Chapter 48. Scandal

“Look at this.” His voice was stern, cutting through the low hum of the gallery as he held up his phone. The screen displayed an intimate photo—her and Travis entangled in bed, a snapshot she had no memory of being taken. Her heart dropped like a stone in water, sending ripples of panic coursing through her veins. Every nerve in her body tightened, and the vibrant gallery lights seemed to blur, leaving her staring at the image in disbelief.

“Is this why you’re in the final?” the judge asked, his eyes searching hers for truth—or guilt.

“Of course not!” Camila spat, her sassy demeanor flaring despite the shock that gripped her. “That’s—that’s not what happened.” Her voice trembled ever so slightly, betraying the panic she fought to contain.

The judge raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched into every line of his face. “It’s all over social media, Camila. The capti