Ch. Chapter 8 Fighting off my stepmother’s slandering by making meatball Chapter 8

C08 

I took a deep breath and turned to the crowd. “Look at all these meatballs in my house. My company gave out fresh ingredients for the New Year and we received two hundred and fifty kilograms of minced meat this morning. My entire family had been so busy making meatballs all day, that no one had time to leave the house and we even did not have time to make lunch, so we had to order them.” 

“I’ve been busy rolling meatballs right here under my dad and grandparents‘ watchful eye, till my hands cramped. How could I have taken Olivia to fight over eggs and pushed her into a crowd like she claimed?” 

With that, I gestured for everyone to come inside. 

“You can see for yourselves that our house is packed with meatballs. I’ve been working nonstop making them.” The neighbors hesitated but stepped in one by one. When they saw the dining table overflowing with neatly arranged meatballs, their eyes widened in shock. 

“Megan, did your family make this many? You won’t be able to finish them all before they go bad!” someone exclaimed. 

I sighed. “That’s exactly why I wanted everyone to take some home. That way, you won’t have to go through the trouble of making them yourselves.” 

Just then, my grandparents emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming pot of freshly cooked meatballs. Seeing the unexpected guests, they beamed and waved them in. 

“Jane, Beth, don’t be shy! This year, enjoy our meatballs. You all don’t need to cook at home!” 

The same auntie who had accused me earlier hesitated before asking, “Uncle and Aunt, was Megan really at home making meatballs all day? She didn’t step out even once?” 

My grandparents, having no reason to doubt him, chuckled warmly. “Of course! Don’t be fooled by her young age this girl has real patience. She sat there making meatballs for hours!” 

“That’s right,” Grandpa added. “When Olivia didn’t come home for lunch, Megan was the one who ordered takeout for us. The dishes were from a fancy restaurant. They were delicious! This child is truly nice.” 

With that, the lingering suspicions in the room crumbled. Those who had doubted me moments ago now looked 

enologies as they approached 

8:06 AM 

Fighting off My Stepmother’s Slandering by Making Meatball 

guilty. They were whispering apologies as they approached. 

I smiled and waved it off. I personally handed over meatballs to every neighbor and made sure each family got 

their share. 

D 

However just when I thought the matter was settled, Finn stepped forward, his tone sharp. “Megan is part of the 

Foster Family. Who’s to say they aren’t covering for her?” 

“I find it very suspicious. Otherwise, why did Uncle Thomas react by hitting his wife instead of questioning Megan first?” 

At this, my father’s expression darkened and he stepped up, his voice cold. “It’s because I was there all day too. I 

saw with my own eyes that Megan had never left the house. I knew right away she was being framed!” 

Finn scoffed. “A father protecting his daughter is only nat right away she was being framed!” 

Few would truly choose justice over family.” 

Before he could finish his thought, I pulled out my phone and played a recording of Olivia’s earlier call to me. 

Her voice rang through the room. 

“Megan, it’s almost the New Year. I’m heading out to walk for a bit and won’t be back to cook. Help me with the chores and make sure your dad and grandparents eat, okay?” 

“Don’t tell your dad where I’m going, or he’ll come looking for me again. I need some space to breathe.” “That’s settled then! Megan, you’re my thoughtful little girl. I’ll bring you something nice when I get back!” 

In the three recordings that was played back–to–back, she said her words in a hurried manner. She was not even giving me a chance to respond before she hung up. 

Then, I took it a step further. I dialed Olivia’s number in front of everyone. The phone rang and rang, but no one answered. 

Before she could gather her thoughts, I grabbed a neighbor’s phone and dialed again. This time, her phone rang out loud in her pocket. 

The entire room fell silent. All eyes turned to her, their sympathy now replaced with suspicion. 

Olivia’s face turned pale. She clearly hadn’t expected me to record our conversation. 

She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her gaze flickered toward Finn as if silently pleading for help.