Chapter 115
No matter how capable Athena was, writing over 10,000 words day left her exhausted.
After dinner, she collapsed on the sofa and continued watching the idol drama starring Andrew. As a mindless comedy, it was actually quite entertaining.
She went to bed after finishing the show.
The next morning, while brushing her teeth and feeling refreshed, she opened her phone to check the news. A series of eye- catching headlines made her eyes widen: “Over 20 Charming Beauty cosmetic surgery centers sued by numerous customers, facing closure risks,” “The country’s largest private cosmetic surgery institution hit by scandal, hundreds of customers file joint lawsuit”
Other more shocking headlines caught Athena’s attention. “Over a hundred customers gather at the Charming Beauty center in Kitmore City, demanding compensation and public apology,” and “20–year–old influencer spends millions at Charming Beauty for surgery, only to be disfigured and lose her dream of becoming a
Athena clicked on a video.
In the video, a young woman faced the camera and cried about her tragic experience at the “Charming Beauty” plastic
surgery center.
You
tip of my nose? The muscle has necrosed, turned black. How can I show my face to anyone! When I first had my nos. Gane, it cost 40 thousand dollars. They claimed to use the best materials and the best doctors, but my nose crooked shortly after the surgery. The doctor said it was a normal phenomenon and that it just needed a touch–up. So I spent another 10 thousand dollars on revisions, and I’ve had it fixed five times so far.”
Below this video, there are other related videos, all accusing “Charming Beauty.”
Some comments read: “The doctor who did my surgery was a creep. During the procedure, he was touching me inappropriately and even posted my private photos online. According to a former employee, many of Charming Beauty’s doctors don’t even have medical licenses or formal medical training. They’re just amateurs who learned for two or three months before starting work.” “They prefer hiring doctors who’ve been fired from reputable hospitals or have poor reputations. then deceive clients into believing their doctors come from major hospitals,” and “Tve seen it myself–the hyaluronic acid they sell is expired
Athena clicked her tongue and shook her head. “There are so many people exposing and suing at the same time. It’s obviously a premeditated and organized operation. The Murray family must have offended someone. They re in big
trouble
The Murray family was indeed in big trouble.
Everyone knew that the cosmetic surgery and medical beauty industry was notoriously messy and deeply troubled, especially private institutions, which rarely stood up to scrutiny
Moreover, the industry was becoming increasingly competitive. Once a company’s reputation was tarnished, no customers would dare to go there.
The Murray family was in a state of despair.
Jarred was on a conference call with the family lawyer, using speakerphone so that Barbara could also listen in
The lawyer’s tone was resigned as he explained, “I discreetly approached one of the female clients and offered her a bencht She revealed that a prominent lawyer had contacted them and offered to handle their case for free. If they lose the case, they don’t have to pay anything. If they win, all the compensation will be split among them. They have no reason to withdraw their lawsuit.”
13:13 Sun, Oct 13 BD.
Chapter 115
Jarred asked urgently, “Who is the plaintiff’s lawyer? Which law firm are they from?”
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The lawyer responded, “From the Pivotal Law Firm in the capital. They’re not extremely famous, but they are the most professional and experienced in medical disputes in the country. They haven’t lost a single case in this area. Mr. Murray, I must be honest–we don’t have a strong chance of winning this case.”
Jarred felt a chill in his heart. “Since you know about the plaintiff’s lawyer, quickly contact them and try to reach an out–of- court settlement!”
The lawyer said. “I’ve already contacted them. They refused to settle out of court and said they took on this case mainly to seek justice. They’re not willing to discuss anything further. Mr. Murray, I think you should think about it carefully. Have you offended any big shots recently?
Jarred and Barbara looked at each other and shook their heads: “In business, competition is inevitable, but we’ve always prioritized harmony. We don’t enjoy fierce conflicts. We consider ourselves to have only competitors, not enemies.”
The lawyer replied. “That makes it even more difficult…
At that moment. Zoe was hiding at the stairwell on the second floor, her face turned pale with shock. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead, and her hands and feet trembled.
What significant figures had the Murray family offended?
She recalled an incident.
Not long ago, she had used foreign hackers to send photos of Lucy allegedly seeing Dr. Annie to Matthew’s rival. Shortly afterward, Matthew held a press conference with her third uncle, which led to a significant fallout.
Could it be that Matthew discovered her behind–the–scenes scheming and intended to retaliate against the Murray family?
But she had been so discreet. How could Matthew possibly trace it back to her?
And besides, this was a minor issue–was it really worth such a grand–scale response?
Zoe shook her head, thinking it could not be the case.
Aside from Matthew, she could not think of any other major figures she might have offended, with Athena being an exception.
Downstairs, Jarred and Barbara sighed deeply, at a loss for what to do,
“The cosmetic and medical beauty center is our family’s cash cow. Once its reputation is ruined, it may never recover. The combined losses and compensation could strip the family of its assets. Yet, we don’t even know who we’ve offended, and we have no way to seek an out–of–court settlement,” Mr. Murray lamented
Hearing her parents‘ discussion, Zoe was torn between speaking up and staying silent.
If she spoke up, she might be blamed by her parents and disappoint them.
If she stayed silent, the family might not even understand what led to their downfall.
Her fists clenched and then relaxed repeatedly.
Finally, closing her eyes and steeling herself, Zoe went downstairs. “Jarred. Barbara, I might have caused some trouble.” Then she told her parents everything about how she had sent people to secretly photograph Athena at the graduation party, *ducatently discovered Lucy’s connection with Dr. Annie subsequently sending the relevant photos to Matthew’s
Chapter 115
Jarred and Barabara listened in stunned disbelief, their faces showing utter incredulity.
Zoe choked up I was very careful. I’m not even sure if this is what caused it”
It’s definitely Matthew’s doing. Jarred interrupted her, sitting down dejectedly. He sighed and continued, “Don’t doubt it Matthew is not as simple as you think. Your little tricks are nothing to him.”
Zoe felt as if a thunderbolt had struck her. Her legs went weak, and she fell to the carpet, tears streaming from her eyes int fright. “What should we do? Should I go apologize to Matthew? Com he forgive me?
After making a fool of herself at the school promotion banquet, she turned off her phone and hid at home. Other than occasionally chatting with Andrew on iMessage, she did not see anyone.
If someone asked her out to play, she would say that she had gone overseas for a holiday and would only be back after the
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