Chapter 115: A Better Idea

I clicked on the trending headline, "Tane Brown Bullies Her Sister Into Depression," and familiar voices filled my ears. But the conversation had been maliciously edited. The video showed my encounter with Elsa outside the studio yesterday. We had barely exchanged a few words, yet the edited version painted a completely different story. Elsa appeared helpless under my supposedly cruel words; I was portrayed as the wicked villain mercilessly crushing her. Judging by the camera angle, someone had been secretly recording the scene from a hidden corner. The video ended with Elsa lying in a hospital bed, looking pale and weak.

The post wasn't from Elsa herself but from an account claiming to be a friend. "Elsa was only asking for a chance," the post read. "Did you really have to bully her like that? As her sister, how could you be so heartless?" Those words were enough to throw me into the eye of the storm. I checked the comments; every single one was attacking me. Insults ranged from calling me despicable and heartless to wishing me dead and dredging up rumors about my personal life.

When I switched to my social media, it had been overrun by self-proclaimed "justice warriors." Even LunaGlo's official account wasn't spared; people were threatening to boycott the brand if they continued to employ someone as "disgraceful" as me.

Levi rushed back, seeing the flood of hateful comments. He immediately reached to delete them, but I stopped him. "Don't," I said. "The more you delete, the more they'll think we're guilty."

Levi's expression darkened with concern. "But, Jane… we can't just sit back and let them slander you like this! I'll release a statement. People need to know you're not who they think you are."

I remained unfazed. "It's fine," I said. I glanced at my phone; something didn't add up. If Elsa had been hospitalized, Jack would have already called. Speak of the devil—my phone lit up with Jack's name.

"What's up?" I asked, my tone indifferent, pretending to know nothing.

His furious voice exploded through the speaker. "What's up? Elsa was bullied so badly by you that she ended up in the hospital! How can you be so heartless? You're her sister! Get over here and apologize to her right now!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "When did Mom give birth to such a dramatic daughter? As far as I know, I don't have a sister."

Jack's anger flared. "How did Mom and Dad even end up with someone as heartless as you? They would've been better off if you were never born! Get to the hospital and apologize to her right now, or I'll drag you there myself!"

I glanced at Levi, who stood beside me with a worried expression. Then, I said, "Sure. Tell her to wait for me. I'll be there soon." Before Jack could respond, I hung up. Tossing my phone aside, I curled back onto the couch and continued flipping through the design plans for the studio.

"Jane, I really think we should release a statement," Levi said hesitantly.

I shook my head. "No need. I have a better idea."

Ever since my rebirth, I had been careful to stay within monitored areas whenever I crossed paths with Elsa, knowing she would seize any opportunity to frame me. When designing the studio, I installed discreet surveillance cameras under the guise of aesthetics. Elsa must have assumed I was unprepared and thought she could manipulate the situation with her edited video. Posting the unedited video would be enough to clear my name, but right now, I had an even better idea.