Layla hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came. The air around her seemed suffocating, and her hands clutched her skirt tightly.
Her friend beside her, the fridge-sized girl, leaned in and whispered, "Don't let him intimidate you! He's trying to hide his true colours. He can't do anything to us! There are rules, and a government! He's bluffing."
Mark, who had been frozen in place, suddenly came to life. His voice cracked as he shouted, "Layla! Admit it, damn it! You set this up, didn't you?!"
All eyes turned to Layla, who looked at Mark with wide, stunned eyes. For a brief moment, it seemed she might crumble under the pressure. But then, her expression hardened, and she shook her head.
"No," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "This is reality. I won't lie about this. I'm telling the truth!"