Chapter 76

The arena fell into stunned silence. Philip and James, once confident and composed, stood frozen in their tracks. Their plan had backfired spectacularly, and they were left exposed in front of everyone they had sought to deceive and also on the live broadcast.

Philip's voice rose above the silence, laced with anger and disbelief. "Lyra, what are you saying? You can't seriously be doing this."

Lyra stood her ground, her eyes locked with Philip's. "I have no reason to lie, Philip. I won't be a pawn in your game any longer."

James, his face contorted with rage, stepped forward. "You ungrateful woman! We gave you everything! How dare you turn against us?"

Lyra's voice quivered, but she refused to waver. "You didn't give me anything. You manipulated and controlled me. But not anymore."

Alonso, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and hope, spoke up. "Lyra, is this true? Did they really do this?"

Lyra turned to Alonso, her eyes glistening with tears. "I'm so sorry, Alonso. I let them