CHAPTER 320
Arianna’s smile faded the moment she entered the office.
The atmosphere in the lobby was thick with tension, as employees hurried about, their expressions marked by anxiety.
Phones rang non-stop, creating a chaotic noise that filled the air. Everyone seemed too busy to talk to her, but the glances and sharp looks they shot her way said everything.
She walked steadily to her desk, though a weight settled on her chest. Just as she was about to sit down, the phone on her desk rang loudly. Arianna paused for a second, then answered.
The voice on the line delivered a harsh comment, cutting and bitter. It was enough for her to understand what had transpired.
The night before, her broadcast had been a hit. Social media was buzzing with compliments about her poise and presentation, and positive feedback was everywhere.
But now, that wave of support had vanished, replaced by a flood of criticism and outrage.
She hadn’t checked her social media yet, but she could already picture the backlash. The negativity wasn’t just in her DMs or comment sections; it had spilt over into calls to the station.
The reason for the uproar became clear as she remembered the morning headlines. At 8 a.m., Linda Willby shared a statement online that was both shocking and heartbreaking.
It read like a suicide note, filled with despair and accusations. Linda claimed she had been shunned and attacked, her private life exposed to the public.
She accused everyone of siding with Professor Cornwell and labelling her a liar and a manipulator.
Linda expressed that the death threats and cruel messages had driven her to the brink.
Even her parents, she said, had doubts about her, pushing her into a deep depression. Her final words hinted at her only way out—by taking her own life.
The post quickly attracted attention, causing widespread panic on social media.
Concerned users flooded Linda’s account with supportive messages, while many rushed to alert the authorities.
The Internet police worked diligently to trace her location, and law enforcement was dispatched to find her.
Hours later, Linda was discovered in a motel near her university, unconscious on the bed. She had overdosed on sleeping pills, but emergency responders acted swiftly, taking her to the hospital where they performed a stomach pump.
While her life was saved, she remained in a coma. This incident sparked a wave of outrage online.
Linda’s roommate and best friend felt compelled to share an emotional update with the public.
Her friend’s heartfelt message, filled with profound anger and sadness, quickly spread on GossipNet.
She didn’t hold back, criticizing the lack of support Linda had received and calling out those who had belittled or attacked her.
Her powerful words resonated with the online community, igniting a heated debate and escalating the backlash against the station—and Arianna.
As Arianna sat at her desk, her mind raced.
She had believed her broadcast was a success, but now it felt as though she was caught in the eye of a chaotic storm.
The first question was directed at Professor Selby Cornwell.
If he was truly as innocent as he claimed, why had he called Linda to his office late one evening, keeping her there for over two hours?
Witnesses reported seeing Linda emerge from the office teary-eyed and dishevelled, further casting doubt on his denials.
The second question was aimed at Starlight News, challenging their decision to air such a one-sided narrative.
Why had they broadcast a story portraying the professor as a victim while painting Linda as the antagonist?
The network had the influence and resources to conduct thorough investigations, yet they chose to condemn the vulnerable party instead of seeking the truth.
Finally, the most biting question was directed at Arianna herself.
The post accused her of prioritizing personal ambition over journalistic integrity.
Had Arianna been so eager to climb the professional ladder that she aligned herself with Professor Cornwell to tarnish Linda’s name?
The insinuation was clear: Arianna and the professor had allegedly conspired, using their power and positions to suppress Linda and protect their interests.
These pointed accusations quickly sparked heated debates online. Netizens wasted no time dissecting the claims, and the post rapidly gained traction. As people shared and commented, it climbed to the top of trending topics, igniting outrage on social media.
The situation escalated when an anonymous account published an explosive revelation: this was not the first time Professor Cornwell had been accused of such misconduct.
The post alleged that five years earlier, a similar incident had occurred involving another female student. That student, much like Linda, had made claims against the professor but was silenced through pressure and coercion.
Her mental health reportedly deteriorated after the ordeal, and she disappeared from public view. The story had been buried under layers of secrecy, thanks to the Cornwell family’s wealth and influence.
The post concluded with a cutting remark:
*“The truth always finds its way to the surface. Those who shield predators are no less guilty. Starlight News and Arianna are complicit enablers!”*
The revelation unleashed a wave of fury.
Social media users took it upon themselves to investigate, digging into old records and piecing together fragments of information.
Though they couldn’t locate the student from five years ago, several details about the prior case aligned with the anonymous account’s claims.
The outrage soon centred on three primary targets: Professor Cornwell, Starlight News, and Arianna. The internet exploded with anger, condemning all three for their perceived complicity and lack of accountability.
As the story spiralled out of control, it became clear that Arianna was facing one of the greatest challenges of her career—and reputation.
Clark stepped out of his office, his expression tight with barely restrained frustration, and strode directly toward Arianna’s desk. Though his tone remained measured, his discontent was evident.
“The general manager wants to see you. Now.”
It was clear that his initial impression of her had soured. Arianna had shown so much promise during her debut, yet it had taken less than 24 hours for her to land herself in the middle of a major scandal.
Clark let out a quiet sigh, thinking grimly about his luck with new hires lately. It seemed every single one of them brought more trouble than they were worth.
Without a word, Arianna gave a slight nod, her expression calm and collected, and rose from her seat.
She adjusted her blazer, her movements steady as she headed toward the manager’s office.
From her spot nearby, Harmony watched Arianna’s confident stride with a thinly veiled sneer. In her mind, the storm engulfing Arianna’s career was inevitable, and it was only a matter of time before it all crumbled beneath her feet.
As Arianna disappeared around the corner, Harmony’s gaze flicked to the sleek nameplate on her desk. Her lips curled into a self-satisfied smile. Soon enough, that desk—and the prestige it represented—would belong to someone more deserving.
Someone like her.
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