Gasps rang out, subtle but unmistakable. Cameras zoomed in. Microphones tilted forward.
The question sliced through the room like a well-aimed arrow, sharp and unforgiving. The atmosphere turned brittle in an instant, as if everyone collectively held their breath, waiting to see how Avery Vale would respond to such a loaded accusation.
Avery's brows lifted slightly, her expression unmoved but chilling in its poise. And then, as if the silence itself amused her, she scoffed softly and turned her full attention to the reporter in the blue suit. A slow, deliberate smile curved her lips—cold and cutting.
"It is astonishing," she began, voice calm and razor-edged, "how surprised you managed to make me… with your lack of knowledge."
The reporter blinked, caught off guard by her tone. A hush settled across the room as Avery continued, her voice steady and composed, yet each word hit like a stone skipping across still water—rippling with controlled fire.
