The older officer spoke more firmly this time. "Miss Anderson, Doctor Hale additionally claims financial compensation was offered in exchange for discretion."
Lord Simon finally exhaled softly, lowering his glass with careful disappointment. "Dear God."
Penelope wanted to scream at him. Instead, she turned sharply toward the officers. "Y-You cannot possibly believe I orchestrated… such a thing."
"We are investigating possibilities," the younger officer replied.
"With witnesses," the older one added gravely.
Lady Sophia rose so suddenly that the movement startled everyone. "Enough."
Her voice trembled with fury that the entire room fell silent. She stared at Penelope with an expression Penelope had never seen directed toward her before.
It wasn't disappointment, nor frustration… but humiliation.
"You will tell me this instant," Lady Sophia said quietly, "whether these accusations are true."
