Chapter 3

Attempted murder?

When did I murder someone? I didn't know anything about it.

Meeting my bewildered gaze, Liam said grimly,

"After Chloe was found, you resented her for taking the spotlight. You bullied her relentlessly, even tried to drown her in the pool."

"You were terrified of being exposed, that's why you jumped from the car and ran away!"

What in the world was he talking about? I listened, completely confused.

Just as I was about to demand an explanation, I saw Chloe approaching, leaning on my adoptive parents.

Seeing me, Chloe burst into tears instantly.

"Sister... Sister, you're not dead? Oh, that's wonderful! Please come home, I've missed you so much!"

"Even though you and Liam are divorced, you're still Mom and Dad's daughter."

"We all love you, Aria. If you're willing to come back, I'll even step aside and let you reclaim your place as our daughter, and I won't ever mention the terrible things you did to me..."

Chloe's pitiful act completely shattered Liam's heart.

He quickly pulled her into his embrace, soothing her gently.

"It's not your fault. You've sacrificed enough for this family; I won't let you be wronged again."

My adoptive parents also sighed.

"Aria, stop making a scene. We know about all those things you did before."

"We spoiled you rotten back then, so we don't blame you for those actions."

"You've suffered enough out there all these years, so you've learned your lesson."

"Since you're willing to come back, we can still be a family."

The more I listened, the more something felt wrong.

In the past, I might have been too lazy to argue with them.

But now my identity was special; any small incident could impact Sterling Enterprises' stock value.

I absolutely couldn't allow them to spread these outrageous lies and slander.

I stared at them coldly.

"Liam, you need to provide evidence for your accusations."

"When did I commit attempted murder? And when did I ever bully Chloe?"

Seeing my defiant attitude, Liam grew annoyed.

"Aria, I was trying to be discreet, to spare your reputation, but since you're so utterly unrepentant, don't blame me for being ruthless."

With that, he pulled out his phone and played a video.

It was surveillance footage, a bit blurry.

I could vaguely make out myself dragging Chloe into a swimming pool, holding her head firmly underwater.

Chloe struggled painfully, and I ignored her, only letting go when someone passed by.

As if afraid I'd deny it, Liam added,

"I had the video professionally authenticated; there are no signs of editing, no fakery."

"Only you know the true extent of your depravity!"

How could this be?

I looked at Chloe in confusion.

Just one look, and she shuddered from head to toe.

That genuine, deep-seated fear didn't seem faked.

Reluctantly, I zoomed in on the surveillance footage.

I repeatedly watched that familiar face, feeling a strange sense of dissociation myself.

For a moment, I even wondered if I had forgotten past events after falling off the cliff.

Just as I was puzzling over it, Chloe suddenly dropped a bombshell.