Chapter 109: Investigation

ISABEL.

I arrived at work a bit late the following day, only to find myself immediately surrounded by reporters from various media outlets, who had all been waiting patiently for my arrival.

As Lucas pulled down my car glasses, I could see them waiting with anticipation. I grabbed my bag and stepped down with Lucas following behind me. "You are free to go, I'll call before my closing hour."

"Alright, Ms Isabel." He was almost whispering into my ears.

Facing the reporters, I could tell from their frenzied glances and the incessant flashing of their cameras that my manager had already informed them that they should be patient and that I was already on my way to work.

The sudden surge of attention, coupled with the fact that I was now the center of a media circus, left me feeling anxious and exposed but it was quite worthwhile.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that were running rampant throughout my body, and prepared to entertain their queries.

The moment I drove into the parking lot, several reporters immediately rushed toward me, eager to snag an interview.

Their cameras followed their movements like hounds tracking down a scent, the continuous clicking and whirring of their lenses capturing every single motion I made.

The very air seemed to buzz with the energy of the moment, an energy that was both exhilarating and disconcerting.

"Hello, Ms, good morning. Can you please tell us your name and a little about yourself?"

I smiled, doing my best to project an air of calmness despite the throng of journalists eagerly clamoring for my attention.

"Good morning to y'all," I greeted them. "I'm happy to meet you," I said, now directing my attention to one person. My name is Isabel, and I'm the daughter of Matilda, who is dearly loved by her husband, Mr. Mulan."

As I spoke these words, my heart raced in my chest, but I maintained my composure.

"Can you please, tell us what you are here at the TABOO TREASURES AND ALL WHATNOT Mall to do?"

"Of course," I responded with a friendly smile, "I'm at the TABOO TREASURES and All Whatnot Mall for several reasons. First, to unveil our new line of products, which we think will be an exciting addition to the Mall’s offerings. But more importantly, to engage with our staff and customers, to hear their feedback and ideas on how we can enhance our business and better cater to their desires."

"Oh, our mistake! We wrongly assumed you were a customer, who have come to make a purchase."

With a friendly chuckle, I replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm not here as a customer, I'm actually the owner of this Mall, it is my property."

"Wow, are you telling the public that you are the person ultimately responsible for the decisions taken at the Mall?"

"Indeed, I am," I confirmed with an air of authority. "As the owner of this establishment, I hold the ultimate responsibility for all decisions made within these walls. My intermediaries make day-to-day choices, but all major decisions fall to me."

"It's a great honor to meet the mind behind this intriguing establishment," He said, with his voice filled with an appreciative lilt as he subtly expressed his respect for me.

The interviewer's words trailed off as the revving of a vehicle's engine drew their attention to a police car entering through the gate. Their eyes flicked back to me curiously, but funny enough, I had no idea that they would be coming around soon. "Thank you, Ms. Isabel," He said, pausing to take in the scene.

It was a dramatic scene. We watched as the first police officer, stepped it in haste. He was dressed sharply in his uniform and marched with a confident stride towards the passenger's side of the car.

He opened the door and reached in to escort a glowering Estelle out of the vehicle, her expression reflecting her obvious displeasure at the situation.

"Ms. Isabel," the interviewer said. "It appears that the suspect we have all been waiting for has just arrived,"

As the interviewer retreated, a uniformed man approached me. "Good morning, Ms Isabel. My name is Officer Desmond, and I’m here to investigate an alleged crime involving one Ms Estelle,” he said, pulling off his dark glasses.

I replied with a calm composure, “You’re very welcome, Officer Desmond. I appreciate your promptness.”

Officer Desmond nodded, "Thank you, Ms. Isabel. This woman standing before us is accused of stealing a necklace from your establishment only two days ago," the interviewer's eyes flickered briefly toward Estelle before settling back on me. "What are your thoughts on this?"

"It's truly shocking," I agreed, "Estelle, stealing a necklace worth seventy dollars and above. And then trying to bribe her way into an account manager position in my Mall under the guise of misplacing her certificate. It's incredible."

"Defamation!" Estelle's voice pierced through the air, despite being held by the officer. "Those are lies from a bittered soul," She finished.

The cameras were directed at Estelle who was stunned to death. The look on her face showed she was bewildered beyond measure.

Estelle’s mind raced as her thoughts flitted back and forth, grappling with the unthinkable. Was she trapped in a nightmare?

Or was this all designed by Isabel to disgrace her? As her eyes darted back and forth between Isabel and the interviewer, fear gripped her heart like a vise.

As Estelle and Mavis exchanged bitter glances, it was then clear to them, that the consequences of their actions had finally hit them both.

Estelle’s eyes held genuine remorse, her expression that of a person coming to terms with their actions. Mavis, however, wore an expression of regret, a look that spoke of someone who had realized too late the consequences of their choices.

Their stolen glances painted a poignant picture, one of two lives forever changed by the decisions they had made.

Estelle knew that her actions had broken the fragile bonds of trust that had once held her relationship with Mavis together.

The weight of her guilt pressed down on her, and she was gripped by an overwhelming fear of what would come next.

As she faced the cameras, she was filled with shame and fear seeing that the criminal investigator was moving toward her direction.