âIâ¦â Her confidence wavered upon hearing my question.
âI accidentally spilled wine on your attire yesterday.
But changing clothes would have taken mere minutes.
Yet, you abandoned the dinner halfway through, leaving guests behind.
Your actions were deeply discourteous, a dishonor to Andrew!â
With a serene smile, I responded, âRegrettably, I failed to attend to our guests properly last evening, and my oversight in managing the household staff compounded the matter.
I was drugged by a waiter and almost had an accident.
â
Pausing briefly, my gaze turned to Shirley, my expression unwavering.
âIt was only after receiving intravenous treatment at midnight that my condition began to improve.
â
Now that I was Andrewâs betrothed, many noblewomen inquired after my well-being on his behalf.
âGoodness, I hadnât anticipated such a turn of events.
Are you feeling any better now, Debra?â
âIt appears Debra had a restless night.
And now she must contend with this spectacle.
My apologies for the inconvenience.
â
Maintaining a gracious smile, I responded, âThank you for your concern; I am indeed on the mend.
I shall promptly conduct an investigation into all the staff and dismiss any found to be untrustworthy.
Following this, I intend to host a formal banquet to extend my sincerest apologies to each of you.
â
My earnest demeanor resonated with many of the assembled guests, earning their favor.
Many placed trust in my statements.
If I was drugged last night, my capacity to harm Keenan would have been compromised.
In this way, I managed to prove my innocence.
The collective focus changed, prompting a shift in attitudes.
I navigated conversations with composure, adeptly managing each interaction.
Being ignored, Shirley seemed dreadful, resembling someone who had consumed a multitude of flies.
Unable to tolerate further, she thundered, âSilence, all of you!â
Each observer displayed evident astonishment, rendering the air still as all gazes converged on Shirley.
Flushed with rage, Shirley pointed an accusatory finger at me, declaring, âDebra, your sophistry knows no bounds! Do you not perceive that you cannot evade suspicion for Keenanâs death in this manner!â
Debraâs POV:
âYou are the one who should shut up, Shirley.
â I stared at her coldly.
âDo you have any evidence? How can you accuse me of killing Keenan? You should know how Keenan and the waiter died.
â
Shirley sneered, âYouâre right.
I donât have any evidence, but Keenanâs wife does!â
Anger clouded over my eyes.
I had no idea what evidence Debbie had against me, but the simple fact remained that I hadnât killed anyone.
Whatever evidence Shirley was talking about could not be real.
Shirley glared at me before turning her head.
âDebbie, thereâs no need to be afraid.
I wonât let anyone trouble you once you show the evidence.
â
Debbieâs expression changed.
She glanced at me, hesitation flickering in her eyes.