Reed was escorted away. Brianna tried to run but found her path blocked by a composed woman in a navy suit holding a file.
“Ms. Lake,” said attorney Nora Kent. “You will answer for misappropriated funds and public defamation.”
Brianna collapsed onto the marble floor, tears ruining her makeup.
“Please forgive me,” she begged Evelyn. “I was young. I was manipulated.”
Evelyn looked down at her without triumph, only quiet sadness.
“You chose arrogance. You chose cruelty. Those were your decisions.”
Nora added, “Your internship is terminated. Law enforcement will contact you regarding financial investigation.”
Adrian Cole stepped forward. He placed a small card on the floor near Brianna’s trembling hands.
“This is the contact of a psychiatrist,” he said gently. “I hope you learn to understand yourself before trying to impress the world.”
Security lifted Brianna to her feet and led her away as her sobs echoed through the lobby.
When silence returned, Evelyn leaned against the reception desk. The adrenaline left her body, replaced by exhaustion. Adrian handed her a bottle of water.
“Drink,” he said. “You did what had to be done.”
Her voice trembled. “Ten years of lies, Adrian. I feel hollow.”