The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

Rodrigo appeared increasingly uneasy, as if a profound disturbance had been gnawing at him all along.

Remington, with a resolute tightening of his lips, declared, Regardless of the circumstances, we must uncover the truth.

Miss Moore, I am counting on your help to find out who is responsible for my fathers death.

Gazing at the solemn figure in the coffin, Hannah expressed her determination albeit helplessly, Of course.

Now that Im here, I will assist.

However, we still need more evidence.

The analysis of the powder in the cup will be crucial.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by hurried footsteps approaching the church.

Conor burst through the door, clutching a piece of paper in his trembling hands, his face etched with urgency.

Sir! The test results are in.

The powder in the cup contained a rare plant poison known as Dark Night Orchid.

Even a small amount can induce a heart attack.

At this revelation, Rodrigos complexion turned ashen instantly. Remington inhaled sharply, his voice laced with disbelief.

Dark Night Orchid? That drug has been banned.

How did they obtain it? Hannah turned her scrutinizing gaze toward Rodrigo and remarked, Youve seemed flustered since the beginning.

I cant fathom why youre so perturbed.

Rodrigo snapped back, his patience wearing thin, Ive already explained that I took a nap that night, but that doesnt imply guilt! How can you prove that I was the one who administered the poison? You are falsely accusing me! Rodrigo! Remington interjected, turning to face Hannah and Bryson.

Miss Moore, as you pointed out, Rodrigo has had ample opportunity to approach my father.

If he were truly planning something, he wouldnt choose such a conspicuous time-it would draw too much attention.noveldrama

Bryson stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Hannah, and cast a chilling glance around the room.

Then lets question him.

You… Rodrigo started, only to be cut off by Brysons icy command.

Answer the question first! The church fell silent for a moment, the tension palpable.

Everyone else eventually left the church, leaving only Rodrigo, Bryson, and Hannah facing each other in the quiet of the sacred space.

With no one else around, Rodrigo dropped his facade.

Leaning back against a chair, he faced them both squarely.

You two bear a grudge against me.

And thats fine! A cold fire flickered in Rodrigos eyes.

But if you two are conspiring to frame me I wont stand for it! Rodrigos defiant stance only heightened the already taut atmosphere in the church.

Frame you? Hannah responded, her voice calm yet firm.

We simply want to understand what youve been concealing from us.

You know better than anyone whether youre truly innocent.

If your conscience is clear, why are you so agitated? Agitated? Ha-ha! Rodrigo scoffed, his eyes briefly betraying his guilt before he raised his voice defiantly.

Hannah, who do you think you are? What right do you have to say this? Mr.

Lyons has sought my help.

If you dont tell us the truth, youre going to find yourself in a very difficult position, Hannah stated firmly, narrowing her eyes.

She continued, Ive reviewed the surveillance footage.

You didnt enter the study, that much is true.

However, a servant had earlier brought some water for him. When the servant opened the door, he accidentally knocked over the kettle.

At that moment, you caught it with your hand.

Its reasonable to suspect that you used that opportunity to add the poison to the water.

Rodrigos demeanor became visibly flustered.

It wasnt me! Its.

Who is it? Hannah demanded, her gaze piercing.

Seeming to resign himself to his fate, Rodrigo slumped against the wall, defeated.

Its… Lesia! Hannah was taken aback.

Lesia? She only just returned to the manor.

How could it be her? Are you trying to shift the blame onto her? No! Rodrigo shot back, glaring at Hannah, though he restrained himself under Brysons stern look.

She returned and told me he had been unfair to her.

She asked me to create an opportunity for her to be alone with him, Rodrigo confessed, running his hands through his hair with a look of regret.

I shouldnt have agreed to her request that night.