After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 194

Another one pointed out next question asking, "How do you explain the tax evasion scandal under your name?"

Another lady reporter sitting in the last row instantly asked the most sensitive question, "Did you misuse the Alpha King's influence to protect these criminals?"

The questions came like a barrage, leaving no room for Estelle to defend herself.

Estelle stood firm, but her knuckles whitened as she gripped the edges of the podium. Each question stung like a wasp, sharp and relentless, echoing accusations that threatened to dismantle her credibility piece by piece.

Cameras flashed in rapid succession, their blinding light searing her vision as though determined to expose every crack in her composure.

The cacophony of voices grew louder, drowning out her attempts to answer, until it felt like a trial by fire, one she was barely holding herself together to survive.

The reporters didn't just demand answers; they dissected her every gesture, her every breath, like wolves circling an injured prey.

A murmured laugh rippled through the room as someone muttered, "She's evading again," loud enough to sting.

Estelle's heart raced, but her face betrayed nothing. She couldn't falter, not now. Yet, as another question struck, a brutal twist on the Alpha King's supposed leniency toward her.

She felt the invisible walls around her closing in, suffocating her resolve. They weren't just seeking the truth; they were out for blood.

I didn't like Estelle—never did—but this? This was something I never expected. Bribes? Tax evasion? Using the Alpha King's favor? These weren't minor accusations.

In a world where taxes were tied to military funding, such a crime bordered on treason. For these reporters to speak about it openly, they must have solid evidence.

My eyes moved toward her. For someone always so composed, she looked rattled, her innocent features now a mask of confusion and desperation.

Estelle tightened her fingers, struggling to stay calm. Her wide eyes darted toward the Alpha King, silently pleading for help.

I was feeling complicated inside. Though I did not like her but at the same time, I did not expect her do any such thing. This was outright corruption.

She didn't dare to speak, fearing her voice might waver. The reporters' words struck like blows, sharp and unending.

They kept pressing, each question more cutting than the last. The room felt smaller, the air heavier with every passing second.

"Nova," she started, her voice cold, "all you know is how to indulge yourself in shopping sprees and unnecessary luxuries. You contribute nothing of substance."

Nova flinched, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came.

"And you," Queen Luna's voice turned even sharper as she addressed Estelle. "You better have a proper explanation for what I just witnessed. I want the truth before the newspapers plaster this scandal all over the streets tomorrow."

Estelle looked as though she might collapse. Her pale face turned even whiter under the weight of Queen Luna's words.

She turned her pleading eyes once again toward the Alpha King, but this time, he didn't come to her rescue. His silence was deafening, and for the first time, it looked like Estelle was truly alone.

I leaned slightly toward Tina, keeping my voice low. "She's done for. Without the Alpha King's support, there's no way she can recover from this." Tina snorted. "Serves her right."

Estelle's lips trembled as she tried to speak. "I-I… It's not true. I would never—" "Then explain it," Queen Luna interrupted. Her tone left no room for excuses.

I watched Estelle struggle, her words faltering under the intensity of the room.