[KARRIN]
Thankfully, my brother didn't press further about my crying. Today, I had a lot to do. First, I had to meet the man who almost murdered me but refused to confess—Justen Lindle, a boy I once thought too foolish to harm me. Yet, he had successfully poisoned me, causing one of the worst accidents of my life.
I wore my lavender three-piece suit—a tailored blazer that hugged my shoulders just right, a matching waistcoat cinched neatly at my waist, and sharp cigarette trousers that ended just above my ankles, revealing a hint of my nude heels. The white silk shirt beneath was crisp, its collar slightly undone to soften the formality. My long brown hair was left open, sleek and straight, tucked behind one ear—clean, confident, intentional.
In the mirror, I added the final touches—a quick swipe of tinted balm to bring color to my lips, a dusting of peach blush across my cheeks, and a touch of highlighter on the bridge of my nose, just enough to catch the light without trying too hard. My eyes needed nothing more than a coat of mascara and a flick of brown liner. Polished, not painted.
I fastened a thin gold watch around my wrist—vintage Cartier—and slipped on a pair of delicate pearl studs. One simple gold ring on my right hand, nothing flashy. The lavender caught the morning light—refined and soft, yet commanding.
.......
I parked my car in the police station's lot and walked in. A few policemen greeted me—ones who knew my brother or father—before I spotted the face I was looking for.
"Uncle David!" I called as he turned toward me with his usual warm smile.
"Oh, Karrin… what a pleasant surprise, daughter. I suppose you came to interrogate Justen?"
"Yes. My brother thinks maybe he'll confess if I ask," I replied.
"Yeah, most prisoners do—either in a fit of anger or guilt. You came alone?"
"Yeah."
He nodded. "Come on, I'll take you."
I followed him into the interrogation room, and a strange chill crawled up my spine. It was unsettling, just like in the movies—a small space with a single glass wall separating the observers, a table sitting in the middle with two chairs facing each other. I sat down as Uncle David explained the tactics I should use to get him to talk, and I nodded.
A while later, the door swung open, and Justen Lindle entered, looking utterly disheveled—his blond hair a tangled mess, his shoulders supported by a policeman.
His eyes lit up when they landed on me.
That shouldn't be happening—not when I was the reason he was here.
"Karrin, thank God you're here."
Huh?
He was forced into the chair opposite me. Uncle David glanced at me, waiting, and I nodded so they left, leaving the two of us alone. I rested my elbow on the table, placing my chin on my hand.
"Karrin, you know I didn't do it, right?" he said.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Why aren't you saying anything? You know that cake was harmless." His gaze dropped to his hands.
"How funny, considering that cake landed me in the hospital—one of the worst life-and-death situations I've ever faced," I finally said.
His eyes snapped up to meet mine.
"What are you saying?" He blinked. "How can you lie too? I never did that! The cake was fresh from the bakery."
I chuckled.
"Who are you trying to fool?"
"I really didn't—" he began, but I cut him off.
"Listen to me carefully… if you confess now, your sentence might be reduced."
His expression froze in shock.
Why is he so surprised?
I must admit, he has acting skills better than mine.
I sighed.
"Try a different approach," Uncle David's voice crackled through my Bluetooth earpiece.
Fifteen minutes of pointless back-and-forth later, I finally gave up, shook my head, and looked at the two-way mirror.
"Okay, you can leave, daughter."
I left Justen sitting in the room and stepped out where Uncle David was waiting.
"He's too rigid in his statement," I said.
"I know. That's why his case is still unsolved," he replied.
"I'll leave then. Good luck."
"Alright, off you go, daughter." He patted my shoulder reassuringly.
I walked a few steps before a thought struck me, and I turned back.
"Uncle?"
"Hmm?"
"Maybe… it's not really him?"
His brows furrowed.
"I'll look into it," he promised.
I nodded and left.
.........…
In another fifteen minutes, I reached L&P's main branch and stopped my car in front of the main doors. Emilie was waiting for me.
A guard opened my door. I stepped out and handed him my car keys.
Emilie sighed. "Thank God you're on time."
Two men and three women were waiting for me too.
One of the women stepped forward—she looked like Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter. The resemblance was uncanny. I'd have to reread that book today.
She extended her hand. "Hello, Ms. Karrin. I'm Eleanor Hayes, vice president of L&P. Welcome."
I shook her hand. "Thank you for receiving me," I said.
She introduced me to her colleagues:
Cassandra Rowe – Director of Talent Acquisition
Elena Vasquez – Head of Public Relations
Nathaniel Pierce – Senior Director of Content Development
Dorian Hughes – Chief Casting Director
After brief introductions, Eleanor gestured. "Let's walk inside."
I followed her into the VIP elevator.
Once inside the conference room, Eleanor spoke first. "Welcome to L&P again, Ms. Karrin."
Elena Vasquez, in a wine-red dress, followed up, her tone warm but deliberate. "We're honored to have you. Everything is in place for a seamless transition."
I didn't bother with pleasantries. "Let's keep this simple. What's next?"
A flicker of amusement crossed Nathaniel Pierce's face. He adjusted his charcoal blazer, leaning forward. "We have several high-profile projects lined up. The key question is—what interests you?"
I tilted my head slightly. "I don't do repetition. Give me something that matters."
Dorian Hughes, the casting director, didn't hesitate. "We anticipated that. There are roles that demand depth—intensity. We'll go through them in detail after this."
I nodded once. That was more useful. The rest of the meeting unfolded efficiently—strategic partnerships, branding, press control. They talked, I listened, Emilie negotiated. Their warmth met my sharp replies, yet none of them seemed put off. If anything, they knew exactly what they signed up for.
After an hour, they finally left, and Emilie excused herself for a family emergency.
I sighed and stood as my phone rang.
I picked it up.
"Hey, sis." Sam's voice.
"Hi… why are you calling me?" He rarely did.
I stood up.
"Just… um, checking up on you?" he said hesitantly.
I walked to the door and grasped the knob.
"Don't worry, things aren't bad enough for you to check up on me," I said, chuckling
I pushed the knob, but just as I did, the door swung open from the other side with swift precision. Before I could react, I collided straight into a solid chest.
"Oh my god, I'm so—" My footing faltered, balance slipping beyond control.
The impact sent me reeling backward, but before I could completely fall, a strong hand caught my waist, fingers pressing firmly into the curve with effortless steadiness. My breath hitched.
I blinked up.
"Thank you…" The words barely left my lips before my gaze met sharp, intelligent eyes—ones already studying me with unreadable intent.
"Mr. Kelvin?"
Thank God… I didn't throw him off.
He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips curving just slightly.