Chapter 184
Layton had invited Albert over to finally clear up all the drama left hanging from the wedding.
“Albert, you know Carola would never bully anyone. It was all Bonita’s fault. You’ve heard how stubborn she is. Back then, Carola just didn’t tell the teachers, and every time she tried to step in, Bonita threatened her. Carola was too scared to tell me, and that’s how this whole mess happened p>
Bonita used to be part of Carola’s little group.
But Bonita’s reputation was honestly a mess in their circle. She smoked, drank, changed boyfriends like outfits, and rumor had it she even got into some shady stuff. Plus, the George family had just gone bankrupt. Bonita was the perfect scapegoat.
“Then why does the girl in the video look exactly like Carola?” Albert pressed.
Carola’s voice was soft, almost pleading. “Albert, haven’t you heard of Al face swaps? I wasn’t the one in the middle. That was someone else. I was the one off to the side, not even doing anything. I was terrified, but I couldn’t stand up to Bonita either p>
Her explanation sounded airtight, and Albert finally gave a reluctant nod.
“Layton, this whole thing is really making waves. About those victims, you guys need to get them to go after the real bullies. Our companies are working together now. If one gets dragged down, so does the other p>
Layton nodded quickly. “Of course, Albert, don’t worry. I’m already handling it.
Honestly, those kids are victims too. They got used by someone with an agenda and ended up blaming Carola. I can’t really blame them. I’m not going to press any charges against them p>
That last bit made Albert frown a little, but he didn’t push it.
Now that everything was finally out in the open, Carola couldn’t help herself. “Albert, do you think we can still have our wedding p>
Albert hesitated. “Carola, let’s wait until things calm down, okay p>
Layton shot Carola a look, telling her not to bring up the wedding again right now. Then he smiled at Albert. “Well, since we’ve cleared the air, when are you going to take Carola to your new place p>
They’d been married on paper for a while, but Carola was still living at home. She was starting to get frustrated.
Albert hesitated again, then forced a smile. “No rush. The new place isn’t ready yet. Some of the furniture still hasn’t arrived We’ll move in after everything’s set up xt monHER.
“So Carola, you’ll need to stay with your family a bit longer. Sorry about that p>
Carola’s face went pale. She was upset, but there wasn’t anything she could do. “Okay, Albert. Whatever you say p>
Albert left the Brown family’s house and let out a deep breath. The
furniture excuse was just that ne
excuse. He wasn’t ready to live with Carolayer.
He wandered down the stone path and spotted the old attic tucked away in the
garden. Without really thinking, he started walking toward it.
A maid came out, carrying a bag of dust and old memories.
Albert glanced around. “Be careful when you lock up. Don’t let anyone get stuck inside again p>
The maid paused, confused for a second.
She’d worked for the Browns for
yl
twenty years. No one really got
locked in the attic. Well, there were a
few times, but it was never their doing. Confent
“Of course, Albert. We’ll be careful p>
Albert turned to leave, but after a couple of steps, he heard the maid mutter under her breath.
“Other than Dorothea, who else ever got locked in there p>