Chapter 158 - Defend Herself
Nicole's eyes darkened as she clenched her fists. "It doesn't matter," she said, her voice sharp with defiance. "Mathew and I were having issues that day. That's why he didn't take me to prom and canceled instead."
Chris studied her carefully, his jaw tightening. She's lying. There was something off about her explanation—something forced.
If she had been so important to Mathew, why would he take someone else to prom? It didn't make sense.
Elizabeth, too, seemed to catch on. Her eyes narrowed slightly as if she were replaying events from the past. "That doesn't add up," she said, her voice calm but firm. "If you two were just having issues, why would Mathew suddenly take Claire? Why would he think taking some other girl was what's best other than fixing your issues? And why haven't you mentioned this before? Why didn't you say so yesterday?"
Nicole's lips pressed together into a thin line. She didn't respond. How was she supposed to tell them she had seen pictures of various girls in Mathew's apartment and that was what had brought about their disagreement?
Elizabeth let out a slow breath and straightened her posture. "We'll take down the news," she finally said, turning to Chris. "But you need to get Claire to speak up. Otherwise, there's nothing I can do about it. Everyone has already heard the story, and if she stays silent, it'll only make people believe it's true," she said reasonably.
Chris's fingers twitched at his sides. His mother was right—Claire had to say something. But would she? She hadn't even answered his calls. How was she? Did she see the news yet?
"I can only believe her when she speaks up," Elizabeth continued. "Right now, she's not saying anything, and I can't protect her if she won't defend herself. If she has nothing to say, then what do you expect me to do? However you do it, Chris, get her to talk. It's for her own good, for the good of everyone who has seen the news. And if her explanation isn't good enough..." She paused, her gaze steady. "Then I might not be able to forgive her. And I won't allow you to continue your relationship with her."
Chris's heart pounded. He wanted to argue—to tell his mother that Claire shouldn't have to prove herself to anyone. But deep down, he knew she was right. If Claire didn't say anything, this scandal would swallow her whole.
And even though he still believed, his mother didn't owe it to her. She was already trying by giving Claire a chance to explain herself and say her own side of the story.
"Okay," he said, his voice quiet but firm. He turned and walked away without another word.
As he stepped outside, the cold air hit his face, but it did nothing to cool the storm inside him. His mind was racing, his thoughts circling around Claire.
Has she seen the news? How is she holding up? Why won't she say anything? Why wasn't Alex picking up either? Has he seen the news? Was he with Claire? How was she? He kept asking himself.
Claire was strong—he knew that. But even the strongest people had breaking points. And this... this was something no one should have to face alone.
Chris pulled out his phone and quickly dialed his secretary. The call barely rang before the man picked up.
"Sir?"
"I want the news about Claire Sterling taken down immediately," Chris ordered, his voice cold and unwavering. "And warn the news outlet. Tell them if they post one more thing about Claire, I will sue them abd make sure their careers die down and never recover from this."
"Understood, sir. I'll handle it right away."
Chris ended the call and gripped the steering wheel of his car. He took a deep breath before driving off, heading straight for Claire's house.
As he drove there, he tried calling Alex to know if he was there and had seen the news but he wasn't taking the call, making him even more anxious.
The moment he arrived, his eyes landed on Alex's car parked in the driveway and relief washed over him. At least Alex is with her. That meant she wasn't alone. That meant someone was there to support her through all this.
Just then, another car pulled into the compound. Chris turned his head and saw Ivy stepping out. She looked just as worried as he felt.
Why was she there? Perhaps she had also seen the news and was here to comfort her.
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Seeing her, he couldn't help feeling happy knowing that Claire had people who cared for her, too. It was good that her family and friends were there with her at this critical time of her life.
"You saw the news, I presume," he asked and she nodded.
"Emma said she hasn't left her room since last night. I had to come so we do all we can to get her out. It's not good for her to be alone...." She let the rest of her words trail off when Chris after hearing she hadn't left her room stormed off towards the house.
Without saying another word, she also headed into the house, a silent understanding passing between them. He was scared for Claire and needed to make care she was fine.
As soon as they stepped inside, the tension in the air was suffocating.
Emma, Alex, Margaret, and Jake were all gathered in the hallway, standing outside Claire's room. Their faces were tight with concern, their voices filled with desperation.
"Claire, please," Emma pleaded. "Just come out and talk to us."
"Enough of this silence, Claire," Alex said, his voice filled with frustration and worry. "Whatever happened twenty-nine years ago, it's time to tell the truth!"
"We know you didn't do it," Margaret added, her voice softer. "But people need to hear it from you, Claire. Hiding isn't going to help."
Chris's heart clenched as he saw all of them pleading with Claire to open up but she wasn't saying anything.
He couldn't take it anymore. Stepping forward, he spoke, his voice steady but filled with emotion.
"Let me talk to her," he said. His gaze remained locked on the closed door. "I know she'll come out when she hears me."
Everyone turned to look at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of hope and desperation.
Chris took a deep breath, his heart hammering in his chest. He had to get through to her. He had to. Because right now, she needed him more than ever.