494: Intrusions and Expulsions

The shrill blare of the alarm pierced the already tense atmosphere, drawing everyone's eyes to the doll in Clarke Zodiac's hand—a sinister echo of past troubles. "What is the meaning of this?" Maxwell erupted, his protective instincts flaring as he positioned himself between Emma and Clarke Zodiac. His anger was palpable, his gaze scorching as he scrutinized Clarke Zodiac. "You've crossed a line. What are you attempting to achieve with these objects? We haven't forgotten the last incident. Explain yourself now!" Clarke Zodiac, caught off guard by the sophisticated alarm system, faltered under the weight of the room's collective fury. "I—I'm sorry, this wasn’t meant to cause distress. It was merely a gift from an acquaintance; I didn't consider the implications," he stammered, trying to diffuse the situation with a feigned ignorance that fooled no one. "You can drop the act. You were behind the last one, and now you bring another under the guise of innocence?" Maxwell accused sharp