Chapter 385: Trampling on Others’ Scars
Mentioning the matter at hand, Cecilia Vaughn’s expression suddenly became serious.
"Adrian, I want to establish a charity association to provide counseling and financial support for girls who have been sexually assaulted. Do you think it’s feasible?"
This idea had actually lingered in Cecilia Vaughn’s mind for a long time.
She herself is a victim of sexual assault and harassment, and the nightmare from three years ago almost ruined her life.
Countless nights, when she closed her eyes, she saw herself, isolated and helpless, with legs weak, and Young Master Trent’s greasy face and body magnifying in front of her.
...
Cecilia Vaughn had experienced that pain herself, and she understood that for many girls, such a trauma is like a parasitic maggot—an indelible scar for a lifetime.
Adrian Law’s brow slightly furrowed, and his almond-shaped eyes narrowed. For the first time, he didn’t quickly agree to Cecilia Vaughn’s proposal, but instead, he seriously suggested she think it over carefully.
"Cecilia, have you considered how widespread the number of such victims is, not just throughout Veridia, but even just in Stellerton?"
If we rely on ourselves to rescue them, we absolutely won’t be able to save them all.
This isn’t about good intentions or bad; it’s about the limits of individual power. No matter how immense, when faced with the whole world, it finds it hard to change the tide.
Moreover, a gift of rice could turn into a burden; if you save one, you might have to save another. The world is full of those who only take, and Adrian Law always speculates the worst of people.
...
Upon hearing Adrian Law’s initial objection, Cecilia Vaughn didn’t get angry; instead, she felt warmth in her heart.
She knew Adrian Law was concerned about her.
"Adrian, don’t worry. I’m not some selfless saint. I just want to do my part. Maybe I can’t save all the victims, but at the very least, I can brighten some people’s hearts."
The girl paused briefly, then turned around and brought her Apple laptop from the room.
"Look, this is my preliminary plan. Financial support is only provided to those girls willing to come forward and press charges, and it’s not about actual payment, but about hiring lawyers for them for free."
"As for psychological counseling, I plan to start a Weibo media channel, hiring psychological experts three days a week to provide free counseling. If there are too many people, we will use a lottery system."
"The main expenses are for hiring lawyers and psychologists. I’ve done some preliminary calculations, and these are within my means. After all, I hold the majority of Radiant Group’s shares, and can afford this."
She also knew she couldn’t save everyone and had no intention of going bankrupt for it.
No matter how small her power, she hoped to be like a lone firefly in the night, lighting up a tiny corner.
...
Adrian Law was stunned by this, and he bent down to slowly scrutinize Cecilia Vaughn’s charity association plan.
Indeed, all kinds of plans were detailed and clear, with initial cost estimates.
The man’s eyes narrowed slightly, and his long arms reached out, gently pulling the girl into his embrace.
"Cecilia, it seems like the more I know you, the more I love you."
"So cheesy... Are you trying to make me happy again..."
Cecilia Vaughn got goosebumps and playfully made a face, pretending she couldn’t handle it.
Yet Adrian Law’s smile was sincere, and he turned Cecilia Vaughn’s head, his eyes unwavering as he stared into hers.
"I’m not joking, Cecilia. Knowing you, marrying you, I’m very lucky."
"Me too."
Seeing Adrian Law so earnest, Cecilia Vaughn put away her joking manner and instantly became serious.
"Adrian, honestly, I don’t know if anyone will respond to what I’m doing."
"You know how traditional and conservative the culture in Veridia is. It holds a lot of value on a girl’s purity, and even when such things happen, both victims and their families often want to downplay or suppress it."
"Moreover, holding someone accountable can be difficult. The perpetrator might be a familiar relative or friend, or a malicious stranger, and they might be powerful..."
"I don’t know how many girls will be willing to come forward. I don’t think it’s shameful to choose reconciliation. After all, everyone’s experiences, families, and personalities are different. But if they are willing to go to court, I will offer my support. It’s as simple as that."
Biased public opinion can hurt, almost like an unsheathed invisible sword, leaving many innocent victims heartbroken, without even a chance to clear their names.
She wanted to do something for those girls.
...
Adrian Law, smiling gently, leaned down and kissed the girl’s temple.
"No matter what you do, as long as you’ve made a decision, I’ll support you."
"Okay."
...
Assured by Adrian Law, Cecilia Vaughn also felt at ease.
The next day, she verified her personal Weibo and simultaneously established the Radiant Fairy Charity Association, registering its official account and posting the first short microblog.
——In the rest of your life, may I be a warm ray in your heart.
The second post was a long image introducing the Radiant Fairy Charity Association.
At the same time, she tagged Radiant Group and her own Weibo account.
Since the Stellerton Intermediate Court had already sentenced Florence Warner to prison, netizens were already paying attention to Cecilia Vaughn’s affairs, inadvertently drawing some heat to it.
Soon, the comments section burst with chatter.
"Really? When did Radiant Group start doing charity? Is it true that they are providing free support for girls who were sexually assaulted or harassed? Is there really such a good thing?"
"What kind of charity is this! I think it’s just a show, timed right when Fiona’s mom was sentenced to prison. That Vaughn family young lady is definitely scheming!"
"I agree, what kind of victim is Cecilia Vaughn, anyway? This move is too flashy! No matter what, Florence Warner is her stepmother who raised her through middle school, and her dad and Fiona reportedly cried and begged her to reconcile, yet she insisted on sending them to prison!"
"I think this charity is mostly a gimmick; in the end, it’s just to make money off the victims. Shameful, profiting off others’ scars for fame, feeding on blood money!"
...
The Weibo comments were overwhelmingly critical, with only a few scattered ones seeking help.
Cecilia Vaughn had anticipated this scenario.
First, she tagged a Weibo post by Stellerton Intermediate Court’s official account that disclosed Florence Warner’s incognito blackmailing, and then she tagged Veridia’s most renowned psychologist, Chester Quinn.
"Free anonymous psychological consultations from 7 to 9 PM; please sign up if interested. This week, international-level psychologist @Chester Quinn is on hand."
This Weibo post immediately caused an uproar in the comments.
"Wow, am I seeing things? Is that Chester Quinn whose consultation fee is tens of thousands per hour?"