Moral coercion only works on people who still feel morally bound.
Natalie had long buried such obligations—in another lifetime.
Thinking the trap was set, Ava moved to close the deal,
"So, Natalie, would you always be willing to roll up your sleeves and donate blood for your sister—no matter what?"
She held the mic toward Natalie, eyes sparkling with staged encouragement.
Just say "yes," and the show would end perfectly.
But Natalie tilted her head and asked,
"Is this a live broadcast?"
Megan, taken aback, nodded. "Yes! Are you nervous on camera, little sister?"
Natalie calmly took the mic from her hand and looked into the lens.
"I'm not nervous. I'm just worried that my answer might get edited later."
A flicker of unease appeared in Megan's eyes. She glanced at Hailey, who kept a composed face, but her fingers—hidden in her skirt folds—gripped the fabric tightly.
Hailey had prepared everything. She thought the outcome was inevitable. But still, something felt off.
Then, Natalie's voice rang out clear and firm:
"I refuse. I refuse to donate blood to Hailey."
A stunned silence swept through the mall.
Natalie continued,
"It hurts a lot to get blood drawn. Every time, I feel dizzy and weak for hours—sometimes even days. Why should I keep sacrificing myself over and over?"
The rejection was like a shockwave.
Even Logan, sitting in his eighth-floor office at Parker's Cooperation, paused his meeting, turning his head toward the commotion.
"What's going on?"
Dylan quickly went to the window and clearly saw the commotion below. Turning around, he reported, "Master, it's Miss Natalie!"
Logan stood up and walked over. He spotted the figure in the blue dress downstairs at a glance. Meanwhile, Dylan had already pulled out his phone and opened a popular video platform, immediately entering Hailey's live broadcast room, which was featured on the homepage.
"Master, take a look at this. It's clear," he said.
On the screen, the girl's delicate and sculpted features were on full display. Her skin was as fair as porcelain. She looked soft and gentle, like a harmless kitten—except for the sharp, unyielding glint in her obsidian eyes.
"Interesting," Logan murmured.
Downstairs, Natalie stood with poise. "I know some of you are thinking, 'So what if you're in pain? Hailey wouldn't feel it. It's just a blood donation, right? If we were in that hospital bed, we probably wouldn't be as optimistic as she is.'"
"You're right."
"Honestly, if I had the choice, I would rather be the one sick instead of Hailey. At least then I could rely on my own willpower to battle the disease, instead of being forced to serve as someone else's blood supply."
"When you stare into the abyss, the abyss also stares back at you. And when you're fighting a devil... be careful not to become one yourself."
In the live chat, someone asked, "What does she mean?"
"Sis is dropping truth bombs," another commented.
Logan chuckled. So this was Natalie's way of challenging the Roberts family. A little immature, but watching her stand her ground, head held high like she was ready to take on the world—it was... refreshing.
A beat of silence passed, then the scene erupted with chatter again, especially among Hailey's fans:
"Natalie, make yourself clear!"
"What abyss? What devil?"
"Are you saying we've been supporting the wrong person all along?"
"If you don't want to donate blood, then just say so! Our Hailey is the daughter of the Roberts family and founder of the Ruoxue Charity Foundation. You think she needs your blood? Stop being cryptic. Who do you think you're preaching to?"
"Exactly. If Hailey wants your blood, it's a blessing for you. Don't be ungrateful!"
Hailey couldn't help but feel pleased. Did Natalie really think that airing all this in a live broadcast would get her out of being a blood bank?
As long as her fans were here, no matter what Natalie said, the backlash would fall on her.
Just as Hailey basked in her smugness, a different voice cut through the noise:
"What are you all shouting about? Tell me one thing my sister said that was wrong."
And suddenly, those who'd always disliked Hailey chimed in:
"My sister's been donating blood for Hailey for years. You really think she just found out about it today?"
"She clearly doesn't want to keep doing it, but Hailey still asked her on a live broadcast? That's manipulative."
"She's using public opinion to guilt-trip my sister into staying her blood supplier!"
"Inspirational goddess? Please. She's nothing but a parasite."
Hailey clenched her jaw, but quickly switched on her second act. With teary eyes and a trembling voice, she reached toward Natalie, as if wanting a hug. When Natalie dodged, she stepped back sadly and bowed slightly.
"I'm sorry. I know you've suffered all these years. It's all my fault. I know you never did it willingly."
"But still… you've saved me so many times. I'll always be grateful."
"I brought you into the spotlight today because I want my fans to know: I'm only here because of you. You deserve their admiration more than I do."
Hailey's crocodile tears did the trick.
"Hailey, you're the best!"
"We love you, Hailey!"
Hailey smiled through the tears. "No matter what happens, even if Natalie doesn't want to donate anymore, I'll still stay strong."
"I want to be a role model for hemophilia patients. The illness is bitter, but we're sweet together."
"The illness is bitter, but we're sweet together!"
The chant echoed through the mall as her fans joined in like a rehearsed choir.
The commotion drew a new wave of onlookers.
"What's happening?"
"The girl in the middle is stunning. Oh, and is that Hailey next to her?"
"I used to think Hailey was beautiful, but next to this girl? She's totally outshined."
"Face, figure—Natalie's in a whole different league."
"Someone should've told Hailey not to stand next to a real beauty."
Natalie clearly heard the chatter. The slight upward curve of her lips showed how pleased she was. Hailey, on the other hand, was fuming.
A spark of malice flickered in her eyes as she quietly pressed a preset number on her phone.
Moments later, a woman downstairs received the call and stormed up the escalator.
She shoved through the crowd, pointing at Natalie.
"You bitch! I finally found you!"
Natalie flinched and was about to retreat when Hailey suddenly stepped in front of her and stretched out her arms.
"What are you doing?" she asked sharply.
The woman tugged at Hailey, shouting, "I want to rip this slut apart!"
Hailey glared at her. "Say what you need to say to me. I'm Hailey. If you touch my sister, I swear you won't get away with it."