Chapter 45 Change of plans.
Mrs. Ford was usually a calm and composed person.
So why was she so flustered now?
Callie Norris put down what she was doing and asked, "Mrs. Ford, what's wrong?"
Mrs. Ford handed her the phone. "Look at this."
Callie’s eyes fell on the phone screen. It was a post about the incident that happened earlier that morning. The post had been edited to make her look like a terrible person.
She didn't need to think hard to know who was behind this!
Gianna’s antics that morning were all for this moment, weren’t they?
With the internet being so advanced, it was easy to start an online smear campaign. All it took was some money to buy traffic, and people would believe anything they saw without questioning the truth.
Some people, with their twisted views, could even drive a good person to despair.
She remembered a news story she had read recently. A girl had asked a delivery guy to bring groceries to her father.
The girl was grateful for the delivery guy's help and tried to give him a tip, but he refused, probably out of the goodness of his heart. Feeling bad, the girl then added $20 worth of credit to his phone as a thank-you.
But the internet was full of criticism, saying the amount was too little.
What should have been a heart warming story of kindness and gratitude turned into a tragedy because of online bullying.
A girl couldn't take the cyber bullying anymore and ended her life.
It shows that these invisible killers online are worse than executioners!
This must be Gianna's main goal!
To use public opinion to drown her in the spit of netizens.
But she wasn't someone with a fragile heart.
She wouldn't let something like this drive her life to death.
She would take good care of herself.
"What kind of people are these? It's outrageous! How can they say such horrible things, even cursing someone to die?" Mrs. Ford fumed.
The comments under the video were almost unanimously attacking Callie.
Mrs. Ford was furious just looking at them.
Callie took a moment to calm herself down and smiled at Mrs. Ford, "Don't mind them. It's not true anyway. I know in my heart whether I've done anything wrong. I have a clear conscience and nothing to fear."
For the sake of her child, she wouldn't let it bother her too much.
She gently touched her belly.
"But..." Mrs. Ford couldn't stand it.
Her eyes inadvertently fell on Callie's hand on her belly, and she asked, "Young Mistress, is your stomach bothering you?"
Callie Norris quickly removed her hand, "No, it's not."
"Recently, I've noticed you seem to have a bit of a belly. Have you gained some weight? But your face and arms don't seem to have changed," Mrs. Ford said, puzzled.
Callie quickly explained, "I gain weight in my belly first."
"By the way, Mrs. Ford, could you do me a favor?"
Mrs. Ford nodded, "What do you need? Just tell me."
Callie handed over the clothes she wanted to take with her. "Can you take these to the dry cleaners for me?"
"That's quite a lot to clean," Mrs. Ford remarked.
Callie nodded in agreement. She felt much better now. She needed to find a chance to leave.
If she waited any longer, her belly would grow, and it would be hard to hide.
Of course, she had to leave quietly. Without a trace, without leaving any clues.
That way, no one would be able to find her.
As Mrs. Ford packed up the clothes, she reminded Callie, "Don't go online to read those news articles about you. It'll just upset you."
Callie nodded, "I know." Mrs. Ford was truly a kind person. She genuinely cared for her.
If there was anything Callie would miss about this place, it would be Mrs. Ford.
She took a deep breath.
When Mrs. Ford returned from the dry cleaners, she mentioned that it would take five or six days to get the clothes back because there were so many.
Callie said it was fine and that she wasn't in a hurry to wear them.
...
Shane didn't come back that night.
Callie didn't mind. Without a job, she stayed at the villa, working part-time as an online consultant doctor while recuperating.
She didn't leave the house, didn't pay attention to the news, and didn't care about how things were progressing.
For several days, Shane didn't return.
Callie thought it was a good opportunity to escape, so she said to Mrs. Ford, "Give me the receipt for the clothes. I'll go pick them up."
"I can get them for you," Mrs. Ford offered.
Callie replied, "I want to get some fresh air. I'll bring them back."
In reality, she planned to take the clothes and leave for good.
Mrs. Ford handed her the receipt. Callie looked at Mrs. Ford and hugged her. "Mrs. Ford, I'll miss you so much."
Mrs. Ford laughed. "What are you talking about? It's not like we won't see each other again."
Callie couldn't explain, so she just smiled and left.
When she reached the dry cleaner, her phone rang. She stopped outside and answered it.
"Callie, do you still remember me?"
Callie thought for a moment before remembering, "Principal Lopez."
"Yes, it's me. You know my husband works in pharmaceutical research. His company is celebrating the success of a new drug, and they're having a party tonight. I have a solo dance teacher who got burned and can't perform. I thought of you because your dance skills are good enough for a solo performance..."
"Um..." Callie Norris interrupted, "I can't perform."
She was pregnant and couldn't wear high heels to dance.
Moreover, Latin dance was too passionate and energetic, and the costumes were tight-fitting. Her belly was already showing a bit.
Principal Lopez was silent for a moment. "I see."
"I'm really sorry," Callie said.
"I saw you play the piano for the students once during class. You were really good. How about a piano solo instead? It's not that I have to ask you, but the program is already set, and if we miss one act, it won't be enough. All the dance teachers have their own performances."
Principal Lopez sounded almost pleading.
Callie glanced at the laundromat and thought about how difficult it must have been to develop an anti-cancer drug. Now that they had succeeded, it was indeed worth celebrating.
She decided she could delay her departure by a day.
"Alright then," she agreed.
"Thank you, I won't let your help go unrewarded," Principal Lopez said with a smile.
Callie wasn't concerned about any benefits.
The main reason was that Principal Lopez and her husband were
genuinely good people.
"Then at 8 pm, come to 109 Rejuvenation Road, Regen Pharm Research Center."
"Alright," she replied, then added, "Do I need to prepare anything?"
"No, just bring yourself," Principal Lopez assured her.
Callie didn't pick up her laundry today; she'd have to come back tomorrow. Since she was already out, she decided to take a walk.
However, someone recognized her and started pointing and whispering. She had no choice but to head back home. The power of the internet was undeniable!
Gianna had indeed caused her harm; she couldn't even walk down the street without being pointed at and insulted.
Mrs. Ford saw her return empty-handed and asked, "Where are the clothes?"
"There are still a couple of items that aren't ready yet. I'll get them next time," Callie replied with a smile.
At 8 pm sharp, she arrived at the designated place.
Principal Lopez had prepared an outfit for her performance.
It was a stunning gown.
It looked a bit like a wedding dress, with a large, puffy skirt that completely hid her stomach. The dress highlighted her slender neck, delicate collarbones, and graceful arms, showcasing her beautiful features.
Backstage, the makeup artist gave her a quick touch-up. Callie was naturally beautiful, with a fresh-faced charm. Heavy makeup would only diminish her natural allure.
She was the first to go on stage.
The opening act.
Originally, the event was supposed to start with a dance, but plans had changed.
The host began with an impassioned speech, followed by the president's address, and finally, the evening's program commenced.
Callie walked slowly onto the stage...
In the audience, Harrison sat next to Shane. "President Robinson, do you remember Miss Norris?"
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