NovelUSAChapter 541 At that moment, a girl suddenly stepped forward, her gaze burning with hope and anxiety as she looked at Citrine. In a tentative voice, she asked, "President Carmichael, do you really think we can bring Dick to justice?" Citrine's eyes lifted, and she was the first to notice the burn mark on the girl's chest-a round scar, unmistakably from a cigarette. She averted her gaze, her expression solemn as she replied, "Absolutely. We will." With those words from Citrine, a sense of confidence bloomed among the gathered girls. The fear and worry that had gripped them when they first arrived began to fade, replaced by renewed determination.
From the back of the room, a middle-aged woman called out, her eyes shining with anticipation. "President Carmichael, when can we begin to clear the air?" Her voice trembled with urgency.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtCitrine turned toward the sound. The woman stood there, face earnest, her husband at her side gripping her hand just as tightly, both of them radiating the sdesperate hope.
Seeing them, a shadow flickered across Citrine's expression. She scanned the area around them, searching for any sign of their daughter, but found nothing.
She quickly composed herself and answered gently, "We can start whenever you're ready." The girls urged her on in unison. "Then let's begin, President Carmichael." "Yes, let's get started." "I can't wait to see that monster finally pay for what he's done." Their faces, a mixture of hope and pain, moved Citrine deeply.
Turning to the assembled reporters, she announced, "Please, set up your cameras and get ready for the interviews. This is the story the world needs to see." The journalists nodded in agreement. "Yes, President Carmichael." As the equipment was arranged, Citrine added, "You can film the interviews, but everyone's faces must be blurred, and the girls' identities protected." The reporters hesitated for a moment, then quickly agreed. After all, this exclusive was a direct result of President Carmichael's efforts her word was law today.
Once the cameras were ready, May Crawford was the first to step forward. She sat down in front of the lens, her face expressionless, voice steady.
"My nis May. I'm an actress with Glenwood Studios. Half a year ago, at a company party, Dick singledout. That night, he deliberately left his business card for me, invitingto his suite. b refused. But when my agent learned Dick was the CEO of a Glenwood Group subsidiary, she saw an opportunity. That snight, she made arrangements-she sentto Dick's room." May paused, her voice catching in her throat. "The next morning, when I realized what had happened, I wanted to go to the police. But Dick threatened my family's lives. I was terrified. I gave up on the idea of reporting him." "After that, maybe because I'd threatened to go to the police, Dick beceven more vicious. He instructed my agent to sabotage my careel couldn't get any roles, was broke and desperate, but breaking my contract would have costa fortune. In a moment of desperation, I posted a video online exposing him, using an anonymous account. But Dick found out. He threatenedagain, said I needed to be taught a lesson. I thought he was just trying to scare me." Her voice was barely a whisper now. "The very next day, my father, who worked construction, fell from the twentieth floor and died instantly. My mother died of a heart attack from grief. Dick destroyed my life. He killed my parents. He's a monster." Citrine moved quickly, handing May a tissue and helping her up as she broke down.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNext, the middle-aged couple stepped forward. From a large bag, they took out a framed photograph of their daughter and set it gently on the table before them.
"We're here to accuse Dick," the
father began, voice trembling. "Three years ago, our daughter was taking piano lessons at a music academy owned by Dick's company. He started showing up there more and more. Not long after, our daughter told us she didn't want to take lessons anymore. We didn't listen. On the last day, she called to say Dick wanted to show her sspecial piano techniques and that she'd be hlate." "She never cback. The next day, the news broke our daughter had jumped into the sea." "It's our fault. We failed her. Dick is a criminal, but so are we."
One by one, the other victims stepped forward to share their m stories. Those who couldn't be there in person sent in their testimony online.
When it was over, the reporters packed up and left. The t. The girls drifted groups.
out in small groups, sclinging to each other for support. Only one person lingered, watching Citrine for a long moment before finally walking over.
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