowing this, he could hardly be her shortcut to success. She'd decided to abandon him and seek a more advantageous connection.

Wesley, in her estimation, was the ideal replacement. He was established, possessing the status and reputation she craved. He was also a top perfumer, promising limitless opportunities. Therefore, she'd spent extra time primping before the competition, hoping to attract his attention. If successful, losing the competition would be insignificant; she'd still be the ultimate winner. She hadn't anticipated being stopped by the police at her doorstep.

"Are you Ms. Melanie Thayer?" one officer asked, displaying his credentials. "You're suspected of involvement in a kidnapping case. Please come with us to the police station to assist with the investigation. You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say may be used against you in a court of law."

Melanie's mind went blank.

"No! I have a competition to attend! It's crucial! You must be mistaken. I've been at the hotel for days. How could I be involved? Who would I kidnap? Oh, Lily? Did she say I did it?" Taking a few steps back, she blurted out, "She hates me and is framing me! I didn't do it! Please let me go! The competition is important! Even if you need me, wait until it's over!"

She guessed the kidnapping case referred to Lily's. She didn't understand why the police were targeting her; she hadn't been directly involved, despite offering Frank suggestions. This time, she truly had nothing to do with it.

"Sorry, you must come with us now," the officer said.

Her hands were cuffed, her protests ignored. She had no choice but to comply.

"No! No"