A comment read, “Can this be real? Did this actually happen?”

“She’s so young, just starting out in life. What if she’s permanently injured?”

“Doesn’t Katelyn’s behavior amount to attempted murder? Shouldn’t she be held accountable by law?”

A flood of comments followed, each further tarnishing Katelyn’s reputation and attacking her from every angle. Katelyn inhaled deeply, steadying herself as she reconstructed the night’s events.

It was a meticulously set trap!

Zoey had orchestrated her own dramatic scene to thrust Katelyn into the spotlight. Being linked to something as grave as murder could spell the end of Katelyn’s career.

Zoey!

Katelyn’s eyes flared with fury. She had been questioning whether her own forthright actions had driven Zoey to desperation. It turned out, however, that everything had been calculated from the start.

The swift rise of the story in the trending news indicated that there were accomplices involved, likely positioned outside to capture Zoey’s fall and lend the story more authenticity.

Vincent’s cold, resonant voice broke through on the phone again. The call was still active; he had merely given Katelyn a moment to digest the news.

“This has spiraled out of control. It’s too late to simply take down the news now. Do you have any proof of your innocence? I’ll help you set up your defense.”

Under normal circumstances, Vincent could have quickly scrubbed any negative press about Katelyn from public view. But this time, both he and Katelyn realized that if mishandled, this incident could permanently damage her reputation.

“I will find the evidence,” Katelyn said, her tone resolute. She clenched her phone tightly and added, “If we can’t sway public opinion now, let’s let it run its course until we have enough evidence to completely turn the tide.”

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“Alright,” Vincent replied before hanging up, readying himself to make the necessary preparations. He needed to be prepared to organize a press conference to vindicate Katelyn at a moment’s notice.

Katelyn forced herself to calm down. She had to identify Zoey’s accomplice.

Zoey hadn’t been attending university in Granville; she had only been in the city for a few days, and her only connection was to Katelyn.

Who could Zoey have enlisted to help her?

Then it hit her.

Lise!

Even if they didn’t really know each other, their common goal could turn them into partners.

Katelyn tightened her fist. When it came to manipulation, Lise was a master at it.

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