Phoebe Lockwood's body trembled visibly.
Claire Sinclair continued, "If I've been wrongly accused, Governor Lockwood, tell me, how should this matter be handled?"
Bernard Lockwood felt a vague sense of unease, but at this point, he could only continue to trust his daughter. So, he maintained a calm facade and said, "If my Vera did wrong you, I'll have her apologize. There, is that good enough for you?"
Claire Sinclair scoffed. "That's not nearly good enough. A moment ago, Governor Lockwood was about to have me arrested without a shred of evidence. Now, if I prove my innocence, you think you can just get rid of me with a simple apology? Do you take me for a beggar?"
"You—don't go too far! My Vera is a victim in this too. If you hadn't rejected her apology, would she have fallen?" Bernard Lockwood was already flustered. The moment the words left his mouth, he realized what he'd said and wished he could bite his own tongue off.
