Chloe stepping up to speak emboldened everyone in the studio, especially Hala. When Matilda was being bullied by Mason, Hala didn't hesitate to smash a wine bottle over Mason's head. And now, she's supposed to be scared of Opal?
"Some people, man, they sit in a wheelchair and think the world owes them a path," Hala rolled her eyes with practiced ease. As a notorious gossip columnist, she was unmatched in turning the tables with her sharp tongue. "Right? The 'Wheelchair Witch'?"
"Ha! You even coined a term for her, 'Wheelchair Witch'?" Luna, with her tomboyish bravado — a trait undoubtedly inherited from her military family — scowled at Opal, "Disrespectful old hag, playing the age and disability card to bully Matilda. Shameless. Why should we give her any respect?"
Logan giggled, "And dragging along a kid, no less. Probably aiming for a sympathy act next."
Lynn's eyes reddened as she listened to Yoshi add, "Dragging out a kid for your schemes, should we admire your resourcefulness or despise your heartlessness?"
Rachel and Opal, targeted by Matilda's friends, turned pale, especially Opal, who, at a loss against Hala's quick wit, resorted to foul language, "Spewing nonsense! Look in the mirror before you talk!"
But Hala only smirked, feigning ignorance, "Huh? Did someone say something? All I hear is a dog barking."
"Don't push it too far!"
Rachel's tears began anew, "We came here to talk, and you insult us without a second thought. You have no manners!"
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