Chapter 45

Rose's POV

As we reached the center of the Nedan community, the tension in the air thickened. Word of my alleged involvement in Linda's disappearance had spread like wildfire, and curious onlookers lined the streets, their eyes filled with judgment and curiosity.

"How could she do that? Didn't she just arrive a few days ago?” A woman said, holding a basket in her hands, alongside another woman, looking at me scornfully.

The men escorting me led me to a makeshift town hall, a modest building constructed from weathered wood and stone. Inside, the room was abuzz with hushed conversations and murmurs, interrupted only by the occasional thud of a gavel from the front.

The leader of the community sat with the executives on a table on the podium, his weathered face etched with lines of concern. As I entered, the room fell into a hushed silence. All eyes were on me, their gazes piercing my soul.

"Miss Rose," the man's voice boomed through the room, filled with authority. "You stand accused of