"David merely wanted to use the most despicable means to frame me."
As Lyon spoke, he ignored David's fixed stare and instead looked at Fudge.
Fudge exchanged a glance with Umbridge. They did not let down their guard because of David's mistake.
Lyon's composure and calmness in the office today made him uneasy.
What David had just said had also reminded him.
He had to keep power firmly in his own hands. Even if Lyon truly had not done as David claimed, he would use every possible means to prevent such a thing from happening.
Not even the slightest sign of it could be allowed.
At that thought, Fudge glanced at Umbridge and looked at Dumbledore. "Headmaster Dumbledore, I believe this matter needs to be strictly investigated."
Dumbledore, meanwhile, did not seem to react much. He merely nodded lightly. "Very well. Then please, Minister Fudge, investigate this matter thoroughly."
Seeing this, Umbridge forced a smile that looked remarkably like a toad's grin and spoke to Lyon.
"Mr. Shelby, I know about your influence in Birmingham. This matter must be strictly investigated, including whether you have any past records of criminal activity. That is the Ministry of Magic's duty."
"And I have heard that many of the gangsters under your command have entered the Wizarding Society. We must judge this matter strictly according to the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy. I hope you prepare yourself."
Their meaning was already perfectly clear. A smile appeared on Lyon's face as he nodded politely. "Of course, I must cooperate with the Ministry of Magic's work. I only hope these baseless accusations can be cleared from my name as soon as possible."
Lyon paused, his eyes sweeping discreetly toward Dumbledore. "This is no minor accusation. If my men learn that I have been treated so