Chapter 672 - Minor

If everyone can casually provoke others and face no punishment after injuring them, does that mean anyone can freely assault others in the future? After all, as long as a powerful person uses money and influence to suppress the victim, they won't be held accountable.

Such statements have spread widely, and many people agree with this view.

Actually, discerning individuals can see that many of these speakers are suspicious, and it's not ruled out that some are internet trolls smearing the Moran family. Intentionally spreading such rumors is meant to disgust Laila and the Moran family.

It's evident that these people are manipulated by behind-the-scenes puppeteers, including Faaris and Cooper, as well as some old adversaries of the Moran family. Some leave deeper traces, while others have a lighter touch.

"Grandfather, I'm truly sorry for causing trouble for you all." After the incident with Downey, Laila called her grandfather for the first time.

Oswald snorted, "There's nothing to apologize for. Suppressing West, what's the big deal?"

His words were domineering, and even Laila felt satisfied hearing them. However, that was precisely the reason she called.

The Moran family has a significant presence in the media, and it should remain impartial to gain trust. If outsiders think the Moran family is using the media to suppress rivals, it will only impact the group's credibility—a fundamental disaster!

"Grandfather, please rest assured; I will handle the matter as soon as possible."

She changed her mind. If it was just about her and Downey, she wouldn't mind using the incident to give Downey more exposure on a larger scale.

However, the unseen hands in the shadows have started targeting the Moran group through her, which she cannot tolerate. Having received so much love from her family, how can she let them suffer because of her troubles?

So, she doesn't intend to drag it out any longer and aims to resolve the matter quickly. She won't allow the unseen adversaries to attack her grandfather.

Oswald is a shrewd person. Upon hearing his granddaughter, he already understood her intentions. He knows she holds something in her hands and intends to use it for something. Now, it's evident that her plans have been disrupted, and it involves him.

How could he not be more affectionate to such a lovely granddaughter?

"You are a child of the Moran family. Never forget this! No matter what you do, you have me behind you, and your mother. So, do what you want to do. Don't retreat just because you face a little criticism. If you can't handle this pressure, do you think this is the company I single-handedly revitalized?"

"Grandfather..." Laila's eyes reddened, and determination filled her icy-blue eyes once again. "Rest assured, I know what to do!"

As long as she is here, she will protect her family in this lifetime!

A few days later, while discussions about Downey's case were still circulating, Walton, representing Laila's company, filed a lawsuit against Cole West.

This time, it wasn't just intentional injury but also harassment of a minor and the losses caused to Downey and Laila's company due to the incident.

The final item, the compensation fee, was proposed by Walton. After reviewing the information and explanations Laila provided, he knew he had a winning case. So, to make it more entertaining, all he could do was dig as much money as possible from the other side's pockets.

With such a significant incident, how could there be no compensation? Downey's reputation had been damaged, and the company suffered losses. Even Laila and her upcoming movie were affected, requiring compensation. In addition, various other, large and small, compensation claims made Laila dizzy and deeply admire the lawyer's skill.

No wonder people say American lawyers are formidable. If she were the one suing, she would never have thought of so many ways to drain money.

The media and the public were bewildered by this unexpected appeal. Public brawls and fights were already known, with various details and disputes well-known. But what about minors?

Given Laila's good reputation, no one suspected her of deliberately smearing Cole with fabricated evidence. Still, people couldn't figure out how minors were involved in a bar fight. Many had seen the videos at the time, whether the one Laila provided with subtitles or the official version. It was clear that there were only adults involved.

Could it be to strike at Cole, exposing his past dirty deeds? Many people speculated like this, especially since the Moran family had no shortage of reporters. Those resourceful individuals seemed perfectly normal to dig up such information. After all, they were the crazy ones who fought over even presidential scandals. What's to stop them from digging up information about a playboy from the West family?

With various questions, both large and small media outlets were crazily chasing after Walton, the lawyer. They wanted to chase after Laila, but the young lady always came and went with a considerable number of bodyguards, making it impossible to get close. Even if they managed to get close, she wouldn't say things she didn't want to say.

At this time, they really hoped to be used by her because they were well aware that only when she wanted to use their words for something would she reveal something. Although it felt uncomfortable to do such things, being well-utilized could at least earn them substantial bonuses from the editors. It was better than gaining nothing at all, right?

So, those who couldn't get a response from Laila could only chase after Walton. Walton himself enjoyed being in the limelight, and the more attention a case received, the more energetic he became. After asking Laila what could be said and what couldn't, he often "kindly" hinted at vague information, allowing people to easily come up with various interpretations.

Reporters didn't like this approach, but the paparazzi loved it!

They were never short of imagination to boost sales. If someone gave them an opportunity, especially when a red envelope was involved, they wouldn't hesitate to make good use of it, right?

Without Laila pushing from behind, media outlets of all sizes, like they were injected with chicken blood, refocused their attention on Downey—or rather, now it was Cole's case.

Compared to a fading star, even if there's a movie with him as the lead about to be released, who can guarantee a good box office after encountering so many troubles? Therefore, no matter how you look at it, the news about Cole West, the renowned Hollywood playboy, is more likely to attract the public's favor.