CHAPTER 326
Arianna was overwhelmed by frustration and desperation as she repeatedly requested a ride, only to be met with silence. The wait had stretched on much longer than she had expected, and the fare she offered was more than fair. When it became obvious that no one was coming to help her, she let out a tired sigh. Acknowledging that she could no longer afford to wait, she closed the app, turned her back on the villa, and reluctantly began walking down the road.
The afternoon sun bore down on her, its rays painting her cheeks, a rosy red and igniting beads of sweat along her brow. Yet, oddly enough, that discomfort was something she recognized. Two years of adventuring around the world had exposed her to far worse elements; this was merely a minor hurdle in her journey.
After nearly forty minutes of walking, she broke free from the maze of residential blocks and stepped onto a bustling main road. Stopping for a moment to catch her breath, she scanned the surrounding area and spotted a supermarket shimmering in the distance. Without a second thought, she set her sights on it.
Inside, she made a beeline for the fridge, her thirst driving her forward as she grabbed a refreshing bottle of cold water. Approaching the register, she noticed a young woman behind the counter, completely engrossed in her mobile phone, oblivious to the world around her.
When the cashier finally looked up, her eyes widened in recognition, lingering on Arianna for a few seconds before silently scanning the barcode.
Arianna could tell the cashier had identified her but chose to remain composed. She didn't need to check GossipNet to confirm the public backlash. The whispers, stares, and judgment she'd faced all day made it abundantly clear-she had been painted as the villain in everyone's eyes.
After paying for her water, Arianna walked out of the store without a word. She unscrewed the cap and took a sip, letting the cool liquid ease her parched throat.
Inside the store, as soon as the door closed behind Arianna, the cashier picked up her phone again, typing furiously into the screen, clearly eager to share what she had just witnessed.
Arianna took a deep breath after gulping down half the bottle of water, the cool liquid momentarily soothing her. Despite the relief, her mind was racing as she considered her next move.
She pulled out her phone and briefly thought about requesting another ride, but quickly abandoned the idea. It was likely to result in more rejection and wasted time.
Opening her map app, she scanned the area and noticed a subway station a few streets ahead. Taking the subway seemed like a more practical option.
Following the directions, Arianna walked toward the station. Just as she neared the entrance, a group of people appeared out of nowhere, rushing toward her with alarming determination.
Arianna's instincts flared, and she turned to walk away, but it was too late. The group surrounded her, blocking every path and trapping her in place. Their faces were twisted with anger and disgust, and the intensity of their glares made her skin prickle. If looks could wound, she would have been left in pieces.
Her eyes darted around the group, taking in their tense expressions. They were all students.
Among them, one young woman stepped forward, her face familiar. Arianna recognized her as Mia Delaney, one of Linda's closest friends and the same person who had posted pointed accusations online.
Before Arianna could defend herself, Mia's voice rang out, sharp and full of fury.
"It's her! She's the heartless anchor who drove Linda to the brink of suicide!"
The crowd murmured in agreement, their anger feeding Mia's determination.
"Selby already confessed to what he did, and Starlight TV has apologized for their part," Mia continued, her voice rising.
"But you? You haven't taken responsibility or shown any remorse. How can you still show your face in public? You're nothing but a cruel opportunist! I used to believe in you, Arianna. I thought you stood for something good, but I was wrong. You're just a selfish liar who destroys lives to get ahead!"
"What happened to Linda was awful, and as her friends, we have to ensure she gets justice!"
The words came from Mia, and as she finished speaking, she clenched her fists, her eyes locked on Arianna with a fiery resolve.
Without hesitation, she lunged at her.
Arianna reacted swiftly, sidestepping Mia's attack and letting her rush past. The move left Mia off-balance, and she nearly stumbled as her momentum carried her forward.
Fury flashed in Mia's eyes as she regained her stance, her voice shaking with anger.
"You're just like every other corrupt media person! No remorse, no shame, even now! Everyone, don't just watch her! We'll force her to face the truth and take her to Linda. She'll bow down and apologize for what she did!"
Her words ignited the crowd, and in an instant, the group surged forward, driven by her anger. Arianna knew she could dodge one or two people, but there was no way she could escape when so many were closing in on her.
They came at her in a frenzy-pulling at her clothes, grabbing her hair, and scratching wherever they could. Anything they could find in their hands became a makeshift weapon to strike her with. The blows were relentless, each hit taking its toll.
Arianna fought back as best as she could, using every ounce of strength to free herself from their grasp. But she knew she couldn't hold out forever.
She wasn't foolish enough to think she could overpower them all, and with each passing second, she could feel her energy waning. The group was growing bolder, and the fear that they would break her down completely weighed heavily on her mind.
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