?Chapter 212:


    Joselyn stepped forward protectively, her eyes narrowing. “Why are you looking for Katie?” she demanded.


    The officer’s tone remained calm and detached. “Someone has reported her for nder and defamation. There are allegations she posted false statements on social media, and the issue’s attracted considerable attention. We need her toe with us to assist in the investigation.”


    Katie’s face drained of all color, her bravado evaporating. She’d only posted what she believed was the truth. Was it really so serious? Christina had indeed been spotted with an older man—was it such a crime to use a little exaggerated scandal to distract from her own troubles?


    The officers scanned the room, pausing on both Ynda and Katie. “So, which of you is Katie Dawson?”


    All eyes immediately turned to Katie, exposing her without a word.


    One of the officers took a step forward, his gaze fixed on Katie. “Ms. Dawson, pleasee with us to assist in the investigation.” Katie jerked the nket up to her chin, her eyes wide and frantic.


    “I’m sick. I really can’t go…”


    Her weak excuse lingered as the officers pressed for her medical records.


    Katie hesitated, heart pounding. She had no evidence to back up her im—the hospital hadn’t found a thing wrong with her, and any record would only prove she wasn’t sick.


    “My medical file is missing,” she blurted, putting on her bravest face.


    The officer’s gaze hardened. “If you don’t cooperate, we’ll check with the hospital ourselves. Faking an illness is a serious offense—you could be charged.”


    Brendon shot Katie a look, quiet but insistent. “Just go with them. If you’re truly innocent, you’ll be cleared and back soon enough.”


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    Katie opened her mouth to protest, but under Brendon’s steady eyes, her courage crumbled. Dragging her feet, she slipped out of bed, head bowed in defeat.


    Ynda grabbed Brendon’s sleeve as the officers led Katie away, her voice trembling. “What do we do now? Will Katie be alright?”


    Brendon tried to sound reassuring, though a flicker of doubt crossed his face. “Don’t worry. The rumors online might not even be Katie’s doing.”


    Ynda hesitated and then bit her lip. She whispered, “But… it could’ve been Katie’s doing. I think Christina found out and wants her to pay.”


    Brendon’s brow furrowed as he pressed. “How do you know that?”


    After a moment’s pause, Ynda nced away and then murmured, “That day, Katie told me herself that she nned to use Christina’s scandal to distract everyone from her own trouble.”


    Brendon mmed his fist against the table, his eyes zing with frustration. “How could Katie be so reckless? The Reed family’s caught up in this mess—they won’t just sit back and watch. She never should’ve tried handling this on her own.”


    Spreading a few rumors online was bad enough, but leaving a trail behind was just asking for trouble.


    Ynda’s voice trembled with anxiety as she leaned in. “What should we do now? If she actually ends up in jail and the news gets out, her whole future at school is finished.”


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