CHAPTER 17: THE INTERVIEW EFFECT
The interview changed everything.
The public outpouring of support was overwhelming. I received thousands of letters—no, tens of thousands. People sent flowers. Cards. Donations to Sophie's education fund. Strangers left gift bags on my doorstep with notes that read, "We believe you."
But there was also backlash.
My mother gave an exclusive interview to a rival newspaper. She painted me as a bitter, vindictive daughter who had destroyed the family to get attention. She claimed Sophie had been "acting out" and that Preston's reaction was "understandable under extreme provocation."
It was a lie. Everyone knew it was a lie. But the damage was done.
I started getting threats. Anonymous emails. Voicemails with heavy breathing. Someone spray-painted "LIAR" on my front door. I hired a security guard. I installed cameras. I changed my phone number.
Sophie was pulled out of her school. The principal called me personally.
"Mrs. Whitmore, we're concerned for Sophie's safety," she said. "There have been... incidents. Parents are upset. We think it would be best if she took a leave of absence."
"Incidents?"
"Some parents have expressed their displeasure. About your family. About the trial. They've been... vocal."
I understood. My family had money. They had power. And they were using it to make my life hell.
I enrolled Sophie in a new school across town. Under a new name. I told the administrators everything. They agreed to keep her identity confidential.
But I knew my mother wouldn't stop.
She had lost control. And she would do anything to get it back.
I called Nora.
"Prepare for round two," I said.
"Round two?"
"Mother is going to sue me for defamation. I can feel it."
"Let her try. She'll lose."
"I know. But it's going to get messy."
"When hasn't it been messy?"
I smiled. "Good point."
May you like
We hung up.
And I braced myself for the next attack.
