Three Traitors, One Cell

"The person who once thanked me with this banner is now trying to take me to court. Without funds for a lawyer, my only option was to start a livestream to make ends meet."

In less than an hour after Violet went live, her popularity skyrocketed.

Donations poured in, and several lawyers volunteered to take the case on pro bono. Violet's sobs intensified, her tears streaming even more theatrically on camera.

Shortly after, Jeremy uploaded a surveillance video online, claiming it "proved" that Finn never pushed Mia.

Will publicly tagged Violet on social media, pledging to uphold justice and fight in court for both her and Finn's sakes.

Peter even took to Joplin Group's official account to issue a statement promising to advocate for Violet's cause. He warned that if I continued to deny my "mistakes", he would sever all ties with me.

Before long, the internet dredged up the story of when I presented that banner to Violet.

My social media was bombarded with hateful messages from strangers. Some even sent packages filled with animal carcasses.

When I opened one, a scream escaped me, and I tossed it aside in horror.

Out of nowhere, Will's mocking laughter drifted behind me.

His voice came like a whisper from the darkest corners of hell. "You're frightened, aren't you? Do you really think it's wise to keep causing trouble?"

Goosebumps prickled along my skin.

Standing inches behind me, he murmured into my ear, his words sending a shiver down my spine. "If you keep causing a scene, I can't promise what those netizens might do to you next time."

I collapsed to the floor, my eyes brimming with sorrow.

I was so naive. I believed Will to be refined and courteous, Jeremy to embody honor and justice, and Peter to be kindhearted.

However, I overlooked the fact that their success wasn't built on being reasonable. They only ever indulged me, never revealing the cold ruthlessness that truly defined them.

"What is it that you want from me?" I asked.

A satisfied smile slowly spread across Will's lips. "If you'd asked me this question sooner, it would've made things simpler. In the end, you have to compromise anyway, so what was the point of holding out?

"Just so you know, the press conference is set for tomorrow. As an immediate family member, you're expected to publicly declare that Mia's death was an accident and has no ties to Violet or Finn. You will also issue a formal apology for the false accusations against them."

Before I could say a word, Will pressed his hand over my mouth.

"Don't be so quick to say no. Think carefully. Can you really handle what'll happen if you refuse today?"

With that, he pulled out his phone and displayed the live feed from the nursing home's surveillance cameras.

I gazed blankly at the screen, watching an old woman lying in bed.

It was my grandmother, Paula Hilliker. In fact, she was the only family member I had left.

Two years ago, she suffered a stroke. As a result, her lower body was completely paralyzed, and she had limited mobility in her upper body.

Even so, she asked the caregiver to pick up a handkerchief for her. Thread by thread, she embroidered my nickname onto the fabric, decorating it with a small crescent moon.

She said it was a birthday present for me.

Through the camera, I saw her holding the gift box tightly, her gaze locked on the door. It was obvious she was waiting for me.

We agreed I would visit her the day after my birthday. She wanted to hand me the gift herself. However, I never showed up, but she was still waiting to see me.

The guilt crushed me, and tears spilled down my cheeks. Furious, I lunged for Will's phone. "You bastard! How dare you use my grandmother to threaten me!" I screamed.

Will, however, caught my arm with ease. "How can you possibly call this a threat? Louise, I'm afraid you're still far too naive. Anyway, are you set for the press conference tomorrow? Have you figured out what you're going to say?"

He pinched my chin with one hand while absentmindedly twirling his phone with the other.

The sharp taste of blood filled my mouth, and at last, I found my voice.

"Yes, I have."