The lighting crew, given Patrick's approval, promptly grasped their task. They moved to the switch and activated the light.
A stream of blue light cast a glow on the diamond buttons adorning Annie's back, instantly transforming them into glistening white gems. Moments later, the light shifted to red, and the diamonds began to resemble fiery sparks dancing on Annie's dress.
"It's incredible how they change colors!"
The onlookers marveled at the sight.
Jane couldn't help but smile at their reaction.
"As you can see, the diamond buttons are coated with a unique material that responds to light by changing colors. Now, please turn the light and your attention to Annie's hand."
Jane firmly held Annie's hands to prevent any movement while the lighting crew redirected the beam.
Annie's mind raced, her hands trembling uncontrollably. Jane had spoken the truth. There was, indeed, a special material on the diamond buttons that reacted to different lighting.
What was Annie to do now? She struggled, but Jane's grip remained unyielding.
When the light focused on Annie's hand, it turned a cold blue.
Annie's palm began emitting white light.
The audience gasped in astonishment.
Jane clarified, "What you're witnessing is evidence that Annie held the missing diamond in her hand and later flushed it down the toilet. The unique material left traces on her hand without her knowledge."
Jane signaled for the light to change to red, and, like magic, Annie's hand emitted the same color.
The crowd let out another collective gasp.
Jane continued to maintain a firm hold on Annie's trembling arm as she gave everyone a closer look.
"It's clear for all to see that Annie's hand reacts to the light in the same way as the diamond buttons. There's no doubt she intentionally removed the button from her dress. Her hands bear the undeniable proof. I believe you all understand the truth now."
The crowd murmured their agreement.
"I would've never suspected Annie of doing this."
"Why would she do it?"
"Who knows? She's reaping what she sowed."
Annie's complexion turned ashen as she listened to the crowd's whispers.
Jane held no sympathy for her.
"The evidence is irrefutable. Do you have anything to say?"
"No, it can't be true," Annie stammered.
How could this have happened? Why had her seemingly flawless plan unraveled so easily? She hadn't known about the unique material on the diamond buttons.
"Jane, you must have set me up deliberately, right?" Annie cried out in frustration.
"If you didn't want to get caught, you shouldn't have done it. But you did, and now you have to face the consequences."
With a sneer, Jane released her grip on Annie's arm.
"Annie, you've let me down."
Bruce moved to Annie's side, his blue eyes reflecting disappointment.
Appointing Annie as the spokesperson hadn't been the most prudent decision, but she had been so insistent that he had given her a chance.
Annie had failed to appreciate the opportunity and had caused enough trouble to disgrace him.
"No, please, honey, listen to me. I didn't do it."
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