Semua Bab The Swap That Sentenced Them: Bab 21 - Bab 26

"I'll write an open letter. And decline it."Right then, my phone rang again. Unknown number."Hello?""May I speak to Juliet Bowen?" a soft female voice asked. "I'm Lena Layne from NextGen News. We'd love to schedule an exclusive interview about your experience and feelings."I hung up.Three seconds later, same number."Miss Bowen, please don't hang up. This could help expose campus bullying and raise awareness for heart patients—""Sorry. I'm not doing interviews." Click.Rainie stared at me. "You're really turning them all down? This is your chance to tell your side.""My side?" I gave a thin smile. "They don't want the truth. They want clicks. They'll brand me the tragic victim or the inspirational fighter and run ads on it.""Then what are you going to do?""Wait for the verdict. Go to class." I dropped back onto my bed and stared at the ceiling. "I just want to be normal again. Not the 'heart condition girl.' Not the girl who took down her psycho boyfriend."Rainie s

Early the next morning, Dad picked me up.In the car, he handed me a folder. "Captain Larsen sent this late last night. They recovered the chat records Hampton told us about."I opened the folder.Printed screenshots. Clear as day.[Hampton: If something actually happens, are we in trouble?][Lily: Relax. My dad already handled it. Worst case, I'll say I'm mentally ill. No criminal responsibility.][Hampton: That really works?][Lily: Obviously. My dad knows plenty of doctors. A diagnosis isn't hard. And we're not really going to do anything to her. Just scare her.]A chill slid down my spine.They'd built their exit plan before they ever touched me. Nothing was off-limits.When we pulled up to the courthouse, reporters were already camped outside.The second they saw us, they swarmed."Miss Bowen, what do you think about Lily claiming mental illness?"Dad stepped in front of me, blocking the cameras."Please step back. My daughter needs to prepare for the hearing."Poli

Lily went sheet white. Her attorney's jaw tightened."The court finds the defendant, Hampton Finch, guilty of intentional assault. He is hereby sentenced to five years in state prison."The court also finds the defendant, Lily Rowe, guilty of intentional assault. She is hereby sentenced to four years in state prison."The second he finished, Lily screamed, "No! I refuse to accept this! I'm appealing!"Bailiffs rushed in and grabbed her.Hampton didn't move. Just stood there and took it."In addition," the judge said, "the court orders the defendants to jointly pay restitution to the victim, Juliet Bowen, in the amount of five hundred thousand dollars for medical expenses and related losses."When it was done, I exhaled.The nightmare was finally over.Outside, reporters charged us again."Miss Bowen, are you satisfied with today's verdict?""Will you forgive Hampton and Lily?""What's next for you?"I stopped and faced the cameras. "The law delivered a fair verdict. I hope