Chapter 435 Grace's Scandal Explodes
As Patricia finished speaking, a shocking video suddenly surfaced online. The footage appeared to be from security cameras, captured from a sneaky angle that resembled something more than just a mobile phone recording. Despite its origin as security footage, the video boasted astonishing clarity.
In chilling detail, the video revealed Grace's actions as she forcefully pushed Patricia into the swimming pool. Her words seemed to feign concern, promising to rescue Patricia, but her hands continuously pressed Patricia's head down, submerging her underwater. The close-up shots left no doubt about Grace's malicious intent, with her bloodshot eyes and a triumphant smirk, akin to the archetypical antagonist from a television drama.
The video was initially leaked by a small marketing account with only a few thousand followers. However, it swiftly gained momentum as larger accounts with hundreds of thousands, even millions of followers, shared it. Within no time, it ascended to the top of trending charts across various social media platforms, rapidly going viral.
People could hardly believe what they were seeing.
"Is that the Koch Group's heiress, Grace?"
"Isn't that Grace from the Koch family—the one who just got nailed for plagiarism at the jewelry design competition? It's the same person, right?"
"Do we even need to ask? The close-up of her face is super clear. It's definitely her."
"Holy smokes! It's actually her! I can't even... just wow."
"At first, I thought she was just into petty theft, nothing major, just a bit sketchy in character. But no, she's malicious. This is straight-up premeditated murder!"
"Petty? Did you see what she did to her brother? I always heard Jeremy was so good to her, and she still had the guts to do him dirty like that. You can tell she's ruthless."
"Her actions are astonishing, an absolute shocker."
The comments flooded the forum, reaching over 100,000 in an instant. The topic began to trend, threatening to overshadow even the day's most prominent news stories.
As the internet boiled with this scandal, Ariel got the news. Her face went pale in a blink; her hands, holding the phone, started to shake uncontrollably, sending chills through her body. She was terrified by Grace's actions. She could hardly believe that her sister was the one trying to drown Patricia.
Sitting next to Shane, Ariel's visible distress did not go unnoticed. Concerned, Shane turned to her, his voice laced with worry, "What's wrong? You feeling okay?"
Ariel bit her lower lip, hesitating only for a second before handing her phone to Shane. Upon seeing the content, his face darkened. Though he looked upset, he didn't show any surprise or anger—as if he had known about it all along.
Puzzled by his stoic reaction, Ariel ventured a guess, "Grandpa, did you... did you see this video already?"
Shane didn't respond, but his expression confirmed her suspicion.
Her eyes widened in disbelief, "Grandpa..." she started to say, then, noticing the surrounding stares, she lowered her voice, continuing, "Grandpa, how could you not tell me about something like this? This is murder we're talking about! This goes beyond character flaws; it's pure evil to the core."
The word 'evil' stabbed Shane in the heart. He slowly closed his eyes, overwhelmed by a chilling sensation, devoid of any warmth or comfort.
That was Elise's daughter, his granddaughter! He had transferred all his love for Elise onto her. Even though he knew she'd done wrong, his heart just wouldn't let him scold her or blame her.
Until now.
For fame and fortune, she'd stolen Patricia's designs and framed her brother. Yet, he still couldn't bring himself to admonish her because she carried his daughter's blood within her. How could he possibly bear it... how could he...
What was this unprecedented feeling of loss, resentment, and disappointment welling up inside?
Ariel said softly yet firmly, "Grandpa, you can't keep indulging her. If you do, she'll only get worse."
Shane remained silent; it was unclear if he had heard.
The room was not isolated from the chaos unfolding online; many had seen the news break, and the room was abuzz.
"Quick, check your phones. Big news!"
"Oh my God, what is this?"
"Damn, this is some earth-shattering news! Who leaked this? Check the video."
"This proves Miss Koch is no first-timer. She's bad to the bone!"
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder and louder, creating a disruptive chatter that made it challenging for those on stage to make out the words.
Grace continued her act, portraying herself as the helpless victim, shedding tears to elicit sympathy. She aimed to cast Patricia as the villain bent on driving her to despair.
"Patricia, I've already apologized. Why can't you forgive me? Must I kneel before you to earn your forgiveness?"
Her pitiful could tug at anyone's heartstrings, yet Patricia remained unmoved, even finding it laughable.
"Right, if you're truly sincere, then kneel before me and loudly say, 'Patricia, I'm sorry, I was wrong. I shouldn't have stolen your designs, shouldn't have framed you and Jeremy. I was wrong to target you at every turn. I apologize, and I hope you can forgive me.'"
Patricia showed no leniency, holding her ground with a resolute gaze.
Grace had merely spoken figuratively, never intending to kneel in reality. Patricia's literal interpretation infuriated and panicked Grace, intensifying her tears.
"You... you're being so unfair!" Grace exclaimed, shooting a look of desperation toward Riley.
Riley was about to intercede on her behalf, despite feeling that she deserved some form of comeuppance. This was a matter involving the Koch family, a question of their reputation. Kneeling in front of everyone like that would bring shame upon the Koch name.
Before Riley could speak up, he noticed his assistant frantically waving from behind the stage curtains. His was hoisting a cellphone high, while pointing insistently at the screen, urging Riley to check his phone.
Riley was puzzled. He silently pulled out his phone, which was set to vibrate. Just minutes before, his assistant had sent him several links and screenshots.
Grace noticed the commotion behind the stage curtains and the assistant's frantic signaling. Her brows furrowed slightly, sensing that something significant had transpired, causing her to lose control and grip over the situation.
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