Chapter 821: Sarah’s Karma

Sarah was confused and frightened by Rowan’s reproach. What had happened? How could her father rebuke her so harshly? She immediately adopted an innocent tone. "What's wrong, Dad? Did I do something wrong?"

Rowan was even angrier at her voice. "Something wrong? Sarah, I've spent years cultivating you, believing you to be my best assistant. I was wrong! I always considered you more mature and insightful than your sister, capable of seeing the bigger picture. That's why I entrusted you with so much responsibility, always supporting you, even when things went awry!"

Sarah didn't understand her father's fury.

"Even when you trusted the wrong person and damaged your relationship with Charles, I didn't blame you. I knew it wasn't entirely your fault. But today, I'm deeply disappointed. You need to face this and handle it yourself. I won't, and cannot, help you."

"Dad, what are you talking about...?"

"Check the news!" Rowan hung up. His anger deepened Sarah's confusion. A notification appeared on her phone: "The Ugly Face of the Collins Family's Eldest Daughter Finally Revealed!"

Terror gripped her heart. With trembling fingers, she clicked the headline. The article claimed her outward image was a fabrication; that she was devious, bossy, dictatorial, constantly berating others and undermining their self-esteem. She was portrayed as an egocentric, arrogant princess who demanded subservience.

The more she read, the angrier she became. These were blatant lies. She scrolled further, finding photos and videos, including one of her conversation with Kanae from yesterday. Even her rooftop conversation was included.

How had this been leaked? Which media outlet dared publish such a scandal? Who was behind this? Rage shook her.

She wouldn't allow this to stand. This humiliation was unacceptable. As the eldest Collins daughter, she had to be perfect; even the slightest blemish was intolerable. She'd been framed, she told herself. She frantically called her father.

"Dad, Dad, it's not true! I've been framed! None of it is true!"

"I can see clearly whether it's true or not. Do you think our money and privileges grant us impunity? Do you even consider public opinion? I've taught you so much—how could you be so reckless? Your privileges and power are gifts from me. Without me, you are nothing!"

"Dad, Dad, help me!" Sarah was terrified; she felt Rowan was abandoning her. Without him, she would lose everything.

"Help you? How?" Rowan sneered. He couldn't help her; he needed to protect himself. His reputation, untarnished for years, was on the brink of ruin because of Sarah.

"Make them delete the article! It'll be impossible to control the damage if it spreads further. We can address it once the initial outrage subsides," Sarah pleaded, her humility a stark contrast to the arrogant woman in the videos.

"Do you think I haven't tried? I used my influence to have it removed, but it's impossible. We found no code vulnerabilities. Sarah, who did you offend?"

Rowan’s teeth were clenched in frustration. How could this have happened? How could someone frame her?

"Oscar," Sarah blurted out. "It must be Oscar. He resents our family's power; this is his way of consolidating his own authority."

"Even if you're right, no one could release those scandals if you hadn't done those things! No one could have filmed those videos if you hadn't done them!"

"I..." Sarah was speechless.

"If I hadn't seen those videos, I'd never know my daughter was such a fool! I always assumed you were intelligent, that you'd never use such childish language or insults."

"Dad, I was angry and lost control..."

"As a Collins, you must know better! You don't deserve this family if you can't adhere to basic principles!"

"Dad..."

"Sarah, I'm offering no help. You'll face the consequences alone."

"Dad, you can't abandon me. I'm your daughter!"

"I must abandon you, because you are my daughter. And I must be crueler than others to protect myself."

"Dad..." Sarah was shocked.

"That's it. This is entirely your fault, and you will bear the consequences alone."

"Dad, dad, dad!"

Sarah cried out. The fear of abandonment was overwhelming; her father was her only refuge. What would become of her without his protection? The thought paralyzed her. She had to see him, to beg his forgiveness.

She stood, intending to leave, but as she opened the office door, she found herself face-to-face with officials from the national prosecuting organ. Their faces were impassive.

"Sarah, you're suspected of abuse of power and contempt of court. Please come with us for questioning."

"Get away from me!" Sarah refused. "Who are you? Why should I go with you?"

"Please cooperate, or we'll take you forcibly."

"How dare you!" Sarah hissed. The lead officer’s expression hardened. His colleagues moved swiftly, grabbing Sarah and dragging her away before she could protest.