“This is because Daniel left you, isn’t it?” Ginger sneered. “You couldn’t handle the rejection, so you killed his father!”
I turned desperately to Daniel, my voice pleading. “You know me. I wouldn’t—”
“I don’t know you,” Daniel said, his voice as cold as ice. “Not anymore.”
I slapped him across the face, the sound echoing through the chaos. “You think I’m capable of murder?” I hissed.
“Miss Tracie?” A police officer stepped forward. “We need you to come with us for questioning.”
I froze. “I didn’t do this! It was him!” I pointed at Bobbie, who stood calmly beside me, his expression amused as he watched the scene unfold.
The officer raised an eyebrow. “Him? That’s impossible. He’s Bobbie Howard.”
“So what?” I shot back.
“He’s a wealthy businessman, an Ivy League graduate, and an exceptional athlete,” the officer explained. “Why would someone like him have any reason to kill Penny Eddy?”
“And I do?” I demanded, my voice rising with frustration.
The officer didn’t flinch. “Yes, people like you always cause trouble. Now, come with us.”
Ginger smirked, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “See? Look at her. She’s wearing stolen jewelry. There’s no way she could afford that.”
“I’m not a thief!” I screamed, my voice shaking with fury. “I’m Tracie Whitaker, the daughter of Europe’s wealthiest family!”
The room went silent for a moment before a ripple of laughter spread through the crowd.
Bobbie leaned in close, his voice a mocking whisper. “See how quickly they judge? Do you understand what I mean now about justice?”
I glared at him, anger and helplessness roiling inside me. “You did this,” I said, grinding my teeth.
“No, babe,” he replied softly, his tone laced with mockery. “They did this to you because they think you’re poor.”
His words sank in like a heavy weight, crushing any hope I had left. I was trapped, and no one would believe me.
The interrogation room felt like a prison—cold, stifling, and oppressive. I sat motionless in the metal chair, my wrists resting on the table as I refused to acknowledge the officers looming over me.
"Miss Tracie," one officer said, his voice calm but firm. "Cooperate, and this will go much quicker. Tell us why you were near Penny Eddy's room."
I kept my gaze fixed on the table, unwilling to give him an answer.
"Miss Tracie," another officer urged, his tone growing impatient, "if you want this to end, you need to be honest with us."