A single revelation ignited a storm. The hall, moments before vibrant with cheerful chatter, fell instantly silent. An absolute hush descended; you could hear a pin drop. All eyes turned to Kayla as whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Gosh, murder?" one person gasped. "Is this for real? It can't be, right?"
Another chimed in, "Do you even need to ask? Look at the victim's family. This has to be true!"
"I heard about it! A Fuller family driver died recently. They found the car and body yesterday near Cedar Street beach. It apparently sank. A friend said it was horrific." "Gosh! If Kayla really did it… Well, I guess you never truly know someone, do you?"
The crowd subtly shifted, distancing themselves from Kayla. She felt isolated, plunged into an icy abyss. How had things spiraled so far out of control? Why had Mina exposed everything, claiming evidence linking Kayla to a crime? What did she know?
Kayla clenched her fists, regret churning in her gut. Had she known this was coming, she would have confronted Mina long ago. Anything would have been preferable to this. Dexter and Myra exchanged a glance and immediately moved to protect their daughter.
Dexter, grim-faced, confronted the flashing cameras and reporters. His voice was sharp and cold. "This is private property. Who authorized your presence? Security! Confiscate their equipment and remove them immediately!"
The flustered security team sprang into action. Mina and the reporters had gained entry by claiming to be relatives helping her pack belongings. No one suspected they were undercover journalists.
As the guards moved to act, a reporter stepped forward. "Mr. Fuller, as Khogend's wealthiest man, are you attempting to cover up your daughter's murder?"
Dexter's face flushed with fury. "Which outlet are you with? Are you accusing my daughter without proof? You'll face the consequences of your slander!"
The reporter smirked. "Every word is backed by evidence. This is a blockbuster story. The victim's family contacted us, and when we realized it involved your family, we knew we had to pursue it."
Dexter's anger flared, but Myra gently touched his arm. "Darling, don't lose your temper," she whispered. "Throwing them out only fuels the fire. To prove Kayla's innocence, we need facts, not force."
Dexter took a deep breath, regaining control. He turned to Mina, surrounded by reporters. He sighed and spoke calmly but firmly.
"Mina, I was heartbroken by Ruben's accident. I arranged for a hospital visit, provided money and a care package."
He paused, his tone hardening. "If you feel it wasn't enough, I'm willing to offer more. But accusing my daughter and besmirching her name is unacceptable. Don't let grief cloud your judgment."
Dexter's words subtly reframed Mina's actions. She wasn't exposing a murderer; she was attempting to extort the Fuller family. The crowd murmured again.
"That makes sense. Kayla is only nineteen. How could a young woman commit murder?"