Chapter 384

Anastasia caught Penelope’s hand before it could scratch her face and, with a swift twist, sent her tumbling to the ground. Follow current novels on.net
Penelope hit the pavement hard, stunned.
Just then, hearing the commotion outside the shop, Benson hurried out.
“Penelope!”
His face fell as he took in the scene, rushing to help Penelope up.
“Mr. Brennan, you have to stand up for Penelope!” Nora burst out before Anastasia could say a word, her voice trembling with feigned outrage. “Penelope has always treated Anastasia like a real sister, but look how Anastasia repays her! She’s already hurt her several times, and now she’s spreading fake videos to ruin Penelope’s reputation. She’s trying to drive her to despair!”
Penelope, recovering her wits, let her eyes well up with tears and threw herself into Benson’s arms, sobbing, “Ben, I can’t take this anymore! Anastasia’s slander is destroying me-my whole reputation is ruined!”
Juliet was furious. “Ben, don’t listen to them! My cousin isn’t making this up!”
As soon as Juliet spoke, Penelope’s frail frame trembled. She looked utterly devastated.
Benson’s protective instincts flared. “That’s enough! Not another word! What video are you talking about?”
One of the women nearby, looking uncomfortable, handed over her phone.
Benson didn’t expect much, but when he glanced at the screen, his expression changed instantly. He gripped the phone so tightly his knuckles turned white. “What is this?!”
Juliet jumped in. “It’s proof Penelope slept with those men! Ben, she’s been lying to you. She’s not some innocent little angel-she’s been living a double life behind your back!”
Benson turned to Penelope, searching her face.
Penelope began to cry harder, her voice trembling with aggrieved innocence. “Ben, you have to believe me! You’re the only one in my heart-I’d never do anything with anyone else.”
“Yes, I know Samuel and Aaron, but there was never anything inappropriate between us! They tricked me, that’s all. I told you about it before. These videos- they’re not real!”
Suddenly, she looked at Anastasia, her eyes brimming with hurt. “Anastasia, even if you hate me, how could you do this? Do you really wish I’d just disappear?”
She turned back to Benson. “Ben, there was nothing going on until Anastasia started whispering nonsense in your ear, and suddenly these videos pop up. Isn’t it obvious? She faked them to frame me!”
Nora chimed in, “Exactly! These days, anyone can fake a video with all that Al and digital wizardry. Who could tell the difference? Mr. Brennan, you can’t fall for a setup-you can’t really suspect Penelope!”
Nora and her daughter had clearly decided to put all the blame on Anastasia, refusing to admit the videos could be real.
Anastasia listened calmly, then let out a soft, mocking laugh.
Nora whipped around. “What are you laughing at? Anastasia, I’ve always treated you well-how could you do something so cruel?”
Anastasia crossed her arms, lifting her chin. “Why are you both so desperate to deny it? If you want to know whether the videos are real or fake, why not ask my cousin? He’s been into computers since he was a kid. I’m sure he can tell if a few videos are doctored.”
She looked straight at Benson. “Isn’t that right, Ben?”
Nora and Penelope froze, dread flickering in their eyes. All at once, they turned to Benson-whose face was already dark with thunderous anger.