Stretcher 23

When I mentioned checking the security cameras, Charlotte secretly felt relieved but didn’t let it show.

“Sophia, I heard that camera’s been broken for ages. You wouldn’t be trying to frame me because you knew that, would you?”

But right then, the event manager spoke up. “Actually, we got the camera fixed right before the party started.”

Dad nodded. “Well then, let’s take a look at that footage.”

The second Charlotte heard the camera was working, she totally panicked.

“Dad, maybe we should just drop it? I don’t want this to cause problems between Sophia and the family.”

Dad shut that down immediately. “Absolutely not! When family has issues, we deal with them head–on. Whoever screwed up is getting punished.”

I nodded aside in agreement. “Dad’s totally right. If I’m lying, I’ll get on my knees and apologize–I don’t care.”

Remembering how I’d thrown myself down when I first came home, Dad’s face darkened.

“No more of that kneeling stuff.”

“Just pull up the footage.”

The event manager quickly brought up the security video. The source of thɪs content is find{n}ovel.net

Clear as day, there was Charlotte leading me into the bathroom, and there she was again, sneaking around and tossing my dress in the trash.

Charlotte went white as a sheet at once. “That has to be fake! That camera was definitely broken!”

But Dad wasn’t buying her excuses for a second. He let out this cold laugh.

“So you knew the camera was supposed to be broken? That’s why you brought Sophia here in the first place, right?”

Charlotte tried to keep lying, but Marcus cut her off.

“You were going on about how pretty that dress was just the other day, and now you threw it in the garbage? Charlotte, I had no idea you were this kind of person!”

Seeing even Marcus–who usually worshipped the ground she walked on–turn against her, Charlotte was completely lost for words.

“I… Marcus, you have to believe me! Someone made me do it!”

“Bullshit!” Marcus let out this disgusted sound and walked away,

The atmosphere was tense as hell. Dad spoke up again. “Charlotte, I told you–when we get to the bottom of something, there are consequences.”

But Mom was still trying to protect

Charlotte.

“It’s just kids being kids. No need to make such a big deal out of it. Sophia’s fine, isn’t she?”

I then pinched my thigh hard enough to bring tears to my eyes and put on my most pitiful expression.

“I know you love Charlotte more, Mom, but if Charlotte had been the one locked in there, would you have just brushed it off like this?”

Even Mom, who usually had an excuse for everything Charlotte did, had nothing to say to that.

“Sophia’s absolutely right. You screw up, you face the music.” Dad looked sternly at Charlotte. “No allowance for the rest of the month! And if you pull anything like this again, the punishment gets worse!”

Then he turned to me. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you changed and pick out some nicer outfits.”

Dad quickly pulled me away with him.

Mom frowned at Charlotte. “You really went too far this time, Charlotte.”

“Mom!” Charlotte looked at her with those puppy dog eyes.

“Don’t worry, honey. I’ve got some money saved up–I’ll cover your expenses. But you absolutely cannot do stuff like this again!”

Seeing Charlotte looking so pitiful, Mom completely caved.

“You’re the best, Mom! I promise I’ll never do anything like this again.”

After Mom left with a sigh, Charlotte watched everyone’s retreating figures with pure hatred.

“Sophia! If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me!”

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.