The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1674

Before anyone could even catch their breath, the sordid deeds of Meredith were suddenly laid bare for all to see.

It turned out that he had fallen in with a bad crowd, participated in muggings, assaulted people to the point of grievous injury, raped young women, and had even been involved in a hit-and-run that claimed the life of an elderly person.

All these incidents were things Maureen had kept from her husband, dealing with them in secret to keep her son out of trouble.

As shock rippled through the crowd, they also learned about Katherine's plagiarism of QY's work, with a demand for a public apology by midnight or they’d face a lawsuit. Moreover, her bullying of another girl at school had led to that girl's tragic suicide attempt, and this too was now coming to light.

"It's true what they say, a rotten apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Kids are just like their parents."

"This has nothing to do with Rudolf. It's all on that wicked woman. She's spoiled her kids with her own malice."

"I can't believe Meredith has gotten away with such heinous acts over the years. Does someone like that even deserve to carry the Brooks family name?"

"I always knew Meredith was rude, always looking down his nose at people. But I had no idea he was not just arrogant, but also so heartless."

Meredith, standing to the side and hearing the condemnation from relatives and neighbors, was itching to rush up and shut off the video. But Dennis stood atop the highest step, watching him coldly, as if certain Meredith wouldn't dare approach.

Meredith had previously learned the hard way not to mess with Dennis. Yet, in a fit of reckless courage, he bounded up the steps, intent on pushing Dennis aside to turn off the video.