Chapter <b>118 </b><b>Defamation </b>
In <b>just </b>a few <b>days</b><b>, </b>Herman’s appearance had drastically deteriorated.
His once–handsome features were now unrecognizable. He appeared emaciated, with a sunken face<b>, </b>unshaven chin, <b>disheveled </b>hair, and a pungent stench of alcohol about him.
After <b>Renee </b>managed to break free from his grip, Herman dramatically knelt before her, drawing the attention of <b>everyone </b>around.
“<b>Renee</b><b>, </b>please reconsider. I admit my mistake in pursuing you for your beauty, but did you have to destroy my entire family? My father is nearing <b>sixty</b><b>, </b>and he’s fragile. You are pushing him to the brink of despair, making him consider something as drastic as jumping off a building, you know?” Themotion attracted the curiosity of students, fellow schoolmates, and parents, who encircled the pair.
“What’s going on here? Who is that guy?”
“Why does he resemble the famous actor, Herman?”
“Jumping off a building? That sounds horrifying.”
“How far did he have to be pushed to kneel in public like this?”
Before Renee could respond, a middle–aged woman appeared out of nowhere, her anguished cries piercing through the crowd. “Renee, my nephew is kneeling before you. Will you not show some mercy? You’re just a young girl, yet you’re capable of such cruelty.”
The woman was none other than Maggie, Herman’s aunt.
“Herman, your father’s tax evasion was a breach of statew. I did not do anything to him.” Renee frowned.
Herman, seemingly oblivious to Renee’s words, implored, “Renee, I was wrong. I understand now that you have influential connections. I should never have pursued you. Please, spare me and my entire family.”
The students, though initially clueless about the sudden confrontation<b>, </b>pieced together the situation from the conversation between Renee and Herman. It became apparent that Herman had harbored feelings for Renee, and her actions had led to the destruction of his family.
“I can’t believe Renee exposed Herman’s sordid secrets. How did she even get involved in the entertainment industry?” “Herman and Renee were part of the same project not too long ago<b>, </b>called ‘Peerless Grace<b>.</b>”
“Damn! I just started idolizing Renee. Is this disillusionment?”
“What kind of background does Renee have? Ordinary people can’t achieve so much<b>, </b>can they?”
“It’s not academic fraud or anything, right?”
Catherine heard that Renee had been confronted and rushed over without even changing out of her dress. She eximed,
“Renee, Herman simply has feelings for you. Why push him to the brink like this?”
Catherine felt a surge of tion. It seemed that Herman’s disruption could tarnish Renee’s previously shining reputation.
God was on her side against Renee.
Herman’s disruption threatened to shatter the pristine image Renee had maintained until that moment.
Catherine’s words quickly resonated with parents who were unaware of the true situation.
“That’s true. What’s the fuss about <b>a </b>young man in love? Nowadays, these girls do whatever they please just <b>because </b>they’re pretty.<b>” </b>
Chapter 18 Defarnation
<b>“</b>Sweetie<b>, </b><b>it’s </b>time to apologize<b>.</b>”
<b>“</b>This youngdy might be beautiful<b>, </b>but she’s heartless<b>. </b><b>That’s </b>not right.”
The crowd started chastising Renee<b>, </b>unwittingly siding with Herman.
Seeing the self–satisfaction in Herman’s seemingly imploring eyes<b>, </b>Renee immediately grasped his intention.
Herman had deliberately chosen this moment to make a show of it
<b>He </b>wasn’t really meant to apologize.
He was seeking sympathy.
His n was to embarrass Renee and shift the me onto her.
+25 <b>BONUS </b>
Taking a deep breath, Renee tried topose herself. “Herman, whether it’s <b>you </b>or your family, the exposed scandal is a matter of fact. You brought this upon yourselves. How can you im that Im causing harm? This is a school, and I hope <b>you </b><b>won’t </b>create a scene here.”
“Renee, if it weren’t for you<b>, </b>my nephew and brother–inw wouldn’t have ended up in this situation!” Maggie interjected loudly.
“Maggie, you used the phrase ‘ended up‘ to describe your nephew. Do you dare tell everyone how you tried to introduce me <b>to </b>your nephew that day?“Renee countered, ying her trump card. “Maggie, you went to great lengths to arrange a marriage between your daughter and my man.“Renee dropped a bombshell, revealing that she had a man.
The spectators were taken aback. This woman had been trying to marry her daughter off to Renee’s man?
She was attempting to publicly steal someone else’s boyfriend for her daughter?
Was she promoting her daughter to be a mistress?
The onlookers were in disbelief.
“Herman, I’m the one you should be seeking.”
Marcelo’s wheelchair rolled in from the outskirts of the crowd, followed by <b>a </b>school official.
Marcelo had heard voicesing from this direction, and Maggie’s and Herman’s voices had been quite loud. He pieced together what was happening.
Marcelo looked Renee up and down to ensure she was unharmed and let out a quiet sigh of relief. When Hermanid eyes on Marcelo, his expression shifted. “Mr. King…”
“I’m responsible for everything that has happened to you and your family,” He stated calmly. He pulled Renee close to his side, surveyed the surrounding crowd, and fixed his gaze on Maggie. “What is it? Do you want an apology?”
Maggie was bbergasted. “This, this…”
She struggled to form a coherent sentence.
Herman, seizing a desperate lifeline, urgently interjected, “Mr. <b>King</b><b>, </b>do you know that this woman by your side involves with another man once she leaves your bed? I witnessed it with my own eyes. Despite all you’ve done for her<b>, </b>she’s a dissolute
woman.”
Before Herman could finish his usation, Marcelo swiftly snatched a drink from a nearby student, re
it over Herman.
ed the lid, and poured
The light brown milk tea sttered across Herman’s face, with taploca pearls clinging to his hair and stubble, rendering him a disheveled mess.
The sticky liquid stung his eyes, preventing him from speaking further due to pain and shock. Silence enveloped the area.
Chapter 118 Defamation
No one had expected the wheelchair–bound, handsome man to take such swift action.
Their astonishment deepened at Herman’s im.
Even in this modern era, what Herman had said portrayed a woman with promiscuous personal affairs that could generate disdain towards such individuals.
Hundreds of pairs of eyes now regarded Renee with skepticism and scorn.Renee instinctively clenched her fists, struggling with a suffocating feeling.
Yet, she couldn’t exin or defend herself.
Society had always been harsh on women, particrly those blessed with beauty.
At times, it felt as though beauty was an original sin.
Herman’s unfounded allegations had already swayed the opinions of some in the crowd.
People were often more inclined to believe what they wanted to see, disregarding the truth entirely.
“Herman.” Maggie supported her nephew with her hand nervously. “Mr. King, we are doing this for your own good,” she said sadly.
Marcelo shot her a cold look. She couldn’t help but shiver under his hard stare. She felt like she was being stalked by a predator. Her words dried up in her throat, and she didn’t dare to say anything more.
“They started the rumor. I hope the school will report them to the police,” Marcelo said to the school official next to him. He then stared at Herman dispassionately. “Since thewyer’s notice for breach of contract isn’t enough for you, I’ll add an extra one for defamation and nder,” he threatened.
Renee stared at Marcelo dazedly. She felt like she was being pushed to the edge of the cliff but his words brought her soul back to life.
He saved her by pulling her back from the edge of the abyss.
Herman’s face turned pale and his body started trembling. “I… I’m not… I…” he stammered, unable to speak.
He was already miserable. Why would Marcelo still want to call the police? Marcelo even intended to send him awyer’s notice!
He had already exposed Renee’s promiscuous affairs, so why was Marcelo still on her side?
Why was Marcelo willing to be cuckolded?
What was wrong with this man’s brain?
Before Herman and Maggie could say anything in their defense, they were forcefully taken away by the school’s security team.
“Renee.“Marcelo’s voice pulled her out of her musings.
She blinked. When she saw the concern in his eyes, the dull ache in her heart slowly disappeared.
“I… I’m fine,” she mumbled.
Her voice was barely a whisper, and only Marcelo heard it.
The others didn’t even notice her speaking.
dents of this University
“Dear schoolmates and parents, the two people have been taken away by the police. I hope that th will not start or spread rumors. Rumors stop with the wise,” said Howard, rushing over with his mates from the student union. Marcelo signaled for Renee to follow him as he made his way in the wheelchair toward the ess provided by the school. Looking at the retreating figures of Renee and Marcelo, Howard frowned in confusion.
Chapter 118 Defamation
Did these two…know each other?
Catherine, who was watching the whole scene, bit her lip.
Why did Marcelo alwayse to Renee’s aid?
No matter what was said about Renee, he always stood by his side.
Catherine regretted allowing Renee to marry Marcelo.
“Hi, do you know the man who started the rumot just now?” Howard asked Catherine.
Coming back to reality, Catherine scoffed. “I y the female supporting role in Peerless Grace. Of course, I know Herman,” she said with a smirk.
“So you know each other. Why did you help him start the rumor about Renee?” Howard demanded, his eyes sharp with scrutiny. It was Catherine who guided the public opinion just now.
“I didn’t. I was telling the truth,“Catherine lied, pretending to be innocent.
What was wrong with this man? He helped Renee in the hall just now, and now he was attacking her.
“Then you might need to go to the police station to prove your innocence,” Howard stated matter–of–factly.
Are you crazy?“Catherine said indignantly. She gripped the hem of her dress and stormed away. There was no way she would go to the police station. What a shameful thing to do!
Howard beckoned a member of the student union. “That hostess doesn’t seem to be on the varsity host team,” he remarked.
Students with strong broadcasting and hosting skills were on the varsity host team. These people were the backups for the hosts of every major school event.
“You don’t know her? She’s a freshman in the finance school. She’s a star and she debuted in a talent showst year,” replied the student. The student was well–informed. “I heard that shees from a wealthy and influential family.”
Howard closed his eyes and thought for a while. “Investigate her situation and find out why she was selected to host today’s event,” he instructed.
She was a freshman. Last year, she made a debut in the talent show. But how did she get into the finance department of the University?
A star kid like her wouldn’t have attended many days of the school year and yet she studied finance. Could she pass her midterms and finals?
The school founder led the way.
When he arrived at the parking lot, he found that Renee was following them.
“Renee, the school is also responsible for what happened today. It is a failure on the part of the security department if such a wonderful student like you was put through the wringer,” the school leader apologized.
“Sir, you believe me?” asked Renee in surprise.
<b>LLL </b>
Wiping his forehead, the founder smiled kindly. “You are Sylvester’s favorite student and I believe his judgment. That man who just questioned you in the auditorium was your ex–boyfriend, wasn’t he?” he inquired.
Sylvester was Renee’s supervisor.
Hearing the word ex–boyfriend,Marcelo gnashed his teeth in anger.
Chapter 118 Defamation
“How do you know?” Surprise was written all over Renee’s face.
“When you were in college, that guy used to bring you flowers, didn’t he? Sylvester told me that you had a poor choice in men,” the founder exined. “Do you want to stroll around the school for some time or leave? If you want to leave, the school will arrange for a ride,” he offered.
It was hard for Renee to exin to him that she only dated Andrew because Ro and Grace forced her to. So she just smiled apologetically at the leader and thanked him for his trust and love.
“No need. She wille with me,” said Marcelo curtly.
The founder realized something was wrong.
Renee came here with Marcelo and he had stood up for her against Herman.
“You guys…What’s going on?” asked the founder, his eyes moving from Andrew to Marcelo and back.
Before Renee could figure out how to answer, Marcelo spoke up. “Renee, where’s your ring?” he asked purposely.
There was nothing on her right hand.
“I’m wearing it on a chain around my neck,” Renee answered subconsciously.
It was inconvenient for her to work with the ring on, so she wore it on a tinum chain like a ne. But the chain was hidden under the turtleneck sweater that she was wearing today. The founder understood.
Heughed and said, “I see. Then I won’t bother you anymore. Renee, if there is any problem, <b>you </b>can contact the school anytime.”
.
After saying that, he stole a nce at Marcelo.
In his eyes, Marcelo was more reliable than Renee’s ex–boyfriend. The founder sighed inwardly.
Lukw was waiting in the parking lot.
Spotting and Marcelo, he said, “Mr. King, Mrs. King. Herman and Maggie have been taken to the police station. The police need you to go over and give a brief statement.”
Marcelo nodded, signaling Luke to drive them there.
Renee sighed.
She had wanted to visit her teachers, but Herman’s incident had derailed that n.
Thankfully,Marcelo appeared in time and got Herman and Maggie arrested for nder, but people would always believe what they wanted to believe. She didn’t know what was going to happen next
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