Brenda Chen’s article was a wildfire. The online chatter, once focused on my “unprofessionalism,” now spun to Reggie. News anchors dissected his “pattern of behavior.”
Reggie’s fury was immediate and visceral. He issued a public statement, not denying the article’s claims outright, but framing them as “unsubstantiated rumors from disgruntled former associates.” Then, he turned his full wrath back on me and Leo.
“This is nothing more than a desperate smear campaign,” his statement declared, “by a financially struggling individual attempting to exploit her son’s unfortunate disability for public sympathy and personal gain.”
He even hinted that the gala incident itself was “fabricated or grossly exaggerated,” implying Leo’s prosthetic leg and my claims were part of an elaborate scheme. The audacity took my breath away. He was questioning the reality of my son’s injury, twisting his vulnerability into a tool of manipulation.
“He’s going for Leo’s leg again,” I whispered to Maria, my hands shaking with anger.
Then came the final announcement: Reginald Vanderbilt would be appearing for a live, national television interview. He promised to “set the record straight,” to deliver “the truth” to the American people.
It was a challenge. A direct, public confrontation that would either clear his name or expose him entirely. A high-stakes gamble, played live on national television, where Reggie intended to crush me once and for all.
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