After the New Year's Eve Tragedy Her Icy Return novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41 The Angry Crowd

The crowd below the stage stared wide eyed at the large screen while whispering among themselves.

Helen, feeling confused and flustered, turned around to see what was playing.

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The moment she saw the video, her mind went blank. It felt like a bolt of lightning had struck her.

This wasn’t the carefully edited clip she had submitted to the organizers. It was

is a surveillance recording of her sneaking into Caroline’s room and taking a design sketch from her drawer ten days ago.

No way! There were no cameras in Caroline’s room. How could this footage exist?

The whispers and murmurs from the audience only grew louder.

She didn’t have time to think about where the camera came from.

She just knew that it had to be Caroline’s doing!

Her body stiffened and her eyes narrowed.

She was so close to fame and she couldn’t let Caroline ruin her now.

Thank God no one knew Caroline could design. My uncles would believe me over Caroline any day.

This… this could still be salvaged.

She forced herself to calm down, then turned to the audience with a composed expression. “Please don’t misunderstand,” she said quickly. “That sketch was mine–1 accidentally left it in the wrong room…”

Before she could finish, a familiar squawking voice echoed from the video.

Thief! Thief! Caroline, come quick! I caught a thief!”

Then, Helen spun around and pointed at the p swear I’ll cook you!”

“Stupid bird! Squawk one more time and I

Her twisted expression was worlds apart from the gentle smile she wore on stage. The contrast. was jarring

Gasps swept through the audience.

Even the judges and host were beginning to doubt her.

“Ms. Helen,” the host finally said, “I believe you owe everyone a clear explanation”

Helen fromened and said “It’s not what it looks like. Can you turn off the video please) I’ll explain

8.34 PM c d

Chapter 41 The Angry Crowd

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However, several audience members in the front row shouted out. “Don’t turn it off! We want the truth! Let the video play!”

The host, committed to fairness, chose to let it continue.

Since someone had released the video. it made more sense to finish watching it before asking Helen for an explanation.

Helen stood there, waiting anxiously for the host’s response, but it never came.

Her heart pounded with worry, and she quickly turned her eyes to Liam, hoping he would speak up for her.

After all, if she fell so would the company. Surely he’d stand by her.

However. Liam was too busy arguing with the people who had just been praising him moments.

ago

“Nonsense! My niece is a professional designer! She’s created countless bestsellers! Why would she need to steal others designs?

“You’re all just jealous she won and now you’re trying to drag her down!”

One by one, he snapped at each person accusing Helen before pointing at Caroline.

“I knew it! You’re behind this! Why did you put Helen’s sketches in your room?”

Caroline, calm as ever, smiled faintly. Why so worked up? Just keep watching. You’ll see the truth for yourself”

Her eyes flicked to the screen.

Liam followed her gaze.

The video showed a girl bent over a desk, carefully sketching a design–the exact same one Helen had showcased that day.

The girl’s face wasn’t visible, but Liam instantly recognized her. It was Caroline.

He instinctively turned to look at her again with disbelief.