Chapter 693

"Where's the surveillance footage?" Maeve asked. "There isn't any. It's a dead zone—nothing was recorded," Bryce answered. "That woman... is she a fan of yours?" "My schedule is always confidential, and only a handful of people know about it. I've never seen her before." As Maeve listened, it became clear that someone had set Bryce up. When Bryce got into trouble, Sergio was still on the island, which meant he'd planned this in advance. The person pulling the strings to frame Bryce was likely an employee of the Brooks Group—probably Larry. After a brief pause, Maeve asked, "Have they kept you locked up these past few days?" "Yes. I suspect someone tipped them off." Bryce frowned. "But I can't figure out who it could be. There shouldn't be anyone in Seathburn willing to go against the Mirage Group." "It's Sergio." Bryce froze at the mention of Sergio. Maeve continued calmly, "At the very least, this has to be the Brooks Group behind this." Bryce looked puzzled. "Is what happened on the island connected to Sergio?" "Not exactly." Maeve shook her head gently. "You've been through a lot these last few days. Don't worry. I'll get you out tonight, no matter what. "As for everything that's happened with the Mirage Group lately... Zayla will fill you in." "As long as you're okay." Seeing the relief on Bryce's face made Maeve smile. He was always so particular about his appearance, but after days of being locked up, his once-white shirt was stained, his hair was a mess, and he had a scruffy beard. In this state, who would have believed that he was a world-renowned movie star? Time ticked by, and a staff member knocked on the door outside the interrogation room. "Ms. Scott, the person has been brought to the interrogation room next door. You can go in now." "Got it." Maeve stood up and gave Bryce a reassuring glance before entering the adjacent room. Inside, she found Victoria Hughes—a woman in her twenties with unremarkable features. Her long hair was tied up, and she wore a nightgown with a coat hastily thrown over it. The staff member closed the door behind them. Victoria eyed Maeve and said, "I thought it was someone important. Turns out it's just you, Ms. Scott. Why did you call me over at this hour?" "I haven't even introduced myself yet. How do you know I'm Ms. Scott? We've never met, have we?" Maeve's words briefly flustered Victoria, but she quickly recovered. "With you and Mr. Brooks on that reality show, everyone knows you are. It's only natural for me to recognize a public figure." While Victoria's explanation was plausible, Maeve couldn't ignore the furtive glances she was casting. Maeve was certain that Victoria was lying. Maeve pressed on, "I don't think there were paparazzi photos from the show, but you seem to know exactly who I am." Victoria avoided Maeve's gaze. Maeve asked, "Do you watch live streams often?" "I don't watch that!" "Oh." Maeve rested her chin on her hand and continued, "That's odd. I don't usually post my pictures on social media, though I've occasionally appeared in financial news. "So, how did you figure out I was Ms. Scott? Are you a follower of financial news?"