Some of the family members wanted to gasp out loud. Others sat frozen, mouths parted before they snapped them shut, trying to conceal their surprise. The younger heirs tilted their heads, as though their ears had deceived them.
Because Chad Stern, of all people, had just spoken in Max's defense. He had stated, clear as day, that Donto had laid his hands on Max first. That meant he was backing up Max's and Aron's claim, shifting blame away from them.
The revelation rippled across the room like a shockwave. Everyone present knew the long, ugly history between Max and Chad. If any one of them had been asked who bullied Max the most, the answer would have been obvious: Chad.
