CHAPTER SIX: THE LIE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

One lie would protect a killer. One truth would bury her brother. Annabelle had one choice.

Desmond walked into the interrogation room with the same composed confidence that had made him one of the most feared businessman in the country. His polished shoes echoed against the titled floor as he approached the chair placed opposite from two officers.

A camera stood in one corner of the room, it's red light blinking steadily. The interrogation was being recorded and broadcast to the media as part of the investigation into the murder of Clinton and his wife.

Desmond adjusted the sleeve of his tailored suit before taking his seat.

The officer seated across from him folded his hands on the table.

“Mr Desmond, thank you for honoring our invitation.”

Desmond gave a slight nod. “I have nothing to hide.”

The officer studied him for a moment before asking his first question.

“What was your relationship with late Mr. Clinton.”

Desmond answered without hesitation.

He was my business partner and at one point, a close friend.”

The officer opened a file.

“According to our records on the twentieth of April 2025, Mr Clinton publicly declared you his business rival. Is it true?”

“Yes,” Desmond replied calmly. “He made that statement.”

“Were you his rival?”

A faint smile appeared on Desmond's lips.

“No”

The officers exchanged glances.

“No?”

“I never considered Clinton a rival.” He leaned back in his chair. “He owed me a substantial amount of money. To me, he was simply a debtor.”

The room fell silent.

The third officer pressed a button on the remote control beside him. Seconds later, a voice recording filled the room.

“Clinton, don't play games with me. Pay me my money. Report me to the police. Go to the media. Post it on every social media platform. I don't care. But when I'm done with you, you won't live to tell the story.

The recording ended. The atmosphere became tensed.

The lead investigator fixed his eyes on Desmond.

“Those are your exact words, Mr Desmond, would you care to explain them?”

He remained surprisingly calm.

“I was angry.”

Angry enough to threaten a man’s life?”

“I said those words in the heat of the moment.” His expression was unreadable. “People say things they don't mean when emotions get the better of them.”

The officer wasn't convinced.

“What about your public confrontation with Mr. Clinton during the National Entrepreneur Gathering?

As I said earlier, “Desmond replied evenly. “I wanted my money back. That was all.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“Clinton was a successful businessman. Success attracts enemies. If someone murdered him, perhaps you're looking in the wrong direction.”

One of the officers frowned. “So you're denying your involvement?

“I've answered your question.” He crossed one leg over the other. “I won't be making any further statements without my lawyer being present.”

The room grew quiet once again. After several moments, the lead investigator closed the case file.

“Very well, Mr Desmond.” He stood.

“You may leave for now. Our next discussion will be in the presence of your legal representative.”

Desmond rose gracefully from his seat. “Thank you officers.”

Without another word, he walked out of the room.

The officers watched the door close behind him. One of them sighed heavily.

“He's too calm.” The other nodded.

“Either he's innocent…or his hiding something far bigger than we imagined.”

Outside, Annabelle sat quietly in the waiting area, her fingers trembling as she stared at the floor.

An officer soon approached her.

“Miss Annabelle.”

She slowly stood. Her legs felt weak as she followed him into the interrogation room.

The moment she entered, every officer noticed how pale she looked.

She appeared as though she hadn't slept for days.

“Please have a seat.” She obeyed.

One of the female officers offered her a glass of water.

“We're sorry for your loss.”

Annabelle accepted the glass with trembling hands. “Thank you.”

Another officer spoke gently.

“Your father was respected by many people. We'll do everything within our power to bring those responsible to justice.”

At those words, her vision blurred.

Justice. The very word shattered her heart. If only they knew the truth. If only she were to speak. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

The officers exchanged sympathetic glances.

“We understand this is difficult,” the lead investigator said softly. “If you're not emotionally ready, we can postpone the interview.”

Annabelle quickly wiped her tears. “No, I'm fine.” Her voice cracked.

The officers weren't convinced, but the respected her decision.

“Very well.”

The investigator switched on the recorder. “Were you inside the house on the night of the attack?”

Annabelle swallowed painfully. “Yes.”

“What happened?”

“Group of men broke into our home…” Her voice trembled violently.

“They killed my parents…and every member of our household staff.”

The room became painfully silent. No one interrupted her. Even the officers struggled to hide their emotions.

The investigator spoke again, his voice calm and reassuring. “I'm very sorry.”

He paused before asking the question that mattered the most.

“Miss Annabelle…why are you currently living with Mr Desmond?

The question froze her.

Another officer continued. “Did he rescue you? Or is he somehow connected to what happened?

Annabelle’s heartbeat pounded violently against her chest.

She looked at the officers, at the camera. This was her chance to expose the man responsible. Hatred burned inside her eyes.

“Desmond.” She clenched her fist. “He killed…”

A faint vibration interrupted her. Her body stiffened.

The Bluetooth earphones hidden beneath her hair calm alive.

Her brother's frightened voice echoed in her ear.

“Anna…” His voice shocked in fear. “They're watching me.” A muffled cry followed. “If you tell them the truth…they'll kill me.”

Her breathing became uneven.

“I don't want to die Anna”

“Please…you promised.”

The connection ended.

Annabelle broke down completely. Fresh tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.

The officers stared at her in confusion she struggled to breathe. Every part of her wanted to scream the truth, instead she buried it.

She lowered her head before speaking in a defeated voice.

“Mr Desmond…is innocent.”

The officers looked surprised.

“My father trusted him.” She forced the lie despite how much it hurt. “After the attack…I ran to his house because it was the only place I believed would be safe.”

Her lips trembled. “I… I don't want to answer anymore questions.”

She stood abruptly. “I just want to go home.”

The officers watched her leave each of them sensing that something was terribly wrong.

The lead investigator stared thoughtfully at the closed door.

“She isn't telling us everything.”

“I know,” another officer replied.

The question is…why?

The convoy returned to Desmond’s mansion before sunset. The moment Annabelle stepped out of the car, she turned toward Desmond.

“I want to see my brother.”

He didn't even slow his pace. “Not today.”

“You promised!”

“I said not today.” His cold expression ignited the anger. She had been suppressing all day.

“You liar!”

She rushed upstairs, slammed the bedroom door and collapsed onto the bed.

The tears she had held back all afternoon poured freely. She cried until her body trembled with exhaustion.

A few minutes later the bedroom door opened. Desmond stepped inside. She quickly wiped her tears.

“What do you want now?” She demanded bitterly.

“I did everything you asked. I lied to the police, protected you and yet you still won't let me see my brother.”

She glared at him through tear filled eyes. “I hate you.”

Desmond remained silent. His expression revealed nothing. He slowly walked toward the bed before stopping in front of her.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

The silence was suffocating.

Finally, he said quietly. “You should get some rest.

Annabelle turned her face away. “I don't need your concern.” Desmond looked at her for another moment before turning toward the door.

Just as he reached it. The door burst open. One of his guards rushed inside breathing heavily.

“I'm sorry for interrupting, sir… but you need to see this.

He handed Desmond his phone. The female news anchor spoke excitedly.

“Breaking News! Renowned attorney Barrister Bryan, celebrated across the country for his integrity and brilliant legal career, has finally regained consciousness after spending three years in a coma.”

A video clip appeared.

Bryan looked weak but determined as he addressed the cameras.

“I'm finally awake and I'll continue from where I stopped.”

The color drained from Desmond's face. His fingers tightened around the phone.

“No…” He whispered.

“This can't be happening.”

Before anyone could speak again, his own phone rang

The caller ID displayed a name.

Michael.

Desmond answered immediately. “What is it?

Michael voice came through unusually tensed.

“Bryan is awake.”

A brief silence followed.

Then came the words that even made Desmond heart beat faster.

“Your greatest enemy has returned.”

Desmond slowly lowered the phone.

For the first time, she saw genuine fear in his eyes. And knew without a doubt a storm was coming.