Chapter 63 Defamation
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If it had only been the media spreading rumors, people might not have believed it. But with her mother speaking out, the claims suddenly seemed much more believable.
No one would ever think of a mother hurting her child.
If Azalea hadn’t done something terrible, why would Ivy say such things in public?
Azalea could hear the whispers all around her, and so could Ivy.
Ivy gave a smug smile. Azalea had refused to help Sydney and even got her expelled from Jubilee. Since she acted so capable and refused to go home, Ivy would like to see how she’d handle things now.
“Everyone slips up sometimes. Please don’t judge my daughter too harshly. I believe Azalea simply made a poor decision. If she’s willing to admit her wrongs and give back what isn’t hers, I’m still open to bringing her home and guiding her the right way,” Ivy declared generously.
The crowd broke into applause.
Several parents in the audience nodded in agreement. If their children had acted that shamefully, they’d have been punished far worse. In their eyes, Azalea was lucky to have a mother who still cared.
The reporters, clearly ready for this moment, quickly shoved a mic in front of Azalea. “Your mother is showing such kindness. Why not take this chance to show you’re sincere and apologize right here? We can bear witness!”
It was a clever trap.
Azalea didn’t know the full story, but she could guess it.
Someone from the Larks had likely worked with people online to ruin her reputation, accusing her of cheating in the finals. Ivy had dragged the press into it just to put her on the spot, and she was playing her part perfectly.
Ivy acted like a loving, selfless mother. Meanwhile, Azalea was made to look like the rebellious, ungrateful daughter.
Azalea stared at Ivy. If she apologized now, Sydney’s actions would be ignored. People already expected the worst from her anyway.
It would give Ivy the perfect excuse to take control of her again.
Azalea suddenly grabbed the reporter’s wrist and pulled the mic to her mouth ‘Apologize For what?
“For cheating? I don’t know who started that rumor, but I’ll say it again–I won the finals fair and square. I earned that trophy with my skills
The reporter tried to yank the mic back, but Azalea held tight. “No need to rush, Ms. Reporter. Fin not
done
She grinned, flashing her teeth. The reporter flinched and froze.
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Chapter 63 Defamation
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Azalea looked out at the people watching. “Or maybe I’m supposed to apologize for being a troublesome. daughter?”
She let out a sharp laugh. Unless she had committed a serious crime, how could she possibly be worse. than the Larks?
“Mrs. Lark, do you admit that I’ve already cut ties with your family?”
Ivy almost denied it out of habit. But then, she remembered her husband had signed the agreement. Even if she lied, Azalea had proof. So, Ivy stayed silent, giving Azalea a helpless look.
She was putting on a show, but Azalea had no plans to join in.
Trying to guilt her? That wouldn’t work. If they wanted to see shamelessness, she’d show them.
“You’re quiet not because you disagree, but because you’re afraid to admit it. I still have the document we signed. You’re not my mother anymore. I wrote that contract myself. I was the one who initiated the break.”
Some quicker–witted people in the crowd began to catch on.
At least from the outside, it didn’t seem like Azalea was forced out because of something awful. On the contrary, she had chosen to leave on her own.
The Larks were one of the most prominent families in Draywick. Even if living there was hard, most people wouldn’t give up such an inheritance.
It would take something truly unbearable for someone to leave it behind.
“Ivy, you call me a bad daughter with no morals. But have you ever thought about whether you acted like a real mother?
“For three years, I didn’t eat a proper meal at your house. Did you even know I have serious stomach problems? Have you ever seen the scars all over me? Every one of them came from your family!
“Do you have any idea how many times I had to stay in the hospital during those years?
“Did you ever wonder if I was warm or freezing?
“You didn’t.
“All I got from you in those three years were harsh words and beatings. You say I have no values–so tell me, what did I actually do wrong? As a designer, you should know how serious stealing someone’s work is. But you kept asking me to create designs for Sydney in big contests, just so she wouldn’t get kicked out of Jubilee. Is she the one you think is such a good child?”
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