Chapter 6 The Footage to Set Things Right

Kaia felt a surge of anger. She pushed herself up from the floor but stumbled, her leg throbbing with pain. Jaw clenched, she shot Samuel a fierce glare. "Mr. Samuel, do you ever think before you speak? Wendy was the one who ran into me, yet you blame me without a second thought. Do you just enjoy pointing fingers, or does it come so easily it costs you nothing?" "You—" "There are dozens of witnesses here. So tell me—who's really blind?" Samuel glanced around and noticed the guests eyeing him with measured, judgmental stares. They were all high-society elites, after all. Though they looked down on Kaia, an ex-convict, their sense of decorum kept them from twisting the truth. Unable to hold back any longer, someone spoke up. "Mr. Samuel, it was Wendy who bumped into her. We all saw it." As soon as one person spoke, the others nodded in agreement. Samuel's expression soured, his eyes turning icy. He was convinced Kaia was deliberately sabotaging Wendy's birthday party and humiliating the Larsons in front of Valoria's elite. He knew Kaia far too well. She was spiteful, vengeful, and the type to set someone up without hesitation. Was there any line she wouldn't cross? Samuel's voice dripped with venom as he scowled. "Even if Wendy bumped into you, it would've been an accident. You could've moved, but you chose not to. You did it on purpose." Kaia's rage flared. A high-pitched buzz filled her ears, drowning out what little self-control she had left. Move? How? She could barely walk without dragging her leg—dodging was impossible. Of course. Samuel didn't even take her seriously when she was out of prison. He was convinced her limp was just an act. He'd seen Wendy bump into her but somehow missed her being knocked over. Since they were so intent on humiliating her, Kaia saw no reason left to spare their feelings. Without hesitation, she rolled up her sleeve for all to see. Her elbow was a bloody mess, the stark red standing in vivid contrast against her pale skin. The sight was horrifying. Her palm hadn't escaped injury either. Raw wounds still oozed blood, droplets sliding down her fingertips and dripping to the ground. Kaia raised her arm high, ensuring everyone got a clear view. "Do you really think I'd fall just to do this to myself on purpose? Mr. Samuel, do you really believe I'd cover myself in wounds just to earn your scorn? What kind of pathetic fool do you take me for?" Her voice was tearful, her eyes red with distress. Samuel's eyes widened at the gruesome scrapes on her palm and arm. His face burned with shame, and he couldn't meet her eyes. Amethyst gasped, releasing Wendy as she rushed to Kaia's side. She reached out as if to touch her, then hesitated, fearing she'd hurt her further. "Kaia, you're hurt. Does it hurt a lot?" she asked, blowing gently on the wounds. Her concern seemed genuine. Wendy's tears streamed down her cheeks as she spoke. "Kaia, I'm sorry. I was just so upset that the custom gown Sam got me was ruined. I didn't mean to bump into you in my rush. "Please don't stay angry with Sam. He only accused you because he was worried about me. I'll apologize on his behalf." She gazed at Kaia with pleading, timid eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks with practiced grace. Even her crying looked picture-perfect. Her words might have sounded like an apology, but her expression made it clear she believed Kaia was at fault. During the three years that Kaia lived with the Larsons, Wendy always wore the same look of victimization whenever Kaia was the one suffering. Five years later, nothing about Wendy had changed. "So you're saying Mr. Samuel can falsely accuse me because he's worried about you?" Kaia's face hardened, her gaze sharp and unfeeling, her whole demeanor chilling the air around her. "N-no, that's not what I meant!" Wendy flinched at Kaia's sharp tone, shrinking into Amethyst's embrace as fat tears spilled down her cheeks. "Why would you twist my words like that, Kaia?" Amethyst pulled Wendy closer, sighing with weary resignation. "Kaia, you've misunderstood Wendy. She's always been considerate. She's not like what you're implying. Today is her birthday. Just apologize, wish her well, and let it go." Kaia arched a brow. "This isn't the first time, Mrs. Larson. Do you truly not see the truth, or are you willfully ignoring it? Should I bring up what happened five years ago?" "Enough." Amethyst's face paled, her voice heavy with guilt. "Not another word." Kaia sneered, her lips curling in disdain. Amethyst hadn't changed at all in five years. She still unwaveringly chose Wendy over Kaia. Amethyst couldn't bear to see Wendy suffer the smallest grievance, yet she had no qualms about subjecting Kaia to endless hardship and pain. Kaia was sick to death of it. Gritting her teeth against the pain shooting through her body, she straightened up and limped toward the door. But she'd barely taken two steps when a strong hand grabbed her arm. "Explain." Kaia turned, meeting Samuel's gaze impatiently. "Explain what?" Samuel wanted to lash out, but the hatred in her eyes sent a sharp pang through him. Swallowing his anger, he forced his voice steady. "What happened to Wendy's gown?" Wendy's custom-made gown was adorned with delicate, shimmering feathers, except for a glaring bare patch near the hem, where someone had clearly torn them out. Kaia's fists clenched, her body trembling with fury. "So, Mr. Samuel, you think I ruined Wendy's gown on purpose?" she shot back, her voice icy. "You were the only one in my car. The only one who could've done it." Tears streamed down Wendy's face instantly, her voice choked with emotion. "Kaia, how could you do this?" Amethyst couldn't stand seeing Wendy wronged, yet she couldn't bring herself to blame Kaia either. With a sigh, she spoke gently. "Kaia, I know you acted out of resentment, so I'll overlook this today. But you must never—" Kaia let out a sharp, mocking scoff, cutting Amethyst off. She locked eyes with Amethyst, her words deliberate and icy. "Mr. Samuel's car has a dashcam. Why don't we check the footage and see if I really ruined Ms. Larson's gown?" She turned to Samuel, demanding, "To prove my innocence, I insist you check the footage on your phone right here, in front of everyone." Kaia's unwavering confidence left Wendy flustered. "Kaia, there's no need for that." Amethyst stepped in. "The guests are still here, Kaia. Don't cause a scene." Benedict, silent until now, finally spoke up. "Let's drop this. Kaia, go tend to your wound first." It was the same story all over again. Kaia trembled violently with fury. She yanked her hand out of Samuel's grasp. "If we don't check the footage, am I just supposed to take the fall for ruining Wendy's gown? "I'm ready to check it. Why aren't any of you willing to? What's everyone so afraid of?"