Chapter 3

3、

In my last life, this took a week to spiral. This time, it exploded overnight. I had a bad feeling and checked my phone.

The trending hashtags were all focused on the term rich kid.

#RichKidBeatsDisabledWaiter!

#DoTheRichCareAboutThePoor?

#EntitledRichBrats!

#DoesBeingRichMakeYouGod?

I scanned a few articles. There was definitely a mastermind behind this. The big influencers were working together, selectively editing clips. They showed the waiter limping over, Holden hitting him, and then extreme close-ups of our Cartier box and the luxury car outside.

That was the manipulator's sick goal. Being violent wasn't the crime; being rich was. They were weaponizing people's jealousy and sympathy.

My chair clattered to the floor as Holden stood up in a rage.

"They're framing me! The waiter had an attitude and splashed hot soup on Sienna. I just taught him a lesson, I barely touched him! I'm going out there to deal with those losers!"

Living with Holden, I knew he had lost his mother young. He was impulsive, but he had a kind heart. He wasn't a villain.

"Dad, I'm going out with him."

"Go, keep him from doing something stupid. I'll change and be right out."

I had underestimated the power of mob fury. I tried to pull Holden back, but we were bombarded with rotten eggs. He pulled me into his arms, shielding me with his own back.

The stench of egg yolk dripped off his shoulders. We were drowning in hate, defenseless and humiliated.

When his father came out, he tried to apologize and promised to compensate the waiter.

The apology only added fuel to the fire.

"Money can't buy everything!"

"Do you think you can kill people because you're rich?"

"Death to the rich!"

They realized the situation was spiraling far beyond their control. I ushered them back inside. Their presence only made the crowd more aggressive.

More importantly, I spotted Scarlett in her red dress at the back of the crowd! I smirked and walked toward her.