âThatâs only a start. Iâm suing you for your despicable behavior, you jackass.â
There wasnât an ounce of fear on Alyssaâs face as she said coldly, âMy grounds are that you humiliated and defamed my family with a story you made up without knowing the truth of the matter, and thus insulted her character and reputation.
âDonât think you can spew out whatever trash you want just because youâre a reporter. You really think you can live without seeing the consequences of your actions just because the poor people whom you humiliated didnât want to take you to court?
âHeh. Iâm here to do them justice and show you and everyone else who means ill toward us just what happens to those who distort the truth and slander the innocent!â
The reporters were stunned by Alyssaâs fierce bearing. She was the one who had initiated the first physical attack, yet her speech and demeanor was so boldâ¦.
It felt like there was no way they could hate her for her actions.
âMe? Distort the truth?â The reporter grinned madly.
âThe kids may not know what happened on that stage those years ago, but that doesnât mean I donât!
The internet may not have been as powerful as it is today, but my memory is still going strong!â
âOh? Is your evidence strong as well?â Alyssa snapped back.
The reporterâs heart fell into his stomach, visibly deflating.
âWhat happened? You were talking so much earlier while slandering Lyla. Cat got your tongue?â Alyssa gazed coldly at him.
âYouâre an adult. That means youâll take full responsibility for the statements you just made. Be sure to keep an eye out for a letter from KS Groupâs legal team.â
That made the reporter jolt. He was now frightened.
Alyssa turned away, helping her family get into the car.
âYou really donât have to do this for me, Lyse⦠reallyâ¦â Lyla-said weakly, tugging on Alyssaâs dress.
She was a painful sight to bear. Her eyes were rimmed red with unshed tears.
âWhat are you talking about, Lyla?â Alyssa gazed warmly at her, giving her the comfort she needed.
âI canât just sit around and not come to your defense when youâre hurt. Youâre my family. Mandy and Colene may not be able to do anything, but I can. Iâm still young, after all.â
All of a sudden, a shocked cry rang out from within the crowd of journalists.
âLyla Nelson! You still dare show your face in public, you bitch? Go to fucking hell!â
There was a loud roar, followed by a man running out from the crowd clad in a mask and cap.
He held a metal baton in his hand, raising it high to hit Lyla on the head.
âWatch out!â Tatiana shrieked, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest.
Though the bodyguards were well-trained, they were still a second too late to react to the manâs calculated attack.
Alyssa, on the other hand, instantly gathered Lyla into her arms and turned her back to the aggressor.
âLyse!â Mandy and Colene cried.
Alyssaâs eyes were scrunched tight, her heart pounding in anticipation of the tragedy that would befell her.
There was a sound as the bat hit someone.
âArgh!â
But the pain never came.
What did was someoneâs familiar warmth and breathing in Alyssaâs hair, making her heart clench up tightly.
Jasper ⦠it was Jasper!
Alyssa slowly opened her reddened eyes, tears now welling inside them.