Isabella seethed internally.
They had only known Serena for two days, yet they trusted her unconditionally?
She and Anna had been family for years. How could they doubt them and immediately take the side of someone they barely knew?
Her resentment grew, but she made her expression look even more pitiful. "I know you adore her, but why would we ever lie about something that ruins our own reputations? I have no face left to stay in the States..."
"I'm not trying to blame her, I just... we just want you to make her tell those men to delete the photos and videos. Otherwise... we really have no reason to live..."
By the end, she was violently shaking, sobbing as if she were completely broken.
Anna joined her, wailing loudly.
Seeing the two girls crying so miserably, the elders frowned deeply.
No matter what they said.
They refused to believe Serena was capable of such cruelty.
Serena had clear eyes and brilliant medical skills; she didn't seem like someone who would maliciously destroy her own family.
But... the girls' battered and terrified state didn't seem faked either.
"Holden, something isn't right," Kiera gasped slightly, steadying her emotions. She spoke with absolute clarity. "I trust Serena. She would never hurt her family."
"Grandma, look at what she did to me, and you're still defending her?" Anna lost her mind. "Are you going senile?! We were assaulted and recorded, and you're protecting that trash?!"
"Anna Vinton!" Holden's expression turned glacial. He roared, "That is your cousin! Where are your manners? Speak like that again, and I'll kick you out on the street myself!"
He picked up his phone. "Since you're so absolutely certain she did this, I'll call her here right now to explain face-to-face."
Before he could dial.
A cool, lazy voice drifted from the doorway. "No need to call."
The door swung open.
Serena walked in, carrying two insulated breakfast containers. Flanking her were two men with overwhelmingly powerful auras.
On her left was Douglas, one hand in his pocket, wearing a smirk that clearly said he was ready for a show. On her right stood Nicholas, standing rared straight, exuding elegant nobility to ensure hedeft a flawless impression on the elders.
"Serena!" Kiera's face lit up instantly.
Serena walked over quickly, gently supporting Kiera's arm. "Grandma, don't let your emotions spike over egter trivial matters. It's bad for your health."
She set the breakfast on the table.
"Serena, they said..." Kiera glanced at the two girls still on the floor.
Serena's expression remained
perfectly calm She cast a lazy mocking glance down at isabella and Anna, a chilling smirk cuding her lips.
"Why don't you two explain to Grandpa and Grandma how you *really* ended up getting those pictures taken?"
That icy, sarcastic tone made both girls shrink back in absolute terror.
They exchanged a panicked look, the color draining entirely from their faces.