Chapter 82: The Investigation
“BREAKING NEWS.”
“The Smith Corporation, a leading provider of consumer goods, is currently under investigation by federal authorities for allegedly selling products with questionable sources to the public.”
‘According to our sources, the investigation was launched after multiple consumer complaints and whistleblowers came forward, raising concerns about the origin and authenticity of certain products being sold by the company.”
Investigators are analysing the corporation’s supply chain, seeking to uncover any potential links to unethical or illegal practices. The company’s business operations, financial transactions, and internal communications are also being thoroughly examined to determine if any wrongdoing has occurred by a report submitted by an ex-worker of the corporation,”
“The Smith Corporation has stated in response to the allegations, asserting that they have always prioritised transparency and ethical practices in their business dealings. They claim to be fully cooperating with the investigation and are confident that no evidence of misconduct will be found.”
“As the investigation continues, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and carefully assess the products they purchase from the Smith Corporation. The authorities urge anyone with information related to the investigation to come forward and assist in the ongoing inquiry.”
Lily smiled as she continued to munch on the bag of chips she had managed to snatch from Gary while listening to the news.
“You look happy,” Gary pointed out, and she hummed.
“I am happy,” she replied with a brighter smile.
“May I ask why?” Gary asked curiously. “Does it have to do with the news?”
“I’m just happy that I haven’t lost my touch after so long,” she grinned, making Gary frown in confusion.
“Lost your touch? What does that even mean?”
“Shhh… Just keep watching. We are getting to the better part.”
“Still on the news about the Smiths, Merissa Smith, the daughter of the Smith Corporation’s owners and a contestant in the ongoing national fashion competition, has been exposed for her alleged involvement in various nefarious activities at her fashion academy.” The newsreader continued.
“Several classmates have come forward with accusations against Merissa, claiming that she orchestrated numerous accidents in an attempt to sabotage their progress and secure her position as the top student of the year.”
“In addition to these allegations, evidence has surfaced indicating that Merissa has engaged in plagiarism, taking credit for the work of her fellow students to bolster her designs and garner accolades within the academy.”
“It is said that one of her main victims was her former best friend, Lily Turner, whose parents worked for the Smiths. According to the evidence provided, All of Merissa’s outstanding designs were made by Lily, and after their fallout, Merrisa has been unable to match her former glory, which further proves the accusations to be true.”
“In addition, it was reported that to secure the spot on the competition team, Merrisa Smith arranged with some of her friends, and they pushed the unsuspecting Lily down the stairs, which landed her in the hospital, where she stayed for one month under intensive care.”
“There isn’t enough evidence as of now, and the Yellow Hill Fashion Academy has launched an internal investigation into these claims, vowing to take swift action against any misconduct discovered. Merissa Smith has been suspended from the national fashion competition pending the results of the investigation.”
“As the public outcry grows, many are questioning the true character of the young fashion designer and how her actions may have impacted the lives and careers of her peers.”© NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
“Stay tuned for further developments as the investigation unfolds and the consequences of Merissa Smith’s alleged actions come to light.”
“Is it true?” Gary and Alana asked at the same time as Lily turned off the news on her laptop. Both of them stared at me in shock, their eyes filled with a mixture of rage and concern.
“Did she really push you down the stairs to get a spot?”
“Can anyone be that despicable?”
“She did. And she thought I didn’t know about it. It was hilarious watching her throw her weight around without knowing how much karma was preparing to get her back.” she shrugged.
“You all don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to see this happen. It came earlier than expected but what can I say? It has the same effect”
“Now that she’s received a double blow, I’m kind of curious how she’ll look. She’s probably scared out of her wits right now,” Lily chuckled and placed the bag of chips on the table beside her before standing up.
“She should still get into the venue, right?” She asked and began walking out to watch.
Upon getting out, she noticed people gathering around Merissa’s quarters, all of them gossiping as they watched the show unfold.
Lily walked closer, her interest piqued, eager to see Merissa’s rich expression.
“I didn’t do any of those things! Can’t you see someone is framing me?! How could I push Lily down the stairs? We only had a fallout because she was trying to seduce my boyfriend!” Merissa yelled as she struggled against the cops, who had come to take her away for questioning.
“You’ll have to come with us to give us your statement, even if you didn’t do it, ma’am. Save all of us the trouble and cooperate,” the female cop persuaded calmly while Merissa continued to struggle against them.
Her face turned a darker shade of red, both in embarrassment and in shame, as she noticed people gossiping and whispering while looking in her direction.
“Did you also hear the news? How can someone be that bad?”
“I was always wondering why she and Lily don’t get along well. I thought it was due to them being competitors, but who would have known?”
“I’m sure she’s pissed that her attempt to keep Lily out of the competition failed, and now her scandals have been aired.”
“I’ve always known she’s not a good person; she deserves to rot in jail!”
“Then does the design belong to Daisy or her?”
“Of course, it belongs to Daisy! How can it belong to her? Her time is spent scheming against others; how could she come up with such perfection?”
While the people gossiped, Lily found her way to the front of the commotion to get a better view of the situation. As Merissa noticed her, she tried rushing towards her in desperation.
“Lily! Tell them it’s not true! I didn’t do any of those things they said! I didn’t push you down the stairs. I would never do such a thing!” She rants.
“Since you didn’t do it, why not go along with the investigation? Wouldn’t that be better?” Lily asked nonchalantly as she turned to the officers.
“I’ll cooperate with you in case you need any information.” She declared, and Merissa’s face went pale in dread.
Her eyes met Lily’s eyes and her fear increased as Lily mouthed, “Welcome to Hell,”