Chapter 1535:
Maddox’s expression soured. He jabbed a finger at Elena.
“What was that? Say it again if you dare.”
To Elena, Maddox remained beneath notice—merely a brute, undeserving of her full attention. She produced her phone and, with a few precise taps, the studio’s giant screen blinked to life. The feed showed footage of Maddox at a casino just days before, placing heavy bets and counting stacks of cash. The host’s practiced composure frayed; this revelation had not been scheduled.
The footage segued into archived police files from fifteen years earlier, revealing images of Maddox’s prior domestic incidents and the autopsy report for Charlette’s mother.
Charlette stood to face the cameras, her voice cool and exacting.
“These demonstrate Maddox’s gambling and history of domestic violence. He was detained years ago for assault. My mother died after he beat her in a drunken rage. Such a man doesn’t deserve any kindness.”
Maddox protested wildly, “This is all fabricated—total lies!” He lunged to cut the feed, fingers fumbling at the controls, but the screen remained stubbornly on.
Viewers watching the live stream now saw everything clearly.
“If that’s the case, then I support Charlette.”
“Domestic abusers should face the harshest penalties.”
“Almost fooled by him. So two-faced—entirely monstrous.”
“Demand the harshest punishment for domestic violence.”
“This isn’t merely abuse; it’s premeditated murder. ‘Domestic violence’ doesn’t even cover it.”
𝙈𝙞𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙩: ⲅ𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗍𝖊𝗅𝘀⸱𝖼𝗈𝗆
“This is disgustingly shameless. This old man deserves what’s coming to him. Charlette shouldn’t give him a penny!”
“Not a penny for him! I’d strike him myself!”
As public sentiment swung decisively to Charlette’s side, Maddox lunged to kill the broadcast and smash the cameras. He dropped any remaining pretense, bare menace exposed.
“You shameless brat—you won’t walk out of here today. Now that the cameras are off, I’ll finish you, and no one will ever know!”
The host abandoned the stage as a squad of burly men entered in his stead.
Maddox gestured toward Charlette.
“Gentlemen, that’s my daughter. I’m in debt to the casino—collect what I owe from her. She has the means.”
Elena took a quick count; roughly a dozen hired hands filled the room. Her read on the situation was correct. Today’s live show had been orchestrated by Maddox and the casino as a setup. Elena flexed her wrist, eyes narrowing.
.
.
.