My Mother Killed Me For Her Stepdaughter novel Chapter 41

My photo had already gone viral online. Among the growing crowd, someone recognized me and threw leftover food in my direction. Thankfully, my hired security stepped in and shielded me in time.

In my previous life, I had been subjected to this same public humiliation. Back then, I'd cowered behind the police, trembling in fear. People mistook my reaction as an admission of guilt.

This time, I would not lower my head for anyone.

"You'll want to bill him for your suit," I told my security guard, loud enough for the crowd to hear. "And if he refuses to pay, let me know—I'll make sure he's sued."

The words were sharp and unapologetic, and the hands raised to hurl more items faltered. Slowly, they dropped back down.

Daniel was the first to spot me. His face twisted with fury as he charged toward me, arm raised, ready to strike. But my security intercepted him, holding him back.

In my past life, I had been desperate and terrified when I saw him arrive at the scene. I had thought he would protect me. Instead, he slapped me across the face and unleashed a torrent of accusations.

Remembering that moment now, I watched his contorted face with a calmness that surprised even me. Without hesitation, I slapped him. Hard.

The impact left him stunned, and his expression shifted from rage to disbelief. Beside him, Sophia's face turned red with anger.

"Ella, how could you? You've gone too far this time! You've always mistreated Daniel, and even now, you show no remorse. Are you even human?" she cried, tears streaming down her face.

The crowd, which had been momentarily silent, began to stir again. Their murmurs grew louder, filled with disgust and hatred. Listening closely, I could hear curses wishing for my downfall.

I stared at Sophia coldly, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips.

"Oh? You seem to know a lot about how I treat Daniel. How would you know that, unless you two share a very… special relationship? Isn't he just a coworker to you?"

The police arrived, and Daniel and Sophia hurriedly approached them, trying to lead the narrative. I, however, took my time walking over.

"The scene suggests it was a suicide," one officer announced.

Their faces lit up briefly before they regained their composure, masking their satisfaction.

I narrowed my eyes at the two of them, then turned to the police.

"My sister wouldn't have killed herself. Please investigate thoroughly and find the real culprit."

I bit out the last four words, my gaze boring into Daniel and Sophia.