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I frowned. “Wait, if you refused to accept it then why did you tell me the choker was with you?”
Fresh tears slipped from Alani’s eyes. “After the accusation was made and Ben informed me of what the Beaumonts were saying I did, I went back to my room and… Oh, Molly, I found the choker in one of my drawers.”
“You mean—”
“I think he’s trying to frame me,” she sobbed. “He’s trying to get back at me for rejecting him.”
“Fuck,” I said, using the word I knew Tristan would have used in my place.
“You do believe me, don’t you?” Alani asked desperately. “I was so scared to tell anybody—especially one of my superiors. No one ever believes the staff. And, why would anyone believe me once the choker is found in my possession?”
“Is it still with you?”
“I wanted to get rid of it this morning—”
“Don’t,” I said. “I think I have a way to prove that you’re innocent.”
“How?” she cried. “The choker—”
“Was found in one of your drawers,” I said. “And if you didn’t put it there, that means someone did. And we’re going to find out who that is.”
“But—”
“Remember when I told you to trust me?” I said. “Now would be the time to start.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Tristan
I was in my office, discussing the situation with Ben when Molly walked in. Her expression was serious but calm, and I wondered how she felt about the whole thing.
“Tristan, Ben,” she said, addressing both of us. “I need to talk to you.”
“Where is Alani?” Ben asked.
“I asked her to sit outside for a moment,” she replied. “I wanted to talk to the two of you first.”
I came forward. “You spoke to Alani?”
“I did,” she nodded.
“And?” I asked. “What’s her story?”
“Her story is simple,” Molly replied. “She didn’t do it. And, I believe her.”
Her conviction made me believe, too, and I let out a little sigh of relief. However, Ben looked skeptical. “We need more than just your word,” he reminded both of us. “We need proof.”
“She’s been framed,” Molly said.
Ben and I exchanged a glance. “Framed?” I repeated.
“Someone planted the choker in her room.”
“Hold on,” Ben said, holding his hands up. “You mean, she’s admitting to you that she actually has the choker.”
“She has,” Molly nodded.
I felt my belief slip away in light of the new information, and I looked at Molly carefully. “Molly,” I said gently. “Do you think that maybe you’re letting your friendship with Alani cloud your judgment a little?”
