Chapter 22: The Tension

A wave of astonished gasps moved through the gathered crowd; everyone's eyes were instantly fixed on Samantha who opened her bag and took out the old model of the phone she stole from Anna.

While the guests were exchanging perplexed whispers, Liam's dark glare continued to frantically scrutinize the phone in the woman's hands; he refused to believe that it was his phone. 

"So it was Miss Blackwood all along?"

"I wonder what Mr. Clark will have to say about all this."

"It looks like Miss Blackwood has a talent for attracting new "friends", won't you agree?" Mr. Lyn laughed casually and looked at the phone in Samatha's hands. "I need proof before submitting my donation. Miss Blackwood, Mr. Bennett, show us your phones so that we can all see that the messages are indeed between the two of you."

"Sure!" Samantha didn't hesitate and showed the phone to the rest of the spectators. Reluctantly, Liam did the same. The messages were indeed identical.