228
Shannon’s POVE
Like tossing a stone into still water, the chaos spread fast.
Now that there were “photos” as proof, the hate against me exploded. Those who’d been attacking me treated these as a license to go wild, and anyone who tried to defend me was instantly shut down.§
I was still busy collecting evidence when that same account posted another so–called exposé.
This time, the person behind it played the righteous hero again, listing all sorts of so–called proof that I’d plagiarized, clearly trying to destroy me completely.
I just didn’t get it. Why did this person hate me so much?!
Then something clicked.
When Gale barged in earlier, she mentioned my “new boyfriend.” But that’s not something she should’ve known about. Not unless she was keeping tabs on me.
A spark of realization hit me. Gale had to be involved in this.
I held back from responding online and stopped Clayton from replying, too.”
When he looked confused, I explained my plan.
Since I didn’t have solid evidence yet, why not lean into the drama? Let the internet run wild with gossip. The more noise, the better. So when the truth finally comes out, she’ll be hit with multiple charges and, with any luck, spend even more time behind bars.
As such, I let it play out. Just as I predicted, the attacks got louder and the harassment worse. My inbox was also flooded with hateful messages, and strangers whispered and pointed whenever I left the house.
Worried something might happen to me, Clayton stayed by my side. He also tried his best to keep my spirits up by distracting me from my phone and the endless stream of negativity.}
And me? I could only do one thing: listen to him and not make him worry.”
One day, a message popped up on my phone, saying, [Shannon, I told you. You won’t have a good life as long as I’m around.]
Just seconds later, another message arrived.}
[Miss McCarthy, the raw data has been notarized and locked. Given how far this story’s spread, the odds are in our favor.]
I looked at the screen and smiled.
The fish had taken the bait. It was time to reel it in.
Clayton and I started a livestream, calmly holding up the official police report we’d filed. We addressed every rumor and accusation and made it clear that nothing would be brushed under the rug.
Before ending the stream, I made it clear that all data had been preserved. Even if someone deleted their posts, the authorities could still trace the account owner and uncover everything tied to them.
This time, I wouldn’t let anyone off the hook.
My strong stance, backed by a quick police response, completely flipped the narrative. Not only did I keep my followers, but my count shot up by over 300,000.0
I was prepared to face Gale in court.”
What I didn’t expect was for them to show up at my door first.”
Rusty wouldn’t meet my eyes. His expression was heavy with guilt. He looked like a man who had already accepted his fate, but he still wanted to keep his word, which was to make Gale apologize.
And she did.
With a loud thud, Gale dropped to her knees right in front of me.”
“Shannon, we share the same father. Please, have mercy. I’ll do whatever you want, just don’t press charges.”M
She was crying hard, face soaked in tears, truly begging. I never imagined the day would come when she’d kneel in front of me like this. Clayton, on the other hand, immediately stepped in front of me, guarding me like a wall. His eyes never left them, completely on edge.
I gently tugged his sleeve, smiled up at him, then turned my attention back to the pair on the floor.
“I don’t need anything from you,” I said coldly. “I just want you both to face the consequences. That’s all.”
Rusty looked crushed.%
But Gale’s eyes changed.”
She realized that no matter how low she bowed, I wasn’t going to let her go.
Thinking that she was going to prison anyway, she decided to drag me down with her.”
Without warning, she yanked a knife from her purse and lunged at me.
Even though there were three of us to stop her, she swung the knife wildly, making it nearly impossible to get close to her.
In those few chaotic seconds, Clayton slipped in from the side and kicked the weapon right out of her hand.
But Gale wasn’t done.!
Clutching her arm in pain, she clenched her teeth and made a desperate dash toward the knife.
10:33 AM
