Chapter 80
The accusations against Aubree grew louder and more relentless. “What a letdown! I actually thought our school had a champion,” someone muttered. Another said, “So, a cheating champion still counts, right?” “I couldn’t believe Aubree would stoop so low at the competition,” a bystander remarked. “But now even her own mother is publicly denouncing her character…” They shook their head in disdain. Some sighed in sympathy, while others spat in disgust. One of the onlookers scoffed, “Some people just don’t know how to appreciate the good life they’ve got.” Another said, “Wasn’t it said on the forums that Aubree got kicked out of the Wilson family for pushing Carmen down the stairs out of jealousy? Then she proved it was actually Carmen who staged it herself, and honestly, I totally believed her back then. But now? Guess where there’s smoke, there’s fire; she’s no saint either.”
If it were just reporters stirring up trouble, people might still have their doubts. But now that even Alice had spoken out against her, suddenly everyone believed it. If Aubree hadn’t crossed the line, people felt that Alice would not publicly condemn her own daughter like this. Aubree heard all the scathing comments, and of course, Alice heard them too. Alice shot Aubree a taunting smile, her eyes full of challenge. She thought, ‘So you refused to help Carmen and even got her expelled from Rithol Art School? You’re so capable that you don’t even need to come home, right? Let’s see how you get yourself out of this mess now.’
“To err is human, please don’t judge my daughter so harshly,” Alice said, putting on a magnanimous front. “I believe my Aubree simply made a mistake in the heat of the moment. As long as she’s willing to admit her wrongdoing and return the trophy that was never rightfully hers, I’m still willing to take her home and guide her properly.” The crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause. Some parents dropping off their kids couldn’t help nodding in agreement. If their own child had done something so disgraceful, a beating would be letting them off easy. They felt that Aubree sure had a great mother.
The planted reporter, seeing how things were unfolding, quickly thrust the microphone forward and said pointedly, “Aubree, since your mother is being so forgiving, why not take this opportunity, with everyone watching, to show your resolve and apologize right here and now? We’ll all bear witness!”
Aubree thought sarcastically, ‘What a perfect little scheme! I didn’t know exactly what was going on, but I could make an educated guess. It must be the Wilson family colluding with someone to smear me online, claiming I cheated in the finals. Then Alice brought in reporters to corner me, and now she’s making her grand entrance to put on this little act with them. Alice gets to play the saintly, selfless mother, while I’m cast as the rebellious, wayward daughter. If I apologize now, Carmen’s little scandal could easily be swept under the rug. After all, nothing someone like her does would surprise anyone. Not only that, but Alice would seize this chance to keep me under her thumb.’
Aubree grabbed the reporter’s wrist and yanked the microphone to her own mouth. “Me? Apologize?” she scoffed. “Why the hell should I?” “Cheating in the finals? Excuse me? I don’t even know how that rumor started. Let me make one thing clear: I won that championship on my own merit; my trophy is completely untainted!” The reporter struggled to reclaim the microphone, but Aubree tightened her grip even further. She shot the reporter a cold look and said icily, “What’s the rush, Miss Reporter? I wasn’t finished speaking.” Aubree flashed a cold, toothy grin, her gleaming teeth making the reporter freeze in fear, all struggle forgotten in an instant. Aubree swept her gaze across the crowd. “Or should I apologize for being a ‘difficult daughter’ too?”
At this point, Aubree couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. She thought, ‘Unless I’d actually killed someone, how could I ever be worse than the Wilson family?’ Aubree stared straight at Alice and demanded, “Ms. Wilson, do you admit that I’ve already severed all ties with your family?” Alice parted her lips, instinctively ready to deny it. But then it struck her: her husband had indeed signed those legal documents. Even if she tried to deny it, Aubree had concrete proof. So she chose silence, fixing Aubree with an exaggerated look of helpless resignation.