Chapter 199
Madeline opened her mouth to say something more, but Carter stopped her.
“Mom, Theo’s alone in the hospital room. You and Denise should go check on him.”
Madeline was still fuming, but with Carter stepping in-and her own fault undeniable-she could only shoot Sharon a furious glare before turning to leave.
But Sharon’s voice cut through the air.
“Wait.”
Everyone turned to her.
Sharon spoke slowly, her tone calm but unmistakably sharp. “Despite being fully aware that I’m the child’s biological mother, Madeline has made a false police report and spread defamatory claims. Her actions have not only damaged my reputation, but also violated public security laws.”
She turned to the police officer. “Officer, we can’t let this slide. If there’s no consequence today, what happens next time-if she calls the cops again during one of my important performances, just to sabotage me?”
The officer asked, “Sharon, do you want to press charges?”
Cases like this-filing a false police report-could be big or small. If the victim didn’t pursue it, it would usually be let go. But if she chose to take action, it would have to be dealt with formally.
“Yes,” Sharon said coolly. “I want her to make a public apology for slandering me.”
She didn’t even finish the sentence before Madeline snapped, “In your dreams!”
Sharon didn’t even glance at her.
“If she refuses to cooperate,” she said plainly, “I’ll reserve the right to pursue this fully, and I’ll be filing a lawsuit.”
The officer stepped in, trying to mediate. “Ma’am, I suggest you apologize. If Sharon is a public figure, your actions are considered serious. This could result in detention. And even if it goes to court, unless Sharon agrees to a settlement, you’re
bound to lose.”
Madeline looked like she’d been’slapped. Apologize to Sharon? That was like being forced to eat glass.
“I’m her mother-in-law! I’m her elder!” she fumed, nearly choking on her rage. “You expect me to apologize to her? Never! Absolutely not!” (1
Sharon’s voice was calm, almost indifferent. “Madeline, just now, you yourself said I’m in the middle of divorcing Carter. Since we’re divorcing, we’re strangers.”
Carter looked like he was reaching his limit. “Sharon, as long as we’re not divorced, she’s still your mother-in-law. Do you really have to push her this far?”
Sharon replied, not missing a beat, “She’s your mother, not mine. When your mother wanted me arrested, you didn’t say a single word. But now that she’s facing the consequences, you suddenly want to protect her?”
Her lips curved in a faint, biting smile. “You’re not even as self-aware as your mom. At least she knows when you do something wrong, you pay the price. I’m simply doing what she said. How is that wrong?”
“Of course,” she added lightly, “if you’d rather she not apologize, then you can do it on her behalf. Just say: ‘My mother falsely accused Sharon. I apologize to Sharon on my mother’s behalf and hope she can forgive us.””
Silence fell over the entire hallway.
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Chapter 199
+25 BONUS
Making Carter say that would be hitting two birds with one stone-humiliating himself and his mother all at once. At that point, even Madeline apologizing herself would be the lesser evil.
Madeline nearly fainted from fury, trembling as she pointed a shaking finger at Sharon.
But before she could speak, Sharon calmly said, “Madeline, the police are still here. If you say anything else vulgar or insulting to me, this won’t end with just an apology. If we go to court, I’ll request a public trial. And when the headlines say ‘Biological Mother Kidnaps Child’… who knows, maybe you’ll go viral online.”
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