Chapter 269
"Me and my buddies saw it. Still gonna play dumb?"
The big guy spoke up, and others joined in, "Yeah! We're not lying."
"They were hugging!" another person shouted.
I memorized their faces. I'm John Cena, and I'll get my revenge.
"Mr. Allen, Mr. Williams, you heard it too," a guy next to Luke said. "To avoid suspicion, you all should stay quiet."
That was harsh. I glanced at his badge: Alex Mercer, VP of the Sevan City Wine Association. Joseph's uncle?
Patrick looked serious; Charles didn't look great either. George snapped, "What do you mean, Mr. Mercer? Can't we defend ourselves against false accusations?"
Frank added, "Mr. Harrison, Mr. Mercer, and everyone, don't you think this is fishy? From finding the wine samples stolen to catching the 'culprit,' it took less than ten minutes. Would someone who planned this keep the evidence on them? They'd destroy it, not pour wine on themselves."
Frank's words made everyone think. Some experts who were friendly with Frank agreed, "Yeah, this is suspicious. No one would make such a mistake. It's the organizers' job to prevent theft! This has nothing to do with them. Only someone from the committee could get the samples!"
Then Joseph spoke up, "There's physical and testimonial evidence. It can't be fake. We need to handle this strictly. If this gets out, this year's wine tasting event will be a joke!"
"Right, we need an explanation! Mr. Harrison, the public is angry. Hand these two over to the authorities," Alex said.
A few big guys grabbed me again. I was furious. "You’re not the police. You can't detain me. Touch me, and I'll sue you into bankruptcy!"
"Threatening us? Too arrogant!" they said. "This is outrageous. Mr. Harrison, punish him!"
I ignored them and pulled Katherine behind me. "It's simple. There are cameras here. I request to check the footage. It’ll prove my innocence!"
"If I'm guilty, do what you want. Harm me, imprison me for life, I'll accept it!"
Frank added, "Right, catch the thief with the stolen goods. Words alone aren't convincing."
"Mr. Harrison, please get the footage!"
Most people stayed rational. Luke didn't want to escalate things either. If the police got involved, the event would be suspended, and he'd be in trouble.
Finally, under everyone's watch, they got the footage. From when I entered to when I left, I never touched the samples, and neither did Katherine!
The spot we chose didn't have cameras, but another section did. It showed our hands were empty, and no one passed by, so no collusion was possible!
The truth was clear. Katherine and I were wrongly accused.
Luke looked grim. He knew someone was behind this, and we were just scapegoats.
The morning wine tasting event couldn't go on.
Once the truth came out, those demanding punishment went quiet.
But there was still a question. Someone asked, "How did they get wine on them? They didn't take any wine when they went for a private meeting. How did they come out smelling like wine?"
It was Joseph who asked.
Things started to make sense. Joseph must have made some shady deal with Linda.
Steven looked grim, while Linda still smiled.
"It was them who spilled it," I said, pointing at the big guy and his crew. "I suspect they stole the samples!"
"That's nonsense. We didn't steal anything!"
I smirked, " Who told you to do this?"
"I didn't, Mr. Harrison, I swear!"
Then Alex signaled someone, and suddenly a voice shouted, "It's a mistake, we misunderstood them."
Everyone turned to see an association staff member holding samples numbered thirty and forty. "The staff left them in the safe."
What?
Everyone was shocked. Luke scolded, "What are you doing? Such an important event and this happens!"
"Sorry, Mr. Harrison, it was our mistake!" The staff member apologized repeatedly, "Ladies and gentlemen I'm sorry."
The big guy sighed in relief. My mind raced, and I had a rough idea of what was going on.
Luke stepped forward, "Everyone, sorry for the embarrassment. This was our mistake, my fault as chairman. I hope this doesn't ruin your mood."
Everyone reassured him.
"This young man and lady, it was our mistake, causing you distress." Luke bowed to us, and I quickly helped him up. "Mr. Harrison, it's not your fault. It was just a misunderstanding that's now cleared up."
Even though I was furious, I had to keep my cool.
I couldn't offend Luke, not just for myself, but for Charles, George, and Patrick, who spoke up for me.
"I am truly ashamed," Luke said. "Everyone, the misunderstanding is resolved. I was harsh earlier, and I apologize. I hope you all do well in the competition!"
"You are really magnanimous," Luke said to me.
Their words were just words; no need to take them seriously.
The competition continued, and Katherine went back to Steven, but she looked worried.
I was now fully exposed to Steven. The big guy's nonsense probably made Steven suspicious, and trouble was likely coming.
As I was thinking, Patrick said, "John, did you offend someone?"
"This is clearly targeting you and that young lady," Charles squinted and said, "And the person behind this has high status, even Mr. Harrison was deceived!"
George nodded. "After this, Mr. Harrison will definitely face consequences."
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