Chapter 169

ARIANA'S POV

I stood frozen, my mind grappling with the officer’s words. “Odette Moreau is still at large.” The phrase echoed in my head, a mocking reminder of our misplaced trust. Just hours ago, Odette had looked so remorseful, promising she would turn herself in. We had given her the benefit of the doubt, and now she had vanished.

Outside the jailhouse, the morning sun seemed too bright, almost harsh, against the cold realization settling in. The chaos of the crowd, the flashing cameras, and the murmuring reporters all felt distant, muted by the storm raging inside me. We stood in silence, the weight of disappointment heavy on our shoulders.

Sylvia cleared her throat, b