Chapter 249. Framed

My mind reeled as his words sank in, each one a twisted knife to my gut. He was framing me, and the way he calmly outlined his plan made it clear he had done this kind of thing before. 

And even if he had not, it still showed what an evil and terrible mind he had. 

My breath came in ragged gasps as panic clawed at my chest. How was I supposed to fight against this? Against him? 

“You’re insane,” I spat the words at him, my voice trembling but laced with as much defiance as I could muster. “Everyone respects you, but they will all still see through your lies. You can’t hide the truth forever.” 

He laughed, the sound cold and devoid of humanity. “The truth? The truth is whatever the people believe, Rue. And trust me, they will believe me. They always do.” 

I struggled against the ropes binding me to the chair, desperation taking over. I needed to do something, but really, what could I even do? “Please, don’t do this,” I begged him.