Chapter 220 A Public Fall From Grace 

Chapter 220 A Public Fall From Grace 

Quinn watched Penelope’s theatrics with icy detachment. 

Trent’s voice hardened. “Quinn, apologize to my mother–now.” 

“She attacked me first. I have nothing to apologize for.” 

“She’s your elder. Even if she yelled at you or hit you, you should’ve taken it,” Trent snapped. 

5 Free Coins 

Laura burst out laughing. “That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year. Trent, you’re divorced–why on earth should Quinn take it?” 

Sidonie interjected calmly. “Even after a divorce, Mrs. Grafton is still a senior. Quinn, you shouldn’t argue with your elders. If it were me, I’d endure it–even if she slapped me.” 

Penelope’s mood brightened at once. “Sidonie, you’re nothing like Quinn. I could never bring myself to raise a hand against you.” 

Sidonie’s lips curved in quiet triumph. Laura pretended to retch. 

Quinn scoffed. “I hope you all live up to those noble principles. 

Jacinda huffed. “You just can’t stand Mom treating Sidonie well. Why should she treat you kindly? What do you have that compares to Sidonie?” 

Before Quinn could answer, every screen in the center of the mall flickered, then switched to a live news bulletin. 

“After a full investigation into the border wildfire five years ago, the Stridora Fire Department has submitted its findings to the city council. The council has decided to revoke Sidonie Stonehurst’s Firefighting Hero title…” 

The announcer’s voice droned on, but Sidonie’s face went sheet–white. Her knees buckled, and she swayed, barely managing to stay upright. 

How could this be? 

I’ve pulled strings, and those people I contacted swore that Nimbus Air would never strip me of my Firefighting Hero title! 

If that honor really disappeared… what would happen to me? 

Just then a second news item flashed across the giant screen. 

It was Nimbus Air’s live press conference! 

Sidonie’s eyes locked onto the electronic billboard, unblinking 

“After a thorough investigation, Nimbus Air has decided to terminate Ms. Sidonie Stonehurst; effective immediately, she no longer holds any post with the company…” 

Sidonie’s face drained of color. No. This can’t be real! Fire me without even notifying me first? Impossible! 

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Chapter 220 A Public Fall From Grace 

At that very moment her phone buzzed. Hands trembling, she opened the text–Nimbus Air’s official notice ending her contract stared back at her. 

Her fingers shook so violently she nearly dropped the handset. 

“Sidonie, what’s this about your Firefighting Hero title being revoked? And why is Nimbus Air saying they’re letting you go?” Penelope demanded, baffled. 

Sidonie’s mind was blank; she had no idea how to answer. 

“Mom, stop asking,” Trent interjected. 

“How can I not ask? Does this mean Sidonie’s no longer a pilot?” Penelope pressed. 

After all, whenever she bragged to the neighbors she always claimed her future daughter–in–law was Nimbus Air’s youngest co–pilot; if Sidonie lost that badge of honor, Penelope would be embarrassed. 

“Sidonie, what on earth happened?” Jacinda chimed in, equally anxious. 

“Jacinda, weren’t you the one who said it was no big deal that Sidonie left her colleague to die? Still think it’s ‘no big deal‘ now?” Laura’s voice dripped sarcasm. “Your dear Sidonie had a fire extinguisher right next to her yet refused to lift a finger–ran off instead. That’s why her Firefighting Hero title got yanked, and why Nimbus Air booted her along with it. Let’s be honest: the only reason she climbed to co–pilot at her age was that heroic badge. Without it, of course the company pulled the plug. Who knows if any airline will still hire her after this.” 

Every sentence Laura uttered twisted Penelope’s and Jacinda’s expressions anew. 

She wasn’t exactly whispering; shoppers all around had already seen the breaking news on the central screen, and now curious fingers pointed straight at Sidonie. 

Sidonie’s face flushed. “Trent, I want to go home,” she whispered. 

“Sure, I’ll drive you right now,” Trent said softly. 

But Penelope lunged forward, yanking her son out of the way and glowering at Sidonie. “So that’s why you were so generous–dragging Jacinda and me out shopping. Turns out you’d already been canned, and you figured once our hands were full of your gifts we’d be too embarrassed to scold you!” 

-Even though Sidonie had indeed planned to use money to curry favor with Jacinda and Penelope, she 

could never admit it now. “Mrs. Grafton, that’s not true…”