Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Following the arrest of Magnus Vale, who broke into Maggie's room to harm her, Maggie and Anora, accompanied by their
families, arrived at the police station to file a formal report against David. They were under the protection of private security,
courtesy of Alyssa and Jasper.
The charges against David for sexually assaulting minors were firm. There was no getting away with it. The media thronged the
police station, and the news spread rapidly.
Throughout the process, the police carefully maintained the confidentiality of the two victims. Although the media failed to
capture any photos of the two girls, the news still dominated the headlines.
The headlines read, "David Schmidt's Sexual Assault Allegations Confirmed,"
"Victims' Families Allege Threats from the Schmidts."
"David Schmidt Suspected of Orchestrating a Contract Killing."
"David Schmidt Faces Inescapable Doom."
The public opinion online marked a swift turn. Commentaries that had previously doubted and criticized Tatiana were replaced
with commendations and applause.
"Good job, Tatiana Taylor, for exposing her pain to speak up for the victims!"
"Where are those fools who accused her of seeking attention? Why are they silent now?"
"How dare the Schmidts threaten the victims' families? They are out of control. Without Tatiana Taylor's advocacy, these cases
would be buried forever!"

"The rich are always above the law. LMAO!"
"If David Schmidt was handed anything other than the life sentence, it would be a dark day in the nation's legal history."
The Schmidts, who had experienced a brief respite, found themselves once again in the court of public opinion. Thankfully,
Jameson had stabilized the company's stock price and kickstarted some projects in Kontina, which helped cushion the blow.
After a meeting at the Schmidt Group, members of the upper management left the room. Victor specifically instructed Josh and
Jameson to stay behind.
Then, Victor tossed all the documents on the table in Josh's face, but Josh agilely dodged the attack.
"Why is there a new charge of attempted first-degree murder? Isn't it just rape?" Victor, nearly fainting from anger, bellowed,
"How did you handle the situation? Why is it escalating? Do you no longer want the role of president?"
Jameson remained stoic, but his lips betrayed a hint of a smile as he adjusted his glasses.
"Dad! I have nothing to do with this. I've done everything in my power to defend David," Josh argued with a disgruntled
expression. "But he was hasty and mistrustful. How could he even think of silencing the victim? He has dragged us down with
him, and he's come to a dead end.
"Since the two girls have testified under Alyssa and Jasper's protection, I believe that it's unwise for us to protect David."
"That's odd. Under detention, David can't do much even if he wants to," Jameson remarked as he toyed with a pen.
Then, he lifted his brow and suggested, "Say, Josh, did you help David out but messed it up instead? You were the only person
he met in jail, aside from his attorney."

"Jameson Schmidt, do not falsely accuse me!" Josh felt a surge of panic. "I'm not as stupid as David!"
"So, what do we do now?" Victor pointed a finger at Josh's troubled face. "Come up with a solution before the next evening, or
hand your presidency to Jimmy."