Lyra stood frozen as chaos erupted around her. The damning recording of Orla's voice still hung in the air, clear and undeniable. For one brief moment, vindication washed over her. Finally, the truth was out.
But Orla wasn't finished.
"You don't understand!" Orla screamed, tears streaming down her face as she pointed accusingly at Lyra. Her perfect facade had crumbled, revealing the desperation beneath. "She drove me to this! All my life, I've had to compete with her!"
The reporters shifted, cameras swiveling back to capture Orla's breakdown.
"The illegitimate daughter who somehow got better grades. Who somehow charmed everyone despite being nothing! A nobody!" Orla's voice cracked. "Do you know what that's like? To be the legitimate heir but always feel second-best?"
Lyra watched in disbelief as several reporters' expressions softened. Orla had always been skilled at manipulating people's emotions, turning herself into the victim even when caught red-handed.
