Chapter 7 - The Smear Campaign
Chloe was released on a massive $500,000 bail, entirely funded by Uncle David mortgaging his commercial real estate properties. True to her narcissistic nature, Chloe immediately took to social media to play the victim.
She posted a tear-stained video on Instagram. "My deeply disturbed cousin, who has been obsessed with my fiancé for years, threw herself off a balcony to ruin my wedding. She’s extorting my family. Please pray for us."
The comments were brutal. People who didn't know the truth were calling me a psycho, a homewrecker, and a gold digger. My library received harassing phone calls, forcing my boss to put me on administrative leave.
I was sitting on the cabin couch, feeling the familiar weight of anxiety pressing down on my chest, when my phone buzzed. It was a news alert.
LIAM HAYES BREAKS SILENCE ON RUNAWAY BRIDE ARREST.
I clicked the link. Liam had released a public statement to every major news outlet in the state.
“I am speaking out to correct the horrific lies being spread by Chloe Vance. I called off the wedding because I obtained security footage proving that Chloe intentionally, and with malice, pushed Clara off a balcony in an unprovoked attack. The Vance family has a long, documented history of abusing Clara and silencing her. I stand entirely with Clara, and I am fully cooperating with the District Attorney.”
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Within an hour, the tide turned completely. The internet unleashed its fury on Chloe. Her social media accounts were flooded with so much backlash she was forced to delete them entirely. Uncle David’s company lost three major contracts by the end of the day.
The fake empire they had built on secrets was burning to the ground.
