Accusations and Vindication

Chapter 80: Accusations and Vindication

The celebratory atmosphere in the restaurant abruptly shifted as a group of individuals in sleek, official-looking uniforms entered. Their presence cast a pall over the team's jovial mood, replacing it with a tense silence. At the forefront stood a tall woman with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into each team member in turn.

"We're here to conduct substance testing," she announced, her voice crisp and authoritative.

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Zed felt his heart rate spike, a mixture of indignation and anxiety coursing through him. He glanced at his mother, Zeller, who had risen from her seat, her face a mask of protective fury. As Zed opened his mouth to speak, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Ted, their coach, shook his head almost imperceptibly and stepped forward.