TATIANAAlthea’s lips parted, disbelief flickering for the first time since her accusations. “Where did—how did—?” she began, but Emily held the bracelet up, her eyes steady.“I think you’ll find, Althea,” Emily said quietly but firmly, “that this was never removed from your wrist.”The words landed with a quiet finality that seemed to drain the color from Althea’s face. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to process the humiliation, the evidence so clearly stacked against her, yet she refused to cede control.I remained frozen, my eyes lowered, unsure whether I should step forward or stay hidden behind Emily’s unwavering stance. Relief mingled with guilt, a bitter cocktail that made my hands clammy and my stomach churn.Emily’s eyes flicked to mine, a small, almost imperceptible nod that seemed to say, You’re okay. I’ve got you.I wanted to respond, to thank her, to say something, anything. But the words lodged in my throat. The shame of what I had done five years ago, the a
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