She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 263

“Then… can I go?” Hope flared in Oscar’s eyes.

Loyce’s voice stayed calm. “I’m not pursuing you—speaking only for myself. That doesn’t represent the veterans you framed, or the hospital you defamed.”

Framing servicemen and smearing a hospital—those charges alone were enough to end Oscar’s career. Before Lucian’s people could even finish taking him in for a deeper investigation, Oscar cracked. He screamed toward Xavier, sobbing like a child. “Uncle! Uncle, I was wrong! Help me, please! I can’t go to a military court!”

Xavier already knew what was coming: an investigation, dismissal, the end of his path upward. He didn’t even look at Oscar as he was dragged out—along with the other troublemakers—and shoved into a military transport.

Outside, the reporters who’d been waiting saw the shift instantly and, as one, turned their attention toward the Metropia Evening News crew.

Because according to Metropia Evening News, the military had come to investigate Blossom Hospital—supposedly to arrest hospital leadership and uncover a government-funding scandal. Yet the people being loaded into the transport were the “innocent job applicants” they’d been defending.

Rocky, the Metropia Evening News reporter, felt his stomach drop. But he kept filming anyway, chasing the story. His camera zoomed in on the soldiers.

Robert noticed the close-range filming immediately. When he saw the press badges hanging from their necks, he raised a hand. “With me. Bring those irresponsible reporters too. They can come to the base for questioning.”

Rocky kept talking into the live feed, voice quick and practiced. “Viewers, this is Metropia Evening News with exclusive coverage. The Blossom Hospital incident has taken a shocking turn. So-called innocent applicants are being taken by the military. Is this collusion, or are the applicants lying? We will continue—”

A white-gloved hand abruptly blocked the lens.

“Rocky, right?” Robert’s hard face filled the frame. “You and your team are coming with us.”

Rocky’s expression changed, but he forced calm. “Officer, we’re legitimate media. We have the right to report—”

“The right to report?” Robert gave a short, humorless laugh and accepted a file from a soldier beside him. “This wave of false online outrage started after your fabricated coverage. You’re suspected of defamation, spreading false information, and inciting public hostility. Explain it in military court.”

The livestream hadn’t been cut. Thousands watching saw it in real time, and in minutes the online narrative flipped again.

Sweat beaded on Rocky’s forehead. He still tried to argue. “We only reported the truth!”

“The truth?” Robert’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You’ll have a chance to prove that.”

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