Chapter 3: The Family Chose Their Monster
"You don't understand!"
Preston shouted.
"It was just supposed to teach her mother a lesson!"
The words made the room even quieter.
His own lawyer slowly lowered his head.
His new bride took one step backward.
"You framed an eight-year-old?" she whispered.
Preston turned toward his parents.
"Tell them!"
"You know Evelyn always lies!"
His mother immediately stepped forward.
"My son made a mistake."
"He was emotional."
"He didn't mean for anyone to get hurt."
Detective Hale looked at her.
"He assaulted a child with a solid oak board."
"Then fabricated evidence to accuse her of theft."
"That's not emotion."
"That's a felony."
His father finally spoke.
"Surely... we can settle this privately."
The detective almost laughed.
"You think attempted evidence tampering and child assault disappear because your family has money?"
The ballroom doors opened again.
Reporters had already arrived.
Guests began recording with their phones.
Within minutes...
The video was everywhere.
Millions watched the groom smiling as he planted the phone.
Millions watched him strike a little girl.
The "perfect son" became the face of national outrage overnight.
His bride quietly removed her wedding ring.
"I married a stranger."
She laid the ring on the head table.
Then walked away without looking back.
As officers placed Preston in handcuffs...
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He looked toward his parents.
Neither could save him anymore.
