Chapter 289
Chapter 289:
Without hesitation, Phyllis dropped to the floor, the sharp crack of her knees hitting the tiles echoing through the live stream.
The online audience, initially intrigued by Marie’s gambling revelations and sensing a plot twist, suddenly found their sympathies shifting. Human nature always gravitates toward protecting the seemingly powerless.
“Gabriela’s ruthlessness toward her own family is truly repulsive p>
“She shows no mercy even when she’s clearly in the wrong. Doesn’t anyone have the power to stop her? Where’s Phyllis’s husband? Why isn’t he defending his wife p>
𝗥om𝗮𝗻с𝘦 𝗮ոd p𝘢𝘴𝗌іо𝗻 o𝘯
“Who would dare cross her? Gabriela collects evidence like trophies. Challenge her, and you might find yourself behind bars p>
Gabriela was unaware of the flood of criticism pouring through the live stream, her focus laser-sharp on Marie alone.
“This is your final opportunity to tell the truth in front of everyone, Marie. For Josh’s sake, I’m willing to forget your attempts to destroy my reputation p>
Marie, noticing that Gabriela hadn’t revealed any additional evidence, convinced herself this was all an elaborate bluff. Her voice cracked with renewed sobbing. “Those winnings were a lucky break. I used that money to buy the bracelet for Phyllis. She’s my only daughter, and I want to leave her something precious before I end my life p>
Phyllis rushed to Marie’s bedside, her tears flowing like rivers. “Don’t worry about me, Mom. I’ll take care of you for as long as you need me p>
Mother and daughter wept in unison, their synchronized despair crafting a performance that ignited fury among the live stream viewers. “Gabriela has to be”
“The most heartless creature I’ve ever witnessed.” A weary sigh escaped Gabriela’s lips.
She had offered Marie a lifeline, but the woman had chosen to strangle herself with it instead. Her attention shifted to Dustin. “Do you have anything to contribute to this conversation p>
Dustin had planned to remain invisible, a shadow observing from the periphery. His true prize was the Haynes Group, and excessive public attention threatened to tarnish the respectable image he had so carefully cultivated. Being thrust into the spotlight made his jaw tighten with irritation. “My love for Phyllis runs deeper than words can express. Whatever path she chooses, she’ll find my unwavering support p>
“How touching.” Gabriela’s nod carried a finality that made the room’s temperature seem to drop. She retrieved her phone, fingers steady as she accessed the video Vivian had sent her.
“I followed your instructions to the letter. Replaced the poison with cola, exactly as ordered p>
“Your name echoes across the entire nation. Strangers weep for you, pray for your recovery, and curse Gabriela with passionate hatred p>
“Listen, let’s keep this between us—and please, don’t ever speak of it again p>
Gabriela’s phone delivered each word with brutal clarity, its speakers ensuring no syllable escaped unheard.
The live stream’s comment section fell into a stunned silence that stretched for endless minutes.
Color drained from Phyllis’s face as if someone had pulled a plug, disbelief transforming her features as her gaze bounced between her mother and husband. Her mother’s suicide attempt was premeditated—a cold, deliberate scheme. But Dustin had replaced harmless cola with poison, condemning her mother to this paralyzed existence.
Even Phyllis, for all her own cruelty, reeled at the magnitude of Dustin’s betrayal.
Marie and Dustin sat frozen, their web of lies crumbling around them like a house built on quicksand.
The hospital room became a tomb of silence, thick enough to suffocate.
Then Marie’s composure shattered like glass hitting concrete.
The truth had emerged from its hiding place, and she understood that she was doomed. Rage consumed her remaining restraint, stripping away every pretense she’d maintained.
“Gabriela, you bitch! How dare you destroy me like this!” she spat.
Her one functioning arm flailed as she attempted to rise, fury giving her strength she didn’t know she possessed. Her struggles grew so violent that gravity claimed victory, sending her tumbling from the bed to the cold hospital floor.
The others remained frozen in shock, with no one stepping forward to help Marie.