Chapter 78
Once Amara and Elysia set off to address the issue, it didn’t take long for Amara to uncover the evidence she needed, thanks to Elowen’s predictable behavior.
She marched straight into the Sullivan Group headquarters and entered the chairman’s office, dropping the proof onto Larry’s desk with a determined thud.
“Dad.”
The mask covering her face, she stood in front of Larry, her eyes rimmed with a hint of red, revealing her distress.
“Dad, someone’s posted pictures of my disfigurement online over the past few days. It’s led to some pretty harsh personal attacks. Did you know about this?”
Larry nodded, his expression darkening. “Why are you bringing this to me?”
Larry was a man who valued his reputation above all else. Having a daughter with a facial disfigurement was already a sore spot for him, and the fact that it had gone public only added fuel to his fiery pride.
However, since Amara’s real name and identity had been kept under wraps–thanks to her online pseudonym–his anger had slightly subsided.
“Dad,” Amara continued, biting her lip, her tone a mix of hurt and resolve. “I know you never believed me when I said Elowen ruined my face when we were kids. You didn’t believe she would taunt me about my looks either, calling me a bad kid who slandered my sister instead. That really hurt.
But now I’m grown up. When I get hurt, I find evidence. And I did. It was Elowen who spread the photo yesterday. I’m not here to demand you punish her. I know she’s not a bad person at heart. She’s just…
I don’t know why she does these things to me. I’ve never wronged her. I couldn’t figure out why she’d target at me given how well we’ve got along with each other.
Regardless, my goal isn’t to see her punished. I just want you to know the truth. She really did bully me about my appearance when we were kids. I couldn’t defend myself then, and I still can’t now. But at least now I can make sure everyone knows the truth! I don’t want to suffer in silence anymore!”
Amara’s demeanor shifted from soft–spoken to fiercely determined. As her piece finished, she turned slightly, tears welling up and slipping down her cheeks, which she quickly wiped away.
Larry, seated in his leather swivel chair, looked beyond upset.
“So, you’re telling me that unmasked photo was posted online by your sister?”
“Yes, she took that photo without my knowledge. I suspected it immediately and looked into it. Sure enough. Here, this is the evidence, Dad. Take a look.”
Amara pushed the evidence across the desk towards him. Larry’s face went from sour to a furious shade of red as he examined the documents. A few moments later, he slammed his hand down on the desk, bellowing, “That rebellious brat! How could she do something so outrageous to you? This is utterly unacceptable! Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she gets what she deserves!”
Despite Larry’s promise to discipline Elowen, Amara had her doubts. Elowen had a knack for getting into trouble, and although Larry would often react with anger, claiming he would teach her a lesson, his resolve would always wane after Fiona stepped in with her soothing words.
Amara used to think Elowen was lucky, having a mother who doted on her so much. But eventually, Amara realized Fiona’s unwavering protection wasn’t a blessing–it was a subtle form of indulgence that would eventually lead to Elowen’s downfall as she grew older.
1/1
