Doesnât this mcan Cherise caused her motherâs death?
âI understand!â
With a determined breath, she reached for her phone, ready to execute her plan. âSam, letâs use our companyâs cyber trollâ¦â
But her phone was snatched away before her words could fully leave her lips.
âWhat are you doing!?â she snapped.
Yolanda glared at Sebastian.
âAre you foolish?â he chided.
âUsing our companyâs cyber trolls will eventually be discovered.â
In a smooth motion, he leaned back comfortably and produced another phone, extending it towards her. âUse this phone and find a local cyber troll company in Adania,â he instructed.
âIf someone asks who you are, say you are Gwenn.â
Yolandaâs frown eased as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. âSo when Damien investigates, he wonât find us, only Gwenn?â she surmised.
âYes.â
Sebastianâs casual yawn belied the gravity of his actions. âGwenn has caused you so much trouble, and itâs only fair to give her a little trouble in return, right?â
Cherise luxuriated in slumber until the clock struck two in the afternoon.
Emerging from her restful cocoon, she stretched languidly and glanced at her phone nonchalantly.
The device blinked with urgency, indicating over twenty missed calls.
Among them, ten bore the name of Heather, five hailed from Dr. Penn, three from Lucy, and a pair from Sebastian.
With a detached air, Cherise brushed off the clamor for her attention, tossing the phone aside as if it were inconsequential.
Their purpose was evident even without her inquiry.
It was likely that the chatter outside was abuzz with speculations of her culpability in her own motherâs demise.
However, Cherise had steeled herself for such conjecture.
Following a meal downstairs, she swiftly retrieved her resignation letter and departed through the door, her resolve firm and unwavering.
On this occasion, Cherise opted not to conceal herself beneath a hat or mask. She proceeded to the research institute with a clear countenance and devoid of disguise.
Following this incident, she is no longer inclined to pursue a related position in her career for now.
Indeed, Cherise harbored no inclination to remain in a research institute where individuals would extend kindness just because Damien invited them for a meal, only to later disparage her based on unsubstantiated gossip.
Yet, to her surprise, the reception was not as expected. Politeness replaced sarcasm, and concern replaced disdain.
âYou want to resign!?â
Dr. Pennâs shock mirrored her own as he beheld the resignation letter. âWhy, Dr. Shaw?â he queried, genuine concern etched in his features.
âYou are such a valuable doctor, and finding someone of your caliber is truly challenging. I sincerely hope you reconsider your decision to leave,â Dr. Penn expressed with genuine concern.
Cherise cleared her throat softly. âDr. Penn, you must know the rumors circulating about me.â
âMy reputation is not good, soâ¦â
âYour reputation?â
Dr. Pennâs eyes widened in disbelief. He swiftly retrieved his phone to show Cherise. âWhat misconceptions do you have, Dr. Shaw?â
âSince releasing the video involving your parents this morning, youâve garnered widespread admiration.
Who would dare to speak ill of you?â Dr. Penn explained, trying to dispel Cheriseâs concerns.
Perplexed, Cherise turned to Dr. Penn. âThe video of my parents?â
Observing Cheriseâs genuine confusion, Dr. Penn furrowed his brow. âDr. Shaw, youâre not aware?â
Cherise shook her head, her sincerity evident. âI did not know of it.â
âWellâ¦â
Dr. Penn drew a deep breath and accessed his computer, swiftly locating the viral videos circulating online.
Two videos surfaced, one featuring Beckham and the other Charisa, who had passed away five years prior.
âCherise is my daughter, and Charisa was my wife,â Beckham asserted in his recording. âI believe I have the prerogative to address this matter.â
In the initial video, Beckham appeared aged, his stubble darker, and his demeanor wearier than Cheriseâs last encounter with him in Ziphon.