314: Tangled Webs

The hushed, sterile hallways of the hospital seemed to echo with the heavy burden of scandal and suspicion that now enveloped Maxwell and his family. After Emma hung up with the manager, Maxwell, bewildered and stressed, demanded clarity on the situation. "You’re caught in a nasty rumor mill, Maxwell. They're painting you as a womanizer and a liar," Emma explained with a frown, detailing the accusations that were spiraling out of control online. Maxwell's reaction was one of outright disbelief and rising anger. "How can anyone believe such nonsense? I’ve been swamped with work; when would I even have the time to engage in such behavior? Doesn’t this timing seem oddly convenient? Just as Gable has an accident, these rumors explode?" Emma, maintaining her composure, nodded in agreement. "We know you better than to believe these accusations, Maxwell. There’s no need for such panic in your defense. It only makes you seem guilty to outsiders." Their father, having joined them,