Chapter 158: Defend Herself
Nicole's eyes darkened as she clenched her fists. "It doesn't matter," she said, her voice sharp with defiance. "Mathew and I were having issues that day. That's why he didn't take me to prom and canceled instead."
Chris studied her carefully, his jaw tightening. She's lying. There was something off about her explanation—something forced.
If she had been so important to Mathew, why would he take someone else to prom? It didn't make sense.
Elizabeth, too, seemed to catch on. Her eyes narrowed slightly as if she were replaying events from the past. "That doesn't add up," she said, her voice calm but firm. "If you two were just having issues, why would Mathew suddenly take Claire? Why would he think taking some other girl was what's best other than fixing your issues? And why haven't you mentioned this before? Why didn't you say so yesterday?"
Nicole's lips pressed together into a thin line. She didn't respond. How was she supposed to tell them she had seen pictures of various girls in Mathew's apartment and that was what had brought about their disagreement?
Elizabeth let out a slow breath and straightened her posture. "We'll take down the news," she finally said, turning to Chris. "But you need to get Claire to speak up. Otherwise, there's nothing I can do about it. Everyone has already heard the story, and if she stays silent, it'll only make people believe it's true," she said reasonably.
Chris's fingers twitched at his sides. His mother was right—Claire had to say something. But would she? She hadn't even answered his calls. How was she? Did she see the news yet?
"I can only believe her when she speaks up," Elizabeth continued. "Right now, she's not saying anything, and I can't protect her if she won't defend herself. If she has nothing to say, then what do you expect me to do? However you do it, Chris, get her to talk. It's for her own good, for the good of everyone who has seen the news. And if her explanation isn't good enough..." She paused, her gaze steady. "Then I might not be able to forgive her. And I won't allow you to continue your relationship with her."
Chris's heart pounded. He wanted to argue—to tell his mother that Claire shouldn't have to prove herself to anyone. But deep down, he knew she was right. If Claire didn't say anything, this scandal would swallow her whole.