The chaos in the ballroom reached its peak. Camera flashes flickered like lightning strikes, capturing every blink of fear in Audia's eyes, every heavy breath Alvin took as he tried to remain composed. The reporters' shouts overlapped, deafening.
"Mr. Alvin! Is this true?"
"What evidence do you have that this is fabricated?"
"Mrs. Audia! Did you know about your husband's business practices?"
Audia felt the world spinning. Those voices sawed into her ears, the words "too weak" echoing in her head, mixing with the stares of people full of curiosity and contempt. She felt Alvin's hand gripping her arm, firm, trying to guide her out of the chaos.
"Trust me, Di," Alvin whispered in her ear, his voice hoarse with strain. "This isn't me. This is Riana."
But doubt, like a poisonous vine, had already begun to spread. How could Riana do this alone? Audia thought in panic. How could she get through such tight security?
