Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Chapter 33 Kidnapping
With that in mind, Elspeth posted all the evidence on the Internet.
When the post was released, it spread like wildfire. This time, the post confirmed everything Ophelia had done. The news about the unsuccessful attempt of Ophelia—the daughter of the renowned Fleming Family—to frame Elspeth became viral on the Internet and was the most discussed topic in various forums and social media platforms.
The stock market of Fleming Group plunged instantly, and the company was on the verge of collapse.
Ophelia initially thought that Elspeth was only suspicious of her, but she didn’t expect her to have evidence in her hand! Just like that, the angelic image that she had painstakingly built with all her might dissipated instantly. There was even a high chance that she might have to be charged for what she did.
“Ophelia, I didn’t know that you would do something like this…” Margot was the most devastated at the news. She did not expect Ophelia, whom she had watched growing up, to be so ruthless!
Elspeth looked at the stricken Ophelia and grinned. “That incident in Death Canyon and the rumors online that accused me of plagiarism. Ophelia, don’t you feel a bit guilty after everything you’ve done?”
Ophelia knew that denying it would be a futile attempt now, so she sobbed and explained, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight. My friends taught me all these and said that this was the only way I could be with Callum. I’m sorry. I did this because I love him too much. Sorry…”
Elspeth felt absolutely nothing in the face of her crocodile tears. In fact, she felt rather amused. “You love Callum? To show your love to him, you drugged him and wanted to trick him into sleeping with you, huh?”
Ophelia stopped crying abruptly and stared at Elspeth in a daze. A trace of unease surged inside her.
Callum’s face sank in displeasure as he demanded, “Did you do it, Ophelia? Did you drug me?”

Ophelia parted her lips nervously, but no words came out of them. Everyone in the Winthrops was on Elspeth’s side after seeing the evidence, and no one would listen to her. Hence, her explanations would be taken as nonsense. She lowered her head, her face ashen.
“This is your business now. Please leave me alone.” After she said that, she headed to the door.
“Elspeth,” Margot suddenly called out to her.
“Yes?” Elspeth turned and asked, “What is it, Mrs. Winthrop?”
Margot cleared her throat and muttered, “O-Ophelia has done so many bad things, but that is because she loves Callum too much. I apologize to you for her. C-Can you please take down the post on the Internet? People will look down on her.”
She had always liked Ophelia, who was so sweet and soft-spoken, so she couldn’t bear to see her in such a dismal state.
Elspeth rolled her eyes and sneered, “Oh?! So, her behavior was justifiable when she made a mistake, but I had to be kicked out of the house because I was accused without proof?!” Do I look like such a pushover?!
Margot looked a little embarrassed due to her request as she sighed and mumbled, “Please, I beg you. Can you do me a favor?”
Elspeth glared at Ophelia coldly. “I never dirty my hands unless I have to. So, she has no one to blame but herself.” With that, she left without hesitation, ignoring Margot’s plea.
Margot knew that she got the short end of the stick, so she didn’t say anything else.
Even though she knew that the Winthrop Family would help Ophelia to settle this drama, she still felt utterly disgusted when she watched the news about Ophelia on the Internet gradually disappear.
Nevertheless, Ophelia’s actions were not without consequence, as her kind image was wholly shattered. This matter also drove a wedge between her and the Winthrop Family. One could even say that it was a good lesson for Ophelia.
Sure enough, for nearly a week after that, Ophelia never bothered Elspeth again, nor did she show up in the Winthrop Family’s residence or the company. Elspeth thought that she preferred to stay out of public because she was avoiding the limelight and repenting for her actions.
This afternoon, Elspeth was ready to go home after work. She was about to go through the motions when she felt something nagging at her as soon as she arrived at the underground garage.
In the next second, seven to eight brawny men appeared behind her and charged toward her. When they saw Elspeth, they immediately rushed toward her. Although she was skilled in martial arts, she was severely outnumbered, so she smashed her handbag into the nearest man’s face and turned to flee.
Just as she was about to run to the garage door, a foot suddenly stretched out from the side and tripped her. Then, those men swarmed over and tied her up.
The person who tripped Elspeth was none other than Ophelia. She slowly raised her head, her eyes dripping with venom. “Elspeth, I’ve been waiting for you for three whole days, and here you are!”
Elspeth frowned at the implications behind her words. Then, Ophelia started laughing maniacally. “I told you I won’t let you off the hook. It would be best if you just kept your mouth shut, but no, you have to force me into a dead-end! I’ve been suffering these days. Do you know that?! Thanks to you, the Winthrops and Callum despise me!” She clenched her fists tightly and shrieked.