Debra''s eyes narrowed. "You framed Michael, didn''t you? Someone put you up to this."


    The woman''s face paled. "What are you talking about? He hit me."


    Debra leaned back in her chair. "I''ve done my homework on you. You''re not even one of Michael''s fans. Why were you at the studio that day?"


    The woman hesitated for a moment, but then, as if reciting a well-rehearsed script, she snapped back, "I am a fan. I went there to get his autograph, and he attacked me. Just because he''s famous doesn''t mean he can treat people like dirt. Michael is nothing without our support."


    Debra drummed her fingers on the table. "Interesting. Few people knew Michael was leaving the studio early that day. How did you find out?"


    "I heard about it in a fan group."


    "Are you in the group?"


    "Of course."


    "Tell me the group ID. I''ll check it."


    The woman froze, and Debra raised an eyebrow. "You see, the fans who have ess to Michael''s personal schedule are all verified superfans. If you''re one of them, it won''t be hard for me to look you up."


    Debra waved her phone in front of the woman, making thetter even more nervous.


    It was easy to frame Michael, but trying to use the narrative of him hitting a fan was a mistake. If they wanted to create a convincing story, they needed a verified fan. That wasn''t something that could be fabricated in just a few days. The woman was lying; that much was certain.


    "I know someone from the Nichols Group paid you to do this. Your job was simple trap Michael for a few days. You''ve done your part. But if you keep trying to lie your way out of this, promise you''ll regret it You won''t be able to stay in this city."


    "You..."This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Rx. If you cooperate, you''ll get paid twice. What could be better than that?"


    The woman''s defenses began to crumble. A few momentster, Debra emerged from the


    Lelke


    interrogation room, a satisfied smile on her face. As expected, the woman had agreed to settle things privately, changing her story.


    Once outside the police station, Michael stopped Debra and asked, "What did you promise her?"


    Debra shrugged. "Just money. People like her will work for whoever pays. As long as you give them enough, they won''t give you any more trouble."


    Michael frowned, shaking his head. "But doing this makes it seem like we''re admitting guilt. I didn''ty a hand on her, and you know it."


    Debra patted Michael''s arm reassuringly. "Don''t worry. You know me, I always get even. If I''ve been wronged, I''ll make sure the ones responsible pay." "Well, well. Isn''t this a surprise?"


    A familiar voice interrupted their conversation. Debra turned to see Shelia walking toward them, arm in arm with none other than Juan. A bouquet of roses rested in Shelia''s hand as they emerged from the restaurant next door, looking every bit the happy couple.


    Michael frowned, wondering when they had ended up together.


    Juan broke the silence. "Looks like you''ve got no shortage of admirers."