Chapter 1926 Throw Under The Bus
"Let''s set aside the question of whether Eli actually hit Felix," Cecilia said, each word crisp and deliberate. "Given his condition, he''s in no shape to be fighting with other children."
A quiet wave of pity swept through some of the women gathered.
"How could he have developed such a serious illness so young?"
"I remember seeing his livestreams from the hospital. He came across as so polite and gentle. It''s hard to imagine him getting violent."
"Wasn''t that Jonathan''s ount?"
"Yes, but it waster revealed that Eli had taken over his brother''s livestream. That child was absolutely precious."
Elliot had been managing the ount all along. He was a famous streamer with tens of millions of followers. His audience was made uprgely of older women and young girls, all drawn in by his charm.
To Cecilia''s surprise, even among these well-heeleddies, there were more than a few devoted fans of Elliot.
Cecilia turned to Miranda and said calmly, "Miranda, didn''t we already clear this up? Old Mr. Rainsworth was still with us then. Have you forgotten?"
Miranda''s face paled even more. She was trapped, uncertain whether to admit the truth or keep up the lie.
But when she saw Elena approaching, dread tightened in her chest. If she stayed silent, Elena would undoubtedly make things difficult for her.
"Miranda, weren''t you the one who told me Cecilia was egging Elliot on to bully Felix?" Isabelle chimed in, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Why are you hesitating now? Just say it. With so many people here, let''s finally show everyone who she really is."
Miranda shot Isabelle a panicked look, subtly shaking her head to make her stop.
Cecilia took a step forward and asked, "Is this what you''ve been telling your friends about me, Miranda?"
Just then, Elena arrived. Taking in the tense scene and noticing her daughter-in-w under fire, she quickly grasped the situation and spoke up. "Miranda, what you and your friends choose to gossip about behind closed doors is your business. But you do not get to smear my daughter-inw''s name with unfounded usations. Everyone here knows my grandsons. They''re both intelligent, well- mannered boys. They''ve never been the type to stir up trouble, let alone bully anyone."
When Elena approached, one of the wealthydies stepped forward, offering a gentle nod. "She''s right. I''ve met both boys myself. They''re polite and thoughtful. Eli especially has a kind heart. I still remember the day my granddaughter nearly fell into theke... it was he who rushed in and pulled her to safety."
Once thatdy spoke up, others began voicing their support for Elliot as well.
Meanwhile, hushed whispers rippled through the crowd.
"There''s always tension between sisters-inw. I see that clearly now."
"Who would''ve thought Miranda was this scheming? How mean."
"Probably jealousy," someone
murmured. "Cecilia married Nathaniel, after all, while Miranda ended up with Adrian—who can''t even manage a basic position. And let''s not forget, Cecilia''s famity background far outshines hers."
"No wonder," another chimed in. "When you''re losing on all fronts, I guess underhanded tactics start to look appealing."
The tide of conversation had turnedpletely. Everyone was criticizing Miranda
now.
She stood frozen, blindsided. This wasn''t how it was supposed to go.
She had nned to use this moment to publicly shame Cecilia, yet somehow, she had ended up disgracing herself.
The smug expression on Isabe''s face hadpletely vanished.
"What''s going on? Miranda, why aren''t you saying anything?" Isabe felt like she''d been led into a trap.
But what could Miranda say now? Her father-inw had just gifted a valuable piece ofnd to Nathaniel-offending Elena at this moment would be foolish.
Putting on a strained smile, she said, "Aunt Elena was only worried about Felix at the time. I mentioned it casually to Isabe, but I never
thought she''d misunderstand. seems the children''s conflict was blown out of proportion."
Isabe stiffened. She immediately realized Miranda had thrown her under the
bus.