Chapter 1963

Upon hearing this, Joann’s shoulders twitched slightly-a subtle sign of her nervousness that Bennett did not miss.

With a stern look at Joann, he addressed everyone in a subdued tone.

“Rest assured, I will provide an explanation to everyone here.

My judgment will be unbiased.

”

At these words, Joann felt a chill run down her spine.

For the moment, Matthew appeared content.

He made no further demands, preserving the Lowell family’s dignity with a simple, “That’s all.

”

Following this, Nikolai, Stella, and Matthew exited together.

Before she left, Stella paused, facing Joann momentarily before addressing Bennett.

“Mr.

Lowell, as you proceed with this inquiry, I trust you will furnish a thorough explanation, not least for why I ended up in the water earlier today.

”

As Stella, Matthew, and Nikolai exited, a palpable chill settled over the room.

It was clear to everyone that Joann was central to the day’s chaos.

The crowd’s gazes bored into her, loaded with silent judgments.

Standing under their watchful eyes, especially Bennett’s cold gaze, Joann felt her strength wane.

Without holding onto her last bit of strength, she might have collapsed.

Murmurs swirled around her.

“Do you think Miss Crawford is responsible for this?”

“Perhaps it involves her close friend who grew too close to Mr.

Clark, despite his marriage.

Who knows what she intended? “And what led them to act this way?”

Overwhelmed by the speculation, Joann snapped, “Enough! Stop spewing nonsense!”

Felix, finally catching the rising tension, realized the gravity of the situation.

He addressed the onlookers with a stern look.

“Enough viewing.

There’s nothing to see here.

Please, disperse.

”

Joann’s reactions only seemed to confirm the crowd’s suspicions.

They remained silent out of respect for Bennett, but their disdainful looks toward Joann spoke volumes.

Once the room had cleared and Joann faced Bennett’s icy stare, her nerves got the better of her.

In a voice filled with distress, she implored, “Please, don’t be angry.

I’m at a loss myself about how things ended up this way.

”

Bennett’s gaze was so piercing and unyielding that Joann found herself unable to continue speaking.

As his frustration grew, Bennett spoke with icy finality.

“There’s no need for explanations.

I will thoroughly investigate tonight’s incidents.

If it turns out you’re implicated, consider our engagement over.

The Lowell and Crawford families will then sever all ties.

”

With that, Bennett turned and left without another word.

Tears welled up in Joann’s eyes, and she nearly collapsed, saved only by Felix’s timely support.