Female Novel
Chapter 896 Fierce Public Opinion
"Thank you for your love, darling," Abigail's voice dripped with affection as she expressed hergratitude.
Sean chuckled warmly. "There's no one else I'd rather show kindness to than my darling."
After bidding goodbye on the phone, Abigail decided to pay a visit to the hospital.
Outside the intensive care unit, an elderly couple were engaged in a whispered conversation.
As Abigail approached, she couldn't help but overhear snippets of their discussion.
"Have you confirmed if it was her employer who caused this? If so, I'll go have a word with her thisafternoon. We'll demand 300 thousand, and then we'll finally have enough for Damon's downpayment," the woman murmured urgently.
"I've done some research. It's all over the internet," the middle-aged man stated grimly, his voicelow but firm. "But 300 thousand won't even scratch the surface. That woman is practically rolling inmoney, constantly in the spotlight, and she's running not just one but two companies!"
After a moment of contemplation, he continued with a steely resolve, "We need to set our sightsmuch higher. Let's aim for at least 600 thousand."
"Agreed, 600 thousand it is!" the woman affirmed, her determination evident.
The conversation between the duo left Abigail feeling uneasy, and she felt a knot forming in herstomach.
It was often said that children inherited more than just physical traits from their parents. With thekind of influence and upbringing provided by parents like these, it was hardly surprising thatDanielle's path in life mirrored theirs so closely.
Abigail approached the couple cautiously. "600 thousand?" she interjected softly.
Startled, the couple turned to face her, their expressions shifting from cautious to hostile in aninstant.
"You're her employer, aren't you? My daughter's life is in shambles because of you, and yet youhave the nerve to come to the hospital?!" Bella seized Abigail's arm. She tightened her grip andshouted at the top of her lungs.
"I'm telling you, you owe my daughter restitution! Who granted you the authority to mistreat her? Doyou comprehend the hardships she endured to gain admission to art school and secure a position ina reputable company?!" Stephen's voice resonated with condemnation as he joined Bella inberating Abigail.
"What's with all the commotion? If you wish to quarrel, take it elsewhere!" The abrupt intrusion ofthe doctor and his booming voice momentarily silenced Danielle's parents.novelbin
They instantly fell silent.
"Doctor, how is Danielle?" Abigail inquired anxiously, her gaze fixed on the doctor.
"It's a dire situation. She remains in a state of shock, and unless she regains consciousness withinthe next 48 hours, our options become limited," the doctor replied calmly before turning to depart.
"You're accountable for my daughter's plight!" Bella's words dripped with menace, her voice loweredbut no less threatening.
Stephen, equally incensed, issued a stern ultimatum. "If you fail to provide compensation, I'll stationmyself outside your company every single day, carrying a photograph of my lifeless daughter!"
Abigail would never compromise when it came to trading their daughter's life for money.
If Danielle's parents genuinely loved her, negotiations for compensation might have been moreacceptable.
In the midst of the struggle between the three parties, Cindy hurried over and witnessed Danielle'sparents pulling Abigail. She quickly intervened, pushing them away, and exclaimed, "What on earthdo you think you're doing? If you're after money, you'll have to wait until Danielle has fullyrecovered!"
Her vigilant bodyguard promptly sprang into action. Hence, creating a barrier between Abigail andDanielle's parents.
Abigail was then led out of the hospital by Cindy.
Overwhelmed by guilt, Cindy's eyes welled up with tears as she turned to Abigail to express herremorse. "I'm truly sorry. I never should have delved into her past. It was a mistake."
Abigail displayed remarkable empathy by responding in a soft and forgiving tone, "I don't hold itagainst you."
This incident served as yet another example of the burdensome responsibility often borne by idols,who find themselves footing the bill for the actions of overzealous fans.
In the heyday of her career, L.Moon basked in the adoration of a vast fanbase, reaping substantialfinancial rewards from her soaring popularity. However, lurking beneath the surface was a naggingconcern that such fervent adulation might one day backfire. A fear that, unfortunately, materializedsooner than expected.
After seeing Cindy off, Abigail returned to the company headquarters, but instead of immediatelyentering, she paused at the entrance and cast her gaze upward.
From a small studio, it had transformed into the skyscraper it was today, accommodating thousandsof people. At its peak, it brought in millions of sales overnight for Flower Meadow.
Like a delicate flower nurtured over time, it bloomed to its fullest before beginning its gradualdescent.
After gazing at it for a moment, Abigail let out a soft, contemplative sigh, her head bowed inreflection.
Little did she realize Flower Meadow's fortunes had gradually shifted onto the shoulders of L.Moon.
Danielle's struggle was brief as the hospital swiftly issued a death certificate mere hours after herarrival.
That fateful night thrust L.Moon into the harsh spotlight of public scrutiny.
The praises of before now echoed with equal measures of disdain.
However, Abigail didn't let sadness overwhelm her. Instead, she embraced it with calm acceptance.
Garrett rushed into the office, looking clearly flustered. Yet, upon seeing Abigail's composeddemeanor, he found himself easing into a sense of calm.
"Looks like you've made your peace with it," he remarked as he settled onto a chair by the coffeetable. Hence, abandoning his earlier haste.
"L.Moon has been around for almost four years since its establishment, which is indeed shortcompared to some century-old enterprises, but... fashion trends seem to be like this, fleeting like thelifespan of a flower," Abigail slowly explained to him.
Garrett's smile reflected relief. "I was worried about you, but it seems you've found your waythrough it."
Abigail asked him, her expression reflecting concern. "L.Moon appears to be facing a downturn,wouldn't you say?"
Garrett furrowed his brow as he pondered her question. "If Irene's situation were to occur again,would you still choose to handle it the same way?" he inquired.
Abigail maintained her composure as she replied, "I believe so. Given Kevin's strong attachment toIrene, it's imperative that I offer him a satisfactory resolution, both ethically and practically. And asfor Danielle and Floyd's transgressions, can we truly forgive them? It's simply untenable."
Sometimes, fate cunningly orchestrated events.
By sparing Danielle from consequences, the turmoil surrounding Irene would likely persist within thecompany. Eventually, the same scenario playing out with Danielle would inevitably repeat withanother individual.
At the heart of the matter lie the internal challenges plaguing L.Moon.
Despite her eagerness to implement reforms, Abigail understood that some things were beyond hercontrol as they were dictated by the whims of fate.
…
Upon arriving home in the wee hours of the night, Abigail was met with the sight of Scarlett,Lawrence, Luna, and Josh, all gathered in the living room, their eyes fixed upon her with concern.
Without hesitation, she inquired, "What's troubling you all?"
Luna stepped forward, her voice laced with worry. "The public opinion tonight has been harsh. Areyou holding up alright?"