Chapter 216

The air was thick with tension. Everyone's heart hung in suspense. Freya, watching Odalys closely, instinctively reached out to take her hand.

"It's fine," Odalys said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. She knew Freya was worried, but after all these years, and having died once in a past life, such things no longer held sway over her.

On the screen, Knox, now a middle-aged man, appeared. His youthful innocence had faded, replaced by a composed demeanor and an aura of authority. He was no longer just a policeman; he commanded respect.

In a deep voice, Knox continued, "I confirmed with the parents; they denied having a child. However, household records showed they did. This little girl was their daughter. I classified the situation as abandonment. They refused to acknowledge her. I returned the child to their doorstep, but they still showed no intention of claiming her. The master who found her believed it was fate, so, under my supervision, he adopted her. I even provided him with a certificate. I never imagined this case would resurface, or that she would face such suppression. But life is fair. Today, I confirm what happened for Miss Stone."

His piercing eyes seemed to pierce the screen. "I admire Ms. Stone's integrity and clarity. She lives in the present, unburdened by irrelevant people. Since they abandoned her and refused responsibility, no matter her achievements, no one has the right to disturb her. Also, Miss Stone, several anonymous complaints have been filed against your biological parents for abandoning you. If they harass you, you can now charge them with abandonment."

Knox's words ignited outrage among viewers. The boldness of his statement left everyone awestruck, even the police.

"I spoke to the police department before going live. After the stream ends, we will upload these videos to our official website. We want to remind everyone to cherish the children they bring into the world. If you don't love them, please don't have them. Protect every little life. Thank you," Knox concluded, ending the livestream.

The internet exploded.

"Odalys" Selah cried. Watching the video of the young girl—in freezing temperatures, her coat ripped off, wearing only a thin shirt, her body nearly frozen, her skin bruised from abuse—was gut-wrenching.

"Don't cry. It's all in the past," Odalys said calmly, gently wiping Selah's tears. "I'm not doing this for attention. I just want to put the past behind me." Her voice was serene. The past held no power over her anymore.

"It's fine. We'll protect you from now on," Freya said, smiling reassuringly.

Stellan and Francis nodded. "We've got you, too."

"Same here," Francis added unexpectedly, making everyone laugh. They hadn't expected that line, clearly an inside joke. He seemed to have spent considerable time online.

[I thought it was just hype, but now the police confirmed it. I just saw the police upload the video, and some medical professionals are saying the little girl was definitely abused.] [Quick, are there any paparazzi! This is your chance, find out who Odalys' real parents are!]

Chapter 216 (continued)

The livestream ignited a massive response. Many, witnessing the cruelty of child abandonment and trafficking in the video, were deeply moved. Viewers previously indifferent to Odalys now showed their support. Her Twitter account, created only a week ago, skyrocketed from zero to over 10 million followers after the livestream. Her empty feed was the only clue to her silence.

"I'm sorry, I need to make a private call," Stellan whispered urgently. He exchanged places with Francis and called his parents, but his calls went unanswered.

"Still no answer?" Selah asked, her concern evident. Everyone was still thinking about Odalys' words; they had been focused on Stellan's situation.

Just then, Stellan's phone connected. A hoarse voice answered—his father, seemingly just waking up.

"Dad, it's me," Stellan said urgently. His father seemed surprised.

"Are you done with the show? Are you coming home? I'm busy tonight; your mom and I are going out. You can stay at Grandma's for a few days," Dangelo replied, unconcerned.

Stellan's hand trembled. "Dad, listen. Whatever you have planned tonight, cancel it immediately. Don't go out. I've already texted Mom; you should check WhatsApp. I've explained everything there. Please, I beg you, read it carefully." His voice was desperate. He had sent detailed messages to both parents, explaining everything Odalys had told him, fearing his father wouldn't listen.

"That stuff? You're young and superstitious. Relax, I'm tough; nothing's going to happen to me," Dangelo chuckled.

"Dad, please believe me!" Stellan's voice cracked with panic.

Dangelo dismissed him. "You need to believe in science, not nonsense. I'm fine; nothing's going to happen to me. I've already made my arrangements. I'll prove nothing you're worried about will happen." He seemed to be packing and going downstairs. "Alright, I'll talk to you later. I'm running out of time." He hung up before Stellan could protest.

Silence fell. Stellan looked at Odalys, his voice shaky. "You were right. My dad doesn't believe me."

"Call your mom," Odalys said quietly.

"Okay," Stellan said, his hands shaking as he dialed his mother's number.