The officers exchanged a look, their expressions softening as they took in Kiara’s distraught state. One of them spoke, his voice calmer this time. “We believe you didn’t know, but the fact remains: this ring is part of an ongoing investigation. If you want to clear your name and prove you weren’t involved in the theft, you’re going to have to help us.”
Kiara’s head spun. “Help you?” she asked, her voice shaking. “How am I supposed to help? I don’t even talk to Ethan anymore!” She looked between the officers, her chest tightening with a mix of fear and desperation. “I didn’t steal anything. Please, you have to believe me.”