Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 974

It was as if he hadn't heard them at all. Or perhaps, after so many years of hearing the same accusations, he had simply grown numb.

Standing nearby, Sarah Brown was about to explode with anger. She was close with Larry, they often went out for drinks, and she knew what kind of person he was. He was nothing like the monster these guests were describing.

Furious, she started forward to defend him, but before she could speak, Joseph Adams interjected again. “Larry, there’s a limit to this foolishness! We have guests. Whatever this is, we can discuss it at home. For now, tell the police this is all a misunderstanding!”

Though his tone was firm, there was a flicker of fear in his eyes. He wondered if Larry, by making such a public scene, had uncovered something. The word ‘murder’ in particular sent a chill down his spine.

Kimberly Howard, having collected herself, added her own gentle plea. “Yes, Larry, I know you’ve always held a grudge against me. But I’ve never blamed you for the conflicts between the adults. Since you returned to the family, I’ve always tried to treat you as my own son. If you object to the decision your father and grandfather made tonight, we can reconsider Brian’s position. We can even give it to you. Just please, don’t cause a scene. Think about your grandfather’s feelings, won’t you? A scandal like this will damage the family’s reputation. He’s an old man; he can’t handle the shock!”

Kimberly was a master of pretense, and her words were perfectly crafted. She portrayed herself as a benevolent, understanding victim while subtly using the old man’s health to manipulate Larry.

Camila Davis saw right through it and frowned. Larry's stepmother was a cunning strategist. She was weaponizing public opinion, painting herself as the wronged party while positioning Larry and his deceased mother as the villains, inviting even more attacks.

Having been a victim of public smear campaigns herself, Camila understood the agony Larry was enduring. Besides, he had stood up for her before. Now that they were both safe, she walked to Dennis Williams’s side and raised her voice so everyone could hear.

“Is the Adams family’s reputation more important than Larry’s life? Did you not hear what the officer said? Murder, kidnapping… Look at Larry, his injuries are obvious. You claim to be his family, to treat him like your own son, yet you haven’t offered a single word of concern. Instead, you stand here stoking the flames of gossip, encouraging these uninformed guests to attack him.

“Why don’t you ask him why he brought a memorial tablet here? The police also mentioned that Mrs. Adams is suspected of desecrating a grave. Did it not occur to you to ask whose ashes he’s holding?”

Camila’s voice cut through the murmurs, drawing all eyes to her.

The chatter died down instantly.

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