Chapter 123

Isabella Montgomery was forced into a chair. Her eyes widened as Officer Donovan Pierce approached.

He extended the test strip toward her. "Ms. Montgomery," he instructed, "briefly pinch this with your fingers."

The strip was partially damp, embedded with complex components. Any trace of halophilic bacteria on her skin would trigger a color change from white to purple.

The crowd turned on her, voices sharp with accusation. "You claimed innocence! Hurry up and do it!"

"Where's that arrogance now? Prove it!"

"Scared? We need to see the results!"

The taunts grew into a deafening roar. Cornered, Isabella had no choice. She reached out. Her fingers squeezed the strip.

It turned purple immediately.

She was guilty. The evidence was on her fingertips.

"I knew it! It's her! She's pure evil!"

"Just over some petty arguments? How could she poison us?"

"She's a viper! You'll pay for our medical bills! And our trauma! And our lost wages!"

The models erupted in fury, hurling abuse. Nathaniel Blackwood watched, his brow furrowed. This was unexpected. The cunning Isabella Montgomery, trapped?

Yet, she sat perfectly composed. A cold smile touched her red lips. Victoria had outdone herself this time. The plan was clever.

Isabella deduced the poison was on the juice bottle Veronica had handed her. She had contaminated her own hand disposing of it.

Since they wanted to play this game, she would play. And she would make it interesting.

Officer Pierce produced handcuffs. "Ms. Montgomery, you are under arrest for the intentional poisoning of your colleagues. Come with us."

"Fine," she replied, her tone breezy. She stood in one fluid motion. A swish of her long hair. She walked toward the police car, her steps confident, her aura undiminished.

She didn't look like a criminal being arrested. She looked like a CEO heading to a board meeting.

The crowd stared, baffled. No explanations? No denials? What was happening?

"She's scared stiff with the evidence," someone muttered.

The officers ignored them and got into the car. Victoria struggled to her feet, feigning weakness. "No... This is a mistake. It can't be my sister... She isn't capable of this. Please, don't take her."

"Victoria," Gabriella reasoned, "the evidence is right there. Why defend her? She's just an adopted orphan. Who knows what kind of criminals her real parents were!"

Victoria clutched Gabriella's shirt, her performance flawless. "Gabriella, I know her. She's not like that. Please, call Mother and Father. Have them hire the best detectives. Find the truth!"

Her face was a mask of frantic worry, perfectly convincing. Gabriella played her part with equal skill. It was a masterclass in deception.

The police car began to pull away.