Chapter 335 Lashing Out at the Media

• Charlotte stood at the edge of the crowd, watching that family put on a show like a bunch of monkeys scrambling up and down. They’d been in the city long enough to pick up tricks—used to be straight-up threats, now they knew how to play the pitiful card. Too bad a dog can’t stop eating crap. Bottom line? It was all about money. The nosy onlookers’ scolding grew louder, but Charlotte didn’t bother arguing. Grab the ringleader first—she strode straight toward her adoptive parents’ family and barked, “Had enough?” That snapped perfectly into her adoptive parents’ plan. They went with the flow, switching to an even more miserable look. “Oh heavens, good people never get good endings. Our child’s father still remembers the bond of parent and child, but she’s threatening us!” Charlotte couldn’t help laughing at the woman’s dramatic wailing. “Good people? You call yourselves good? There’s a god three feet above your head—aren’t you scared of lightning striking you?” Her voice was ice-cold. The media, who’d been waiting, swarmed in, microphones and cameras shoved in Charlotte’s face. Seizing on her words, they fired away, hyped up: “Ms. Sherrod, you said your adoptive parents aren’t good people. Do you think you are?” “Ms. Sherrod, your adoptive parents just filed a real-name report claiming you sent people to beat them. You know causing disability is a criminal offense, right?” “They’ve got multiple injuries and no money for the hospital. What do you have to say? How will you handle compensation?” The questions were blunt and sharp, traps everywhere. They clearly believed the adoptive parents, just waiting for Charlotte to admit it. Charlotte steadied herself under the assault of long lenses and boom mics, then shot back at the last reporter, “Why should I pay for something I didn’t do?” Most folks would be scared stiff in that moment. The reporter hadn’t expected her to counter. “So you’re saying you didn’t hit your adoptive parents?” Charlotte was firm as a hammer: “Of course not.” Her adoptive mother shrieked, “If you didn’t hit us, then how did we end up covered in injuries? You think we beat ourselves just to frame you? Are we insane?” Charlotte crossed her arms and gave a cold laugh. “Who knows? People who can ‘mix up’ their own biological daughter—what couldn’t they do?” The adoptive mother was so enraged by Charlotte’s frosty face she leaned back, practically fainting. A reporter nearby kept it professional, pressing on, “Ms. Sherrod, whether a wound is self-inflicted or caused by external force can be identified. Our company can provide an assessment. If the result shows external force, will you admit it?” Charlotte was a doctor. One look and she knew the adoptive parents had been beaten by someone else. No need for any test. She shot back, “If I didn’t do it, why would I admit it?” “They’ve offended plenty of people. Couldn’t someone else have done it?” “Lots of people get beat up in this world. Am I supposed to admit every single one?” The rapid-fire questions left the media speechless. They started blustering, “Then do you have evidence to prove your innocence?” Victims are forced to prove, while perpetrators walk free. Across the computer screen, Tony’s tiny fist slammed the table. Beside him, Olivia was about to cry, clutching Tony’s arm. “Danny, what do we do? They’re being so mean!” Seeing his sister’s eyes brim with tears, Tony rushed to comfort her. “Don’t cry. I’ve got a plan.” Evidence, right? Tony narrowed his eyes, killed the livestream, and his small hands flew over the keyboard, racing to gather what he needed online. He’d defend Mommy’s name. Olivia couldn’t read all that code, but she knew Danny was trying to help. She obediently poured him a glass of water and cheered him on from the side. “Danny, you got this!” Tony flashed her a quick smile. “I will. Now call Benny and tell him I sent some files to his phone. Have him find the nearest print shop and get them printed.” “Okay!” With that, Olivia bounced away to grab her phone.