Chapter 281
I opened one of the links. It showed Sally kneeling before me at the courthouse entrance.
So that was why the Kennedys‘ relatives had been there that day. They had been looking for the perfect scene to save on their phones–it would make things easier for the tumor mills.
This really made me wonder if the entire family was made up of morons. I had evidence of Edith’s crimes! I had never once thought of turning it into a social media story- just wanted to take it to the authorities!
The Kennedys‘ reputations were already in the gutter, and Edith had suffered the worst of it.
The crime she committed, the sexual violence she endured after it, and the internet’s tendency to tear into female victims… This was nothing short of mutually assured destruction–especially for an upper–class family like them.
What was the point of this?!
Jean called right on time, equally confused.
“Has Edward gone nuts? Is he in his ‘If I can’t have her, nobody can!‘ insane villain phase?!” she speculated. ” Does he not realize his sister’s gonna suffer the most from his psychotic scheme?! And why the hell aren’t his parents stopping him?!”
Haughed helplessly. “I’m just as lost. Maybe he thinks if my reputation is ruined, Soren and I won’t stand a chance –and he’d do anything to make that happen.”
He had implied as much before. He was probably turning his threat into reality.
“What are you gonna do now?! You have to say something! You can’t let him twist the narrative and paint you as the adulterer!”
I had been just as anxious at first, but after some careful thought, I realized Edward had no chance of winning this. Thus, I reassured Jean, “Don’t worry. I know exactly what kind of statement to put out. Then we’ll see how things go.”
I called Soren to tell him my plan. “Don’t suppress the story yet. I’m going to post a detailed response and gauge the public’s reaction.”
He disagreed. “I think the best course of action right now is to stay silent. Any response will put all the attention on you.”
“It’s fine. I’ve weathered worse storms.”
And that was the truth. Surviving the Joneses‘ relentless abuse had turned my bones to steel. I had the thickest skin imaginable.
How else had I made it through the disaster that was my wedding just a few months ago?
Soren was still concerned. “Please, let me keep you company. I know you’re used to shouldering things alone, but that was because you had no one to turn to. Things are different now, Taylor. Let me help.”
“No. We shouldn’t see each other when things are this bad. We don’t want to give our enemies more ammunition for their smear campaign.”
“It’s New Year’s Eve, Taylor. Are you really going to spend it alone?”
I pressed my palm to my forehead. God, I had completely forgotten.
“We planned to go to the countdown together, right?” Sore reminded me.
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Chapter 281
“If we can’t see each other during the day, we can at least hang out once it’s dark.
“Look, isolating yourself will only make you dwell on the worst. Being around friends, a little celebration–it’s exactly what you need.
“Besides… I can’t relax knowing you’re alone after everything that’s happened,” he finished gently.
His voice reverberated in my ears, and suddenly, my anxiety quieted.
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Chapter 282
Chapter 282
