Chapter 185

Next morning, Lily was going through her design board when her phone rang. “Miss Collins, it’s me,” her lawyer’s voice came through the line, careful and serious. “There’s something I need to tell you.” Lily set her pencil down. “What is it?” “There was an incident in City A… Mr. Hardison was involved. A man was caught stalking Miss Marina. He claimed you hired him, a private investigator, to collect compromising photos of them.” For a few seconds, Lily didn’t respond. The faint sound of her breath mixed with the quiet hum of the studio. Then she let out a soft laugh, tired, but not bitter. “And you believed that?” “Of course not,” the lawyer replied quickly. “But the claim has already reached the police report. Mr. Hardison’s assistant said they’re investigating the source.” Lily turned her gaze to the half-finished bracelet on the table, her fingers brushing lightly over the delicate wires. “I see.” Her voice was calm, too calm. “So they’re saying I wanted to ruin him now?” “Miss Col