Jeff had somehow maintained his composure when it was revealed that Katelyn wasn’t biologically related to the Baileys.
He had raised Katelyn and knew her well enough to be certain that she wouldn’t have drugged Lise. He refused to believe that Katelyn could have done such a thing.
Sharon, on the other hand, had never considered this possibility and was focused only on her own agenda.
“Enough lies! We’re taking this to court. Just you wait!” Sharon screamed.
Katelyn faced her with a mocking smile in her eyes. Even under threat, she remained unfazed, almost enjoying the confrontation.
“I’m waiting eagerly,” she replied coolly.
Sharon’s frustration grew with Katelyn’s undaunted demeanor.
She shot Katelyn a fierce look. “You will see!”
With that, Sharon stormed off.
Jeff paused, casting a glance at Katelyn. He almost spoke but chose silence instead, following Sharon out of the room.
The ward fell silent the moment the Baileys departed.
Katelyn then checked her social media and, unsurprisingly, found herself the subject of harsh comments and personal attacks. Meanwhile, trolls dominated the trending discussions.
Vincent, sitting next to her, observed her carefully.
“What’s your next move?” he asked.
“They’ll get a taste of their own medicine,” she texted back, detailing her strategy to Aimee.
By afternoon, reporters were set to cover her press conference.
g0ν.′ ?
She had the power to call a press conference too.
Post-hospital, Katelyn conducted the press event.
She positioned herself exactly where Neil had been and welcomed the same media personnel who had attended his session.
The event attracted a vast crowd and was also streamed live.
Despite her gaunt and weary appearance, Katelyn stood firm before the reporters. They pressed eagerly.
“Miss Bailey, will you address Mr. Wheeler’s allegations from this morning? It is illegal to maliciously drug someone. Are you aware of the seriousness of these accusations?”
“Did your dissatisfaction with Miss Lise Bailey and her family lead you to act? We need a direct response, as there is significant public concern over this issue.”
“Miss Bailey, the severity of this incident is alarming. Are you considering making a public apology? We have heard that Miss Lise Bailey is deeply affected because of this ordeal. Do you acknowledge your responsibility?”
The questions came harshly, laced with pointed malice.
Everyone seemed to have taken Neil’s side.
Indeed, from another perspective, Katelyn could be seen as having both motive and opportunity.
By then, the controversy had escalated, with several witnesses reporting Sharon’s aggressive confrontation with Katelyn.
Katelyn, keeping her composure, surveyed the crowd of journalists.
Below the stage, Aimee watched the continuous stream of hostile comments flooding the live feed, echoing the sharp tone of the reporters.
Katelyn responded with grave sincerity, “Now, I see the truth in the saying ‘the first to offend is the first to complain,’ reflecting on Neil Wheeler’s actions. The conflict started when Lise Bailey assaulted me in the bathroom. Unaware of the contents of the spray, I defended myself by grabbing the bottle and doing the same to her. This led to her current condition, which, in my view, is a deserved outcome.”
Her statement caused a wave of commotion among the journalists.
The room buzzed with intense discussions. What Neil had claimed that day was in stark contrast to Katelyn’s account.
This left everyone questioning who the real victim was and where the blame truly lay.
After allowing a moment for the room to absorb her words, Katelyn concluded, “I will pursue legal action regarding this affair. I trust Lise Bailey will reconsider her actions once my attorney contacts her.”
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