The Prison Lord's Release

Chapter 7

Holly glared at Ella, signaling her to stand up. Chloe noticed the little girl's nervous expression and helped her rise from her chair.

The committee secretary stood up, holding a digital file. She connected her tablet to the large screen and began reading the report.

"According to the report dated September 12, Ella Brooks is suspected of stealing money belonging to Ruby Turner. The evidence includes statements from classmates and the discovery of Ruby's money inside Ella's bag."

After the secretary finished, Frank looked sharply at Ella.

"Ella Brooks, would you like to make a statement?" he asked coldly.

Everyone turned toward the little girl. Ella's hands trembled, and she struggled to speak under the pressure of so many adults staring at her.

Chloe rubbed her back. "Remember what we practiced last night, Ella. Tell them what really happened, and don't be afraid."

Ella took a deep breath, then spoke.

"I didn't steal Ruby's money," she explained quietly. "I went to the classroom to get my water bottle. The security cameras should have recorded me going there, so please check them."

Chloe smiled proudly at her. Ella had managed to explain herself despite her fear. However, Frank showed no sign of sympathy.

"The recording we received doesn't show you taking a water bottle," he replied.

"B-But I really went there to get it!" Ella protested nervously.

"Enough!" Frank interrupted. "You will have another chance to speak after we hear the other witnesses."

Meanwhile, several committee members were already losing interest. One man checked his phone, while another played with his digital pen instead of paying attention to the case.

"Can we finish this quickly?" one committee member whispered. "I still have a meeting with a magical security company this afternoon."

"Don't worry," another replied. "The result is already obvious. We only need to complete the paperwork."

Chloe heard their conversation and felt her hope fade even further. Frank cleared his throat, then turned toward Ruby.

"We will now hear testimony from Ruby Turner," he announced with a much friendlier expression.

Ruby stood up and began speaking with a sad look on her face. "I wanted to help Ella because she looked sick that day," she explained. "But when I followed her into the classroom, I saw her taking money from my bag."

She lowered her head and pretended to wipe away a tear.

"At first, I didn't want to report her. But that money was for my school fees, so I had no choice. I’m sorry, Ella. If I'd known this would cause so much trouble, I wouldn't have reported you!"

The CCTV recording appeared on the large screen. It showed Ruby following Ella toward the classroom, but it didn't show what happened inside. Chloe stared at Ruby in disbelief. She had never expected a child so young to lie so smoothly.

"Such a kind girl," one committee member said sympathetically.

"She's the victim, yet she's apologizing to the accused," another member added. "We must make sure justice is served!"

Chloe rolled her eyes in anger. "Of course. Justice for the rich," she muttered.

Ruby continued, explaining that she had reported the missing money to Holly. She claimed Holly had checked the students' bags and found the money in Ella's.

"Testimony recorded," the secretary announced.

Ella twisted her fingers nervously. Everything Ruby had said was a lie, yet the adults seemed willing to believe every word. Frank knocked on the table.

"We have heard enough. If there are no objections, we will prepare the final decision."

"Wait!" Chloe shouted as she stood up.

Everyone turned toward her in surprise.

"You interrupted Ella before she could finish explaining herself, but you allowed Ruby to speak without interruption," Chloe protested. "How can you call this a fair hearing?"

Whispers spread through the room.

"Who does she think she is?" one committee member muttered.

"I heard she's only a caretaker from an orphanage," another replied. "She should be grateful the school even gives Ella a place to study."

Chloe ignored them. "You haven't even checked the full CCTV recording!" she argued. "You should examine all the evidence before making a decision."

"We already checked the recording Ruby provided," a committee member replied impatiently. "Her story is clear enough."

"So Ruby's words are automatically true, but Ella's words are just excuses?" Chloe asked angrily.

Bang!

Frank slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "Control yourself!" he shouted. "If you interrupt this hearing again, I will have you removed!"

He took a deep breath, then looked at the committee members.

"Based on the report, the available evidence, and the witness statements, the committee is considering expelling Ella Brooks."

Before he could continue, the hearing room door suddenly burst open.

"Stop this ridiculous hearing!"

A middle-aged man in a neat suit entered the room, his expression angry. Everyone quickly recognized Preston Hale, the chairman of the Lindenhall School Foundation.

Frank hurried toward him. "Chairman Hale, why have you come without informing us?" he asked nervously.

Preston ignored the question and turned toward the open doorway.

"Please come in, Sir," he said respectfully.

Everyone turned toward the entrance, confused. They had never seen Preston, a man who controlled several schools and education companies, show anyone such respect.

A tall man in a navy suit entered the room. It was Norbert.

Marlene's eyes widened, and Holly nearly dropped the papers. Chloe stared at him in surprise, while Ella smiled immediately.

"Chloe, Uncle Norbert really came!" Ella whispered happily.

Preston gestured toward the chairman's seat. "Please sit here, Mr. Norbert."

Norbert nodded and walked toward the table. Preston followed, leaving the committee members wondering who this man was.

Marlene had never seen Preston treat anyone this way. Even when her family donated large sums to the school, Preston had never offered her such respect.

Norbert sat down and glanced at the committee members. "You may sit down," he said calmly.

Several people remained standing until Preston gave them a sharp look.

"Sit down!" Preston ordered.

Everyone returned to their seats. Norbert picked up the hearing report and read it briefly. He then looked at Preston.

"Mr. Hale, I would like to restart this hearing and lead the questioning myself. Is that acceptable?"

Preston smiled respectfully. "Of course. You may handle this hearing however you see fit."

The committee members exchanged shocked glances. Their chairman had just given a man they had never met control of the entire hearing.

Marlene immediately stood up. "I refuse to accept this!" she shouted. "This man knows Ella, so he will obviously protect her. How can he be allowed to lead the hearing?"

Preston's expression darkened. "Marlene Turner, explain your objection properly. Otherwise, I will have you removed from this room. Mr. Norbert is someone I respect deeply, so I trust him."