Chapter 55: Go All the Way

The single sentence, "Go all the way," exploded through the room like a clap of thunder, leaving a deafening silence. A pin could have been heard dropping. Everyone froze. What had they heard? Sleeping together? The implication was disgusting. And them? Dominic and Madeline—siblings?

Goosebumps erupted. Incredulous stares were fixed on the family of four.

Faced with Rosalie’s accusation, Dominic and Madeline blanked, then felt the burning gazes around them as if they were hellfire.

Madeline, frantic and fierce, exclaimed, "What are you babbling about? Have you lost your mind? You're driven mad by jealousy—even sibling jealousy! You're delusional!" Dominic’s face paled. He retorted, "Rosalie, if you continue this, we're breaking up!"

"Ha! I was planning to break up with you anyway," Rosalie roared, her eyes red with anger. "Seeing you now makes me sick. Jealous? You're not worth it. You two are like rats in a sewer—filthy and disgusting!" She seemed to be venting pent-up frustration.

Oh my goodness, the narrator thought, she really is a tough little bunny. When riled up, she doesn't hold back. Dominic and Madeline are dumbstruck. They never expected this from such a gentle person. The Quirk family was equally taken aback by their daughter's outburst.

Brian and Kendra briefly hesitated, then presented a united front. "You brat," Brian shouted, "you're spouting absolute nonsense! How dare you spread such scandalous lies? We might sue you!" Kendra added, "She's lost her mind! How could she dare sling such filth at our innocent household? She's trying to destroy my children with these baseless rumors!"

The onlookers reacted with similar outrage.

"If this is slander, it's outrageous! How can she speak of family and siblings like this? These accusations are completely appalling," one said.

Another chimed in, "You wouldn't believe how jealous some pampered women get—even if there's a female mosquito near their boyfriends! Considering Rosalie's past behavior, I suspect she's jealous of anything."

A third offered, "Perhaps she's jealous of their close sibling relationship."

This isn't good, the narrator thought. If this continues, everyone will think Rosalie is insane. Her credibility will plummet. But how did she find out?

David and Selena were frantic. They knew Rosalie reflected Isabella’s inner thoughts, but discussing Isabella’s situation publicly wasn't appropriate. If Rosalie didn't explain, people would assume she was unhinged. They also noticed the growing confidence of the Campos family.

Then, Alexander’s deep voice cut through the tension: "You're a blended family, and they know they're not blood-related. Haven't you noticed anything unusual? Why did the younger sister's older brother rent a house nearby when he doesn't even have a steady job and could save money by living with his parents?"

The question, encompassing cause, logic, doubt, and conjecture, instantly shifted the dynamic. Everyone felt a sudden clarity. Blood relatives? Impossible. But a blended family? Suddenly, the gossip seemed plausible, especially considering Alexander's last point.

"He has a point," someone said. "Why did he move near his sister? My older brother doesn't even care for me!"

Another added, "Could it be because they were planning something shameful behind their parents' backs?"

Yet another speculated, "When you put it that way, it's no wonder suspicions arose. His girlfriend lived with him for so long, and nothing sexual happened. Perhaps Rosalie saw something that triggered her."

"I was in the same major as them and never heard about them being a blended family," another person said. "Madeline was Rosalie's best friend, and she played matchmaker for her brother and Rosalie. If this is true, it's revolting!"

"Hey, are you going to give a definite answer about this blended family situation?" someone shouted.

Madeline and Brian watched Dominic, their expressions shifting. Certain inklings formed in their minds. Secrets leave traces, and the guilty are usually the most fearful.

Dominic lashed out at Rosalie, fear creeping into his voice: "Rosalie, just because I didn't touch you, you're slandering me?"

Madeline lost her cool: "Dom's restraint was because he respects you. You couldn't endure it? You even had your brother investigate our family! You're out of your mind!"

Rosalie's fierce glare left them torn between laughter and tears. They were afraid of societal norms yet inflicted harm on others.

Then Rosalie dropped a bombshell: "I saw it. I saw it with my own eyes! Do you dare deny doing something in the rental room where I was staying?"

Both the Campos and Quirk families were stunned. The Quirks couldn't believe it. If it happened, why was it only coming to light now? Even if Rosalie was naive, she wouldn't delude herself with concrete evidence.

No, she didn't see it, the narrator thought, she's bluffing. Look at their guilty faces. Rosalie's fib hit the mark.

Rosalie's eyes were moist, not from sadness, but from frustration. After Isabella spoke, she remembered noticing something amiss with the items in her room upon returning. As an artist, she was sensitive to visual composition, especially since she had decorated and cleaned the room. How could it be so drastically different? Unless someone had used it while she was away. The thought made her want to burn the house down.

Their silence spoke volumes. They had no counterargument.

Madeline, betraying her fear, vehemently denied the accusations: "No! You're spreading lies! My relationship with Dom is pure! Do you have any proof? If not, I'll sue you!" But people were losing faith.

Rosalie produced her phone. "You forgot," she said, "I have a habit of recording my painting process. I secretly installed a camera in that room. Want to see the video? I can show it to everyone!"