CHAPTER 351
Harmony picked up her phone and glanced at the screen. A notification from GossipNet caught her attention, and her expression shifted instantly.
She set her wineglass down with a sharp clink, her movements rigid as she tapped into the app. Navigating quickly, she opened Arianna’s profile, only to see a live broadcast starting.
The title read: "Exclusive Interview with Professor Cornell: The Truth Unveiled!"
Though it was close to midnight, the broadcast had already garnered significant attention. Netizens were flooding in, eager to see if Arianna had managed to uncover any critical evidence to clear Selby’s name—or if she was merely putting on a show.
Curiosity, combined with the allure of drama, had drawn in the masses. The comment section buzzed with anticipation, as spectators speculated about what would unfold next.
Harmony’s brow furrowed in irritation. She couldn’t believe Arianna might still have something up her sleeve. After all, every part of her plan had been meticulously executed, leaving little room for mistakes. For the past few days, Arianna had been tightly cornered with seemingly no way out.
Could she rave about something left to play?
Harmony’s lips thinned into a grim line as she sat down, determined to watch. She wanted to see just how far Arianna thought she could push her luck—and how hard she would fall when the truth came crashing down.
With a surge of viewers attempting to access the live broadcast, Harmony faced multiple challenges before she finally managed to join.
When the stream came up, the camera revealed a couch. On one side sat Selby, upright and attentive, while on the other side was Arianna, exuding a calm yet resolute demeanour. The camera remained focused on them.
Arianna started by clearly summarizing the situation and highlighting the main points. After she wrapped up, she looked at Selby and encouraged him to express his thoughts.
At first, the live chat was flooded with sarcastic comments and insults, making fun of their effort to change the story. The vibe was filled with doubt and negativity.
Everything changed when Selby started to tell the truth. His shocking revelations left the audience stunned. Nobody expected that the real culprits behind the whole situation were Selby’s parents, Brian and Sarah. Although they were seen as role models by everyone, they had hidden a dark past full of unethical and illegal actions.
Selby's choice to confront his parents about their wrong actions shocked the audience even more. He decided to reveal their faults and stand up for what is right, knowing the possible fallout. His courageous decision left viewers in complete disbelief.
As the live comments transitioned from mockery to disbelief, respect began to emerge.
Gradually, online users started to commend his bravery and integrity, acknowledging the courage it took to stand up against his own family in pursuit of the truth.
Following Selby’s heartfelt revelation, a wave of honesty swept through the community. Linda, the student at the centre of the allegations, finally stepped forward to share her truth. She posted a public message that read:
*“I’m sorry, Professor Cornwell. I apologize to everyone who believed me. I lied. Professor Cornwell never harmed me. The reality is that I failed my thesis, and I was terrified it would jeopardize my job offer. That night, I went to his office and pleaded with him to change my grades, but he refused. In my frustration and anger, I fabricated the entire story. I deeply regret my actions. I am truly sorry.”*
Once Linda’s statement was made public, the tide of public opinion shifted dramatically.
Selby was no longer viewed as a dishonourable figure but rather as a symbol of integrity—a man who had endured immense shame yet found the courage to expose his own family's wrongdoings in the name of justice.
People began to see him for who he was: a principled individual, compassionate, and selfless enough to endure significant suffering to uphold what was right.
The live broadcast chat was inundated with apologies, not only for the harm inflicted on Selby but also for Arianna, who had faced criticism for her relentless pursuit of the truth.
One viewer remarked: *“Arianna, I owe you an apology. I was wrong to doubt you. You’ve proven yourself to be a journalist of true integrity.”*
Another added: *“Ms. King, I retract all the harsh comments I made. Thank you for advocating for justice and supporting Selby. Without your efforts, the truth may never have come to light.”*
As public sentiment evolved, admiration for both Selby and Arianna flourished, leaving no doubt about their courage and resolve.
The third message read: “I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll never blindly follow the crowd again. I apologize to Professor Cornwell, Mrs. King, the King Group, and the ever-impressive Xander King!”
It wasn’t long before topics like ‘Selby Bringing His Parents to Justice’ and ‘Apologies to Mrs. King’ dominated the trending searches, with related news taking over the top ten spots.
At last, the tide had turned in their favour. Against all odds, they had not only weathered the storm but had come out stronger than before.
…
Watching it all unfold, Harmony slammed her hands down on the table, sending her wine crashing to the floor. The bottle shattered, spilling the deep red liquid everywhere.
But breaking her wine glass did little to ease her fury. Instead, her anger simmered, her resentment thickening in the air.
It had been so close—just a little more, and Arianna would have been completely defeated. Why did she have to keep defying Harmony’s plans and pull through every time?
Suddenly, the phone rang, its shrill tone cutting through the tension.