Chapter 277: The Drama Has Begun

They were not insane; they were simply more daring than others. It didn't matter if they suffered to harm their enemy; achieving their goal was all that mattered.

Seeing Isabella's confusion, Alexander explained, "If this were revealed publicly, exposing Deborah and Damien's involvement with Oliver would be futile. Despite Damien's manipulation, something did happen between him and Deborah. Remember Oliver's cooperation during the engagement? If this had happened before the engagement, it could have been spun differently—they could have claimed feelings for each other. But the engagement changed their status and the nature of their transgression."

Alexander nodded. "Even if the Winters family knew Damien was framed, they wouldn't risk further scandal. They'd choose to protect one son, and since Damien was already ruined, they'd protect Oliver, the apparent victim. Deborah would be discarded. Justice wouldn't matter; family interest would. The Carney family would have no choice."

Isabella's breath grew heavy. "They're cruel! Hurting Damien is one thing, but to hurt an innocent girl for their selfish desires? They have no conscience?"

Alexander sniggered. "Indeed, they don't."

"Can we still expose the truth?" Isabella asked, unwilling to let the guilty escape.

Alexander replied, "That's their decision."

As they spoke, Alexander's phone vibrated. He glanced at it, then opened the window. Elaine, Roland, and a doctor appeared from the darkness. Elaine immediately carried the unconscious Deborah out, furiously pounding a pillow. "I'm going to beat those jerks to a pulp!"

The checkup was brief. After an injection, Deborah awoke. Damien's condition was more complicated; he needed treatment after his injection. While waiting for Damien, Deborah regained consciousness. She awoke instantly alert, sensing something was wrong; she'd fallen asleep too quickly and deeply. Her face changed drastically. "What happened to me?"

Isabella recounted the events, concluding, "Oliver drugged you, didn't he?"

Deborah's face drained of color; her body trembled. "It was!" she hissed.

A groan from the bathroom made her even paler. Isabella reassured her, "You weren't hurt. He held back."

Elaine quipped, "Does Oliver have no clue about Damien's sexual preference?"

Isabella stared at Elaine. Roland, discussing the situation with Alexander, exclaimed, "Don't spread rumors about Damien liking men!"

Elaine shrugged nonchalantly. "Isn't it obvious? He's been single forever. I suspected he liked someone in our group, and stayed single because he couldn't win them over. In fact, I suspect your husband." She grinned playfully at Isabella.

Isabella laughed. Elaine's half right! He is attracted to someone in the group, and knew his target was unattainable. But… so far off! If Oliver had that imagination, tonight's victim might have been one of the guys!

Alexander thought, You have a wild imagination.

"What? Think my analysis is absurd?" Elaine pointed at Deborah. "Undeniable proof! Despite the drugs, he’d rather hurt himself than her. That willpower? He’s attracted to men!"

Isabella thought, Or overwhelming affection? He feared her disdain!

"Is… is that so? I'll watch my husband closer!" Isabella laughed. Elaine and Roland joined in; Alexander was speechless. Their banter calmed Deborah, who didn't believe Elaine's remarks, trusting Damien's character.

A stir from the restroom; the doctor needed assistance. Roland helped a changed Damien out. Damien, exhausted, immediately checked on Deborah. That look jolted Deborah; a new possibility took root. "Deborah, you're alright," Damien said awkwardly. "Nothing happened."

Deborah nodded, her gaze shifting. "Regardless of what you think, I won't let this slide. I've heard what happened."

Damien, recalling his despair, grew resolute. "I agree. But exposing this publicly…"

"I don't care about rumors! No one sets me up like this!"

Damien nodded.

Isabella watched them. Oh ho, the drama begins.

Elaine tapped her shoulder. "Something special about you. Following you leads to huge drama!"

Isabella thought, Thank you?

Damien and Deborah orchestrated the following events, stepping back to observe. Outside, the search for Oliver yielded nothing. A recently used room suggested a rendezvous, and Oliver and Ruby were certain Damien and Deborah had escaped there. Their smug expressions showed they believed their plan succeeded. The disappearances fueled speculation. Lydia looked grim until Isabella and Alexander arrived. The call to the Carney family connected. Deborah's calm voice said, "Dad, what's going on? Why are you calling so many times?"

(End of Chapter 277)