Chapter 55
The handsome couple stood embraced, looking like they had stepped out of a romantic movie. They were the perfect match.
Stella watched the scene unfold with a face as blank as a winter sky, yet she felt a tightening in her throat as if a giant hand was squeezing it, making it hard to breathe.
So, Haynes was at the hospital to pick up Rachel. And he saw her being humiliated.
Haynes furrowed his brow and gently nudged Rachel away. “Rachel…” he began, but then he saw Neville supporting Stella as they walked away.
Haynes’ eyes chilled, ready to follow them, but Rachel clung to his arm and said, “Haynie, a few more eyewitnesses reached out to me this morning. They said they were willing to testify.”
“Testify?” Haynes asked, his gaze sharpening.
“Yes, Ms. Cameron hasn’t admitted she hit me, right? With these eyewitnesses, she can’t deny it.” Rachel’s voice was soft like a summer breeze. “Don’t worry, Haynie. Ms. Cameron is your wife. I won’t make things hard for her. I wasn’t hurt too badly. I can drop the charges if she apologizes.”
“The online rumors are tarnishing Ms. Cameron’s reputation. This could be her opportunity to publicly clarify the facts and rebuild her image.”
“By then, I’ll support Ms. Cameron, saying the accident was just an accident. She didn’t do it on purpose. And it was an unfortunate event. That should smooth things over.”
Rachel smiled as she spoke, sounding like she was entirely considering Stella’s best interests. She didn’t mention her injuries or grievances, her understanding seeming boundless.
Haynes’ eyes softened a bit. He murmured, “If only Stella were half as sensible as you.”
Rachel smiled. “It’s okay. Maybe she’s just confused now. Give her some time, and she’ll come around.”
That night, a few people claiming to be eyewitnesses posted videos describing what they had seen.
“I had gotten off work and was passing by when I saw Ms. Cameron’s car suddenly speed out and slam into Ms. Pearce’s car.”
“And she didn’t slow down at all. It scared me stiff! At first, I thought the driver had mistaken the gas for the brake, but then I realized she hadn’t tried to steer away. It seemed intentional.”
“A lot of bystanders saw it, not just me.”
With one eyewitness speaking up, others soon followed, all attesting Stella’s
actions were over the line and calling for her to apologize.
…
As Stella remained silent, when the buzz started to fade, she suddenly
announced she would hold a press conference.
Everyone assumed Stella had finally buckled under the pressure and was ready to apologize.
The internet buzzed with excitement, like a Thanksgiving dinner in full swing. Those criticizing Stella felt vindicated, believing their voices had brought about justice.
On the day of the press conference, the venue was packed. Stella hadn’t invited any specific media outlets, allowing anyone to attend, resulting in a bustling, crowded scene.
Neville glanced at the sea of people below. “Star, once you open this can of worms, there’s no going back. If you go through with this, there might be no turning back with Haynes…”