It was ironic that stories of fallen heroes became a cloud of dust in the wind, a stark contrast to the
ever-present buzz of celebrity gossip
A brave journalist held a microphone up Shannonâs face and asked solemnly, âIs it true that you abuse
the domestic help as claimed by Ms. Thompson? Was Linny subjected to your unfair treatment?â
Shannon was taken aback.
It never crossed her mind that the press she brought would turn the tables on her.
Justin clutched Bellaâs hand.
âYouâre amazing, Bella. Truly. You are so much stronger. I am the absolute worst.â
Justin looked deep into her eyes and smiled wryly. âI donât feel go enough for you. I canât measure up.
His lips leaned into her ear tenderly. âYouâve been chasing after m for the last 13 years. Let me run
after you for the rest of our lives.â
Bellaâs heart melted, and her fingers curled.
The other reporters surrounded Shannon and Bethany with sharp questions.
Breaking out in a cold sweat, Shannon and Bethany refuted, âNo!
Thatâs not true. Donât listen to Bella.â
âIs there anything you can say for yourself, maâam?â
A familiar, indignant voice rang out from the crowd.
Bella and Justin looked up in shock.
Wilma approached with a vengeance.
âWilma!â
âYoung Madam, Young Master Justin.â
Wilma walked toward Justin and Bella and nodded. âIâm sorry for showing up against your advice.
âI know you didnât tell me to save me from the heartache, but I practically raised Linny. Sheâs like a
daughter to me.â
Wilma choked with sobs as tears filled her eyes. âCan I see her off for the last time?â
âIâm sorry, Wilma.â Justin sighed with downcast eyes. He felt bad for keeping the matter from Wilma.
Bella went up to hug Wilma, patting her back with an air of unspok sadness.
Pulling herself together, Wilma looked Shannon dead in the eye.
Bitterness overtook every inch of her being. âMs. Thompson is right.
The Salvadors have not been kind to all the domestic help, Linny included, throughout the years. Iâve
worked for the Salvadors for nearly 3 decades. I know what Ms. Thompson knows and more. I swear to
God that Ms. Thompson made no false accusation. She spoke the truth.â
âHave you lost it, Wilma? Did Bella bribe you to frame us?â
Shannon pointed at Wilma angrily. âYou are like family to us. We have been nothing but nice to you. I
bet no one can top us in giving you better pay and benefits in the whole of Savrow. Yet, you are so
greedy. I canât believe you turned against us over money. Have you lost all sense of decency?â
âMy decency is what led me to be here today.â