Chapter 26 Becoming A Scapegoat
She never thought she would be used as a scapegoat.
Finished:
“No, no, it wasn’t like that I didn’t force her! She told me she had a way to make Jemima sign the compensation agreement- that’s the only reason the only reason I arranged to meet her at the hotel! But I had no idea she’d go that far! 1 thought, at most, she’d just scare her a little! I just wanted her to sign the agreement”
Amanda’s voice trembled with panic as she desperately tried to explain herself. Yet, her words only further confirmed that she had, in fact, been an accomplice.
Over on the other side, Nadine sobbed as she countered, “Mrs. Stahl, how could you say that? You were the one who came to me, complaining about how Jemima was insatiable You said she agreed on a hundred million, then suddenly raised it to a hundred and fifty million! I only stepped in because I felt bad for you, and for Julius! You were scared Julius would turn on you, so you begged me to handle those people!”
1
Amanda’s hands shook with rage. “You… Y–You’re talking complete nonsense!”
“I’m not, Mrs. Stahl. But for the sake of my future with Julius, you’ll just have to admit what you did,”
m
Amanda nearly collapsed, gasping for air, on the verge of a heart attack.
By the time the Goodwin family regained their composure, they didn’t even bother trying to sort out who was right or wrong. Their only concern was getting Nadine out of this mess. Without hesitation, they unanimously shifted all the blame ento Amanda.
They had no problem throwing her under the bus.
Amanda, having lost all patience, no longer cared about keeping up appearances with the Stahl family. She immediately launched into a heated argument with the Goodwins.
The guests were utterly dumbfounded
This drama just kept escalating, wave after wave of jaw–dropping revelations. It was more intense than anything they had ever expected!
Even Jemima was caught off guard.
Who would have thought that at such a crucial moment, Nadine would turn against her own future mother–in–law, dragging her into a full–blown public brawl?
Jemima turned to gauge Julius‘ reaction. His face was completely stiff, a frozen expression masking his features. It was as if an icy layer of frost had settled over his mouth and nose.
Given how much he valued his reputation, he must have been falling apart inside. This was the price he paid for his betrayal.
“Jemima, I owe
you an apology,” Julius finally spoke. “For everything you’ve suffered, for any illness you may have contracted, I’ll cover all your medical expenses! With today’s advancements in medicine, there’s even a chance we could cure AIDS!”
From the corner of her ear, Jemima caught the sound of Nadine’s choked sobs. She turned her gaze toward her, only to see her wiping at nonexistent tears–a pitiful display of remorse, a silent plea for forgiveness.
But Jemima wasn’t fooled. She could still see the sinister amusement in Nadine’s eyes.
She wasn’t afraid of being exposed. She didn’t care about betraying her future mother–in–law. All she wanted was to smear Jemima’s name–to spread the rumor that she had been used, ruined and infected.
She was a natural–born villain.
Jemima let out a cold chuckle. “First of all, I don’t forgive you. I’ve already called the police. Secondly, sorry to disappoint you, but last night, a kind stranger saved me. Those men you sent? They failed. I won’t get sick, I won’t die. But you? You’re definitely going to prison!”
Just moments ago, Nadine had looked utterly devastated, tears flowing like a waterfall. But the second those words hit, she froze. The sorrow, the guilt, the regret–all of it vanished, peeling away like cracked paint on an old wall. And beneath it was
Chapter 26 Becoming A Scapegoat
Julius eyes suddenly his sp He took a few steps toward Jemima. Really? Is that true?“
She didn’t even bother looking at him
Finished
Sering Jalis’s seaction. Nailine’s voice turned shrill, almost inhurman. “That’s impossible! That hotel is infamous for its privacy The room was in such a remote part of the building–who could have possibly saved you? A god?”
Jemina sucked “Well he dul look the part
She could still remember the warmth of his palm, the reassuring way he told her she was safe. To her, he had been like a god descending from the heavens. Tall, striking, radiating an aura so powerful it seemed almost unreal.
“I don’t believe you” Nadine snapped “That person doesn’t exist! You’re just trying to cover up your filth so Julius won’t be disgusted by you!”
Jemima let ou a sharp, mocking laugh “I don’t need his validation. If I had been violated, the stain of that crime wouldn’t be
it would be on those men. And on you, the one who orchestrated it all!”
Nadine’s face twisted in rage. “Enough with your lies! If that person really exists, call him out! Summon your so–called savior!
Jenna tell alent. She couldn’t bring herself to say Scott’s name. A man like that–someone who had nothing to do with her drama–wouldn’t want to be dragged into this mess
she couldn’t repay kindness with trouble.
“What? Cat got your tongue?” Nadine sneered. “I knew it! You were lying!”
It was at that moment that Jemima noticed something–the light in Julius‘ eyes was beginning to dim again. He wasn’t stopping Nadine’s relentless accusations.
Because deep down he wanted to know the answer too
Imno god,” a deep, unhurried voice rang out from the back of the crowd. “But yes, I did save her.”
