?<strong>Chapter 861:</strong>


    Fiona crossed her arms, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Wow, Elyse, feeling pretty high and mighty now, huh? Taking first ce at the Swan Cup, you’ve certainly caught Mr. Tucker’s eye.”


    Elyse quirked an eyebrow, her smile sharp. “Are you jealous I won first ce, while you’ve failed so spectacrly you can’t even face him anymore?”


    Fiona clenched her jaw, her eyes burning with rage. “You’ve really sharpened your tongue.”


    Seeing the venom in Fiona’s eyes, Elyse realized just how much Fiona had changed, transforming into someone she could hardly recognize. Once a good person, Fiona seemed to have lost her way.


    Elyse ceased her reflections with a sigh, turning to Fiona to ask, “What changed you, Fiona? Was it Jayden? Or an unrequited love?”


    “It’s because of you, Elyse! You’ve taken everything from me, and yet you stand there ying the innocent. I can’t bear to look at you!” Fiona’s words burst forth, unleashing her fury.


    “Me?” Elyse retorted with disbelief. “Am I just an easy target for you? Must I shoulder the me for your mistakes?”


    Fiona’sughter followed, cold and mocking. “It doesn’t matter. Deny it if you wish. We’re past the point of talking. I have nothing left to say to you.”


    At that moment, Gavin stepped in, nked by two officers, his presencemanding and resolute. He swung the door wide and dered, “Nothing left to say? I don’t think so, Fiona.”


    Find your imagination at galn  ovels ; con


    Fiona recoiled slightly at the sight of the officers, then asked warily, “What is this about? I haven’t done anything wrong.”


    Gavin chuckled at Fiona’s distressed look and teased, “Scared, are you? What’s there to be afraid of if you’re innocent?”


    Fiona, sensing a trap, sharply responded, “My fear is that you’re framing me—using me of crimes I nevermitted.”


    Gavin dismissed her concerns with a wave of his hand.


    “That’s not my problem. There have been too many dubious urrences in thispetition, and somepetitors have even demanded a thorough investigation into your actions. Ensuring thepetition’s integrity and involving the police was inevitable.”


    Fiona shook her head, a rueful smile ying on her lips, her eyes tinged with sadness. “To think you would do this—lead the investigation that hands me over to the police. I never saw iting.”


    At this, Elyse furrowed her brow and interjected, sounding disapproving, “What are you implying? That Gavin is betraying you, that hecks sympathy for you? Wasn’t it you who let him down first?”


    Fiona scoffed, “I let him down? Isn’t he clearly favoring you? Both you and Irving are siding with Elyse. That’s just the truth.”


    A sigh of resignation passed Gavin’s lips. “If you believe I’m favoring Elyse, then believe what you will,” he said, his patience wearing thin.


    Long ago, when Fiona first turned against him, any sense of friendship he felt towards her had evaporated.


    Gavin addressed the two officers. “I’ve said all I need to. It’s in your hands now.”


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