Chapter 5 When I mentioned checking the security cameras , Charlotte secretly felt relieved but didn't let it show . ' Sophia , I heard that camera's been broken for ages . You wouldn't be trying to frame me because you knew that , would you ? " But right then , the event manager spoke up . " Actually , we got the camera fixed right before the party started . " Dad nodded . " Well then , let's take a look at that footage . " The second Charlotte heard the camera was working , she totally panicked . Dad , maybe we should just drop it ? I don't want this to cause problems between Sophia and the family . " Jad shut that down immediately . " Absolutely not ! When family has issues , we deal with them head - on . Whoever screwed up is ; etting punished . " nodded aside in agreement . " Dad's totally right . If I'm lying , I'll get on my knees and apologize - I don't care . " temembering how I'd thrown myself down when I first came home , Dad's face darkened . No more of that kneeling stuff . " Just pull up the footage . " The event manager quickly brought up the security video . lear as day , there was Charlotte leading me into the bathroom , and there she was again , sneaking around and tossing my dress in he trash . Charlotte went white as a sheet at once . " That has to be fake ! That camera was definitely broken ! " But Dad wasn't buying her excuses for a second . He let out this cold laugh . So you knew the camera was supposed to be broken ? That's why you brought Sophia here in the first place , right ? " harlotte tried to keep lying , but Marcus cut her off . You were going on about how pretty that dress was just the other day , and now you threw it in the garbage ? Charlotte , I had no idea ou were this kind of person ! " eeing even Marcus - who usually worshipped the ground she walked on - turn against her , Charlotte was completely lost for words . I ... Marcus , you have to believe me ! Someone made me do it ! " Bullshit ! " Marcus let out this disgusted sound and walked away. The atmosphere was tense as hell . Dad spoke up again . " Charlotte , I told you - when we get to the bottom of something , there are consequences . " But Mom was still trying to protect Charlotte . ' It's just kids being kids . No need to make such a big deal out of it . Sophia's fine , isn't she? " 14:58 Chapter 5 I then pinched my thigh hard enough to bring tears to my eyes and put on my most pitiful expression . " I know you love Charlotte more , Mom , but if Charlotte had been the one locked in there , would you have just brushed it off like this ? " Even Mom , who usually had an excuse for everything Charlotte did , had nothing to say to that . " Sophia's absolutely right . You screw up , you face the music . " Dad looked sternly at Charlotte . " No allowance for the rest of the month ! And if you pull anything like this again , the punishment gets worse ! " Then he turned to me . " Come on , sweetheart . Let's get you changed and pick out some nicer outfits . " Dad quickly pulled me away with him . Mom frowned at Charlotte . " You really went too far this time , Charlotte . " " Mom ! " Charlotte looked at her with those puppy dog eyes . ' Don't worry , honey . I've got some money saved up - I'll cover your expenses . But you absolutely cannot do stuff like this again ! " Seeing Charlotte looking so pitiful , Mom completely caved . You're the best , Mom ! I promise I'll never do anything like this again . " After Mom left with a sigh , Charlotte watched everyone's retreating figures with pure hatred . ' Sophia ! If I'm going down , I'm taking you with me ! "