Chapter 1534:

“Those are defamatory lies. File suit. People like her need to be taught a lesson.”

An impression formed quickly: Maddox as the wronged party. Voices multiplied in condemnation of Charlette, painting her as cold and unreasonable.

The host pressed on, his voice careful but firm.

“Ms. Patel, viewers are calling this slander. Do you concede that accusation?”

Charlette’s gaze was steady, detached.

“Slander? When did I ever claim I lacked evidence?” she replied, cool and contemptuous.

The host hesitated for a heartbeat.

“If you do have evidence, why not show it to everyone?”

Maddox stood unshaken. How could anyone produce proof from events a decade past? The broken house had been burned to ashes by Charlette, leaving nothing to corroborate her story. He was certain she was just bluffing. Did she truly imagine she could frighten him?

Bravado hardened Maddox’s tone.

“If you had anything concrete, you’d have shown it already. You can’t, because I never harmed anyone. In the spirit of our father-daughter bond, bow on camera and admit you were wrong, and I won’t involve the police.”

The host chimed in, “Ms. Patel, it’s not too late to admit your mistake.”

The comments flooded the feed; scores of netizens sided with Maddox, demanding Charlette bow and apologize.

Ellis stepped protectively in front of Charlette.

𝖁𝗂𝖊𝗐 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾: g𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⫽ⅽ𝗈𝗆

Maddox sneered, “You even brought two people along. Planning to attack me?” He cocked his head, a contemptuous smile tugging at his mouth.

“Come on, strike me. Hit my face if you dare. If you have the nerve, finish me off so you won’t have to foot my bills.”

He was certain Ellis would not take that bait. For people of their class, reputation was currency. On live television, an assault could be staged into an extortion scheme: feign injury, claim compensation, collect a fortune.

Elena advised Ellis in a low voice to stay composed. She met Maddox’s arrogance with quiet resolve.

“You reap what you sow,” she said without haste.

“It’s only a matter of time before you face the consequences of your own actions.”

.

.

.