Chapter 159: A Room of Big Shots
The middle-aged man leading the group strode in confidently, his jacket slightly ruffled. Several individuals followed, including Sinclair. The swarm of sensationalist reporters had fueled the situation, attracting uninvolved parties.
“Excuse me, please,” one newcomer said.
Milo briefly hesitated before stepping aside. The group entered, and the leading man spoke in a steady, authoritative voice. “I’m here to testify on her behalf.”
Derek’s sharp gaze darkened as he assessed the man. Then, his eyes flickered toward Vivienne, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. So, that was why she’d been so unshaken; she’d held a trump card.
Standing to the side, Falco felt his pulse quicken as another powerful figure arrived. Had it not been for Vivienne’s involvement, he, an ordinary police chief, would never have witnessed such a gathering.
Snapping out of his daze, Falco wiped his damp palms and stepped forward, forcing a polite smile. “Mr. Avila, what brings you here for something so… minor?”
Preston Avila chuckled. “This is no minor issue.”
A whisper rippled through the crowd. “Who is that guy?”
“No clue, but from his attire, he’s clearly not someone to cross.”
“Not just him. This room is filled with big shots!”
“Let’s just wait and see.”
The crowd murmured in hushed tones before Preston’s voice cut through the tension. He subtly nodded to Caledonia, who stepped forward and handed a thick brown envelope to the reporters. The red official seal instantly made them hesitant; it felt like holding a burning coal.
They exchanged uneasy glances, none daring to open it, as if the contents held classified secrets.
Walter, unfamiliar with Preston, grasped his significance from Falco’s deference. His fists clenched; he inhaled deeply. He couldn't lose composure. Yet, the weight of his misjudgment of Vivienne weakened his knees.
Preston’s gaze swept the reporters, his expression grave. “Miss Hayes is not a suspect. She is a top-tier restoration specialist and a valued special consultant to our department.”
He paused, then his tone sharpened. “I don’t know who is behind this deliberate attempt to create chaos, but we will launch a full investigation, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
A stunned silence fell. Even Edna, who had been following, was speechless. When she joined the department, she’d heard whispers of an enigmatic expert—a master appraiser with unparalleled skills and an almost mythical reputation. She’d imagined a wise elder or a reclusive scholar, never a young woman.
The reporters were dumbfounded, their preconceived notions shattered. Preston's involvement silenced the journalists. Vivienne had completely turned the tables.
Even after the broadcast, the buzz continued online, until the website became inaccessible and keywords associated with “Vivienne” were banned. Everyone realized Vivienne Hayes was not to be underestimated.
Natalie, in her vehicle, watched the broadcast end, filled with resentment and frustration. Her plans had unravelled at the crucial moment. Anger simmered; she struck the steering wheel. Her phone rang.
The caller demanded payment. “Miss Chambers, ensure the funds are transferred, or we will expose the truth.” These maneuvers against Vivienne had been orchestrated by Natalie. She hadn’t expected Vivienne to take legal action.
The caller, impatient with Natalie’s silence, warned, “Miss Chambers, we’re in this together. If we go down, you’re coming with us. Considering your plans for a return to the entertainment industry, you know what needs to be done.”
The call ended. Overwhelmed with fury, Natalie threw her phone. The demand for compensation had nearly drained her. She couldn’t confess; doing so meant admitting defeat. Accepting this bitter reality was difficult.