Chapter 17: Shadows of the Past

The trial continued for weeks, but it wasn't just the courtroom that haunted Clara—it was the whispers that trailed her everywhere she went.

On social media, old photos from her teenage years surfaced, twisted with false captions. A grainy image of her sweeping floors at a convenience store turned into "Proof the heiress lived a lie."

Even her college records were dragged into the spotlight, scrutinized for inconsistencies no one would've noticed until now.

"Clara," her PR advisor said gently, "You need to stay ahead of this. One interview. One powerful story in your own words."

She hesitated, but agreed.

The interview aired at prime time. Clara sat in a soft gray chair opposite the country's most respected anchor.

"When you discovered the truth, what was the first thing you felt?" he asked.

"Hurt," she said softly. "Not because of the bloodline, but because I spent years thinking I wasn't worth more. They made me believe I didn't belong anywhere."

"And now?"

"Now I know I do," she said. "And I'll fight for it. Not for the title, but for every child who's ever been made to feel small."

Her voice trembled, but her eyes blazed.

And suddenly, the tide began to shift.

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