CHAPTER 897 KARMA

Abigail let out a deep breath. Her voice was steady and composed, and she assured calmly, "It's not as significant as it seems. We'll manage."

"Welcome back. Josh, it's time for Luna to get some rest. It's late, and she's been keeping you company for quite a while." Lawrence directed from his place on the sofa.

Josh nodded understandingly and gently guided Luna toward her bedroom.

"Don't fret. We've weathered countless challenges over the years, and this time won't be any different for L.Moon," Luna reassured Abigail with a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting understanding and empathy.

She had been struggling with depression and had pushed herself to stay up late. Thus, her fatigue was evident in the weary lines of her face.

After she disappeared into the hallway leading to her room, the once lively living room fell into a hushed stillness, broken only by the sound of Abigail's footsteps as she approached the coffee table.

Reaching for a bottle of wine, she poured herself a generous glass.

"The backlash from the public this time is unprecedented. While there's usually room for redemption after causing harm, the loss of life would change everything for L.Moon," Josh, who was seasoned in the business world, remarked, his tone reflecting the weight of the situation.

Abigail reflected on her journey to fame and fortune. Her words carried a sense of acceptance and resignation as she spoke softly, "I've pondered this scenario before—riding the wave of success, accumulating followers. But now, faced with the harsh reality of the consequences, I understand that it's time to take responsibility."

Tonight, Abigail took the first step toward accountability by issuing a heartfelt apology through the PR department, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need for restitution. She even took a more personal approach by recording a heartfelt video expressing her remorse. Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Last night, she took the initiative to have the PR department draft an apology statement, alongside recording a personal video expressing remorse.

Regardless of Danielle's past transgressions, with her passing, it was as though a clean slate had been drawn, and she was facing the consequences as they came.

Scarlett couldn't resist the urge to embrace Abigail as she acknowledged the immense sacrifices made for L.Moon. "Are you content to simply watch it dwindle?" she asked softly.

"Even the most enduring of phenomena experience their ebbs and flows," Abigail responded calmly. "When that time arrives, L.Moon will meet its fate. Frankly, I'm feeling rather weary. Perhaps it's an opportune moment for me to take a much-needed break."

Tears threatened to spill from Scarlett's eyes, yet she stifled them as she did not wish to burden Abigail further.

Lawrence offered a semblance of comfort. "It's alright. Trends in fashion are notoriously fleeting. The fact that L.Moon has endured for so many years is a testament to your prowess."

Despite Abigail's heartfelt apology, L.Moon's predicament remained unchanged.

Overnight, clothes were returned, bills were contested, and once-loyal online fans turned into fervent critics to plot the downfall of L.Moon. Even the production teams collaborating with L.Moon found themselves subjected to menacing threats.

…

By noon, Oliver emerged with a personal statement.

'Due to internal strife at L.Moon, some netizens masquerading as champions of justice are pressuring me to sever ties with L.Moon. Frankly, I find it quite amusing. I speak for myself alone. To those individuals: when you were championing the late Danielle, who was advocating for the classmates bullied and ostracized by her? While it may be impolitic to speak ill of the deceased, I've always adhered to the belief that 'what goes around, comes around.' Karma exists. It's just a matter of timing.'

Following his statement, a wave of statements emerged from other production teams.

Finally, Cindy took the stage by bravely leading with an apology and acknowledging her own part in exposing Danielle's past actions during middle and high school.

With tears welling in her eyes, she stood before the camera, her voice trembling with emotion as she recounted the tragic tale. "The girl Danielle tormented in high school? She was the one who truly earned a coveted spot at the Capitalis' top art college. Danielle robbed her of that opportunity, causing her to plunge into despair until she felt there was no way out but to end her own life. While Danielle lived carefree for years, why should we forget the pain she inflicted just because she's no longer here?"

Abigail was stunned. She was unaware of this fact about Danielle's past. Without hesitation, she dialed Cindy's number.

Cindy answered immediately, her voice still carrying the weight of her earlier confession.

"I'm truly sorry, Miss Alana. I couldn't bear to keep it to myself any longer. I've known about these things for a while now. I chose to only reveal Danielle's bullying, but I never imagined it would end in such a tragedy for that poor girl." Cindy's words were filled with regret and sorrow.

"Is what you said in the video true? Did Danielle manipulate the admission process to replace the real victim of bullying who rightfully earned a spot at a prestigious school?" Abigail inquired, seeking confirmation.

"Yes, that girl was from Danielle's hometown. Her family was struggling financially. Against all odds, she managed to secure a place at a reputable school, but Danielle deceived her during the application process by promising support with a family computer. However, the girl's lack of familiarity with technology became Danielle's opportunity to exploit. When she discovered she had been admitted to Danielle's lousy school instead, she saw no way out but to end her own life by taking pills," Cindy explained carefully as she recounted the details shared by Sean.

Initially, she found herself inadvertently caught in the crossfire due to the unfolding events.

Her involvement in assisting Sean inadvertently provided the perfect opening for the Hinton Family to strike, leading to immediate action.

As Abigail absorbed the full extent of the situation, a weary sigh escaped her lips.

After the call ended, she sank into her office chair, and her gaze drifted aimlessly through the window, lost in thought.

Sean noticed her distant demeanor when he gently pushed open the door to her office. As such, concern was etched on his features. Stepping inside, he approached her and leaned against the desk as he inquired softly, his voice laced with genuine concern, "What's weighing on your mind?"

Abigail raised her eyes to meet his, and heavily, frustration evident in her tone. "To think that Danielle harbored such darkness within her... Has she ever displayed any semblance of remorse over the years?"

Sean's response was solemn, and his voice was tinged with resignation. "Remorse is a luxury few wrongdoers afford themselves. Instead, they merely lament their failure to conceal their transgressions more effectively."

He moved closer and took a seat on the edge of her desk while his gaze drifted downward.

Abigail cast a glance at the clock and changed the subject. "Have you had lunch? Let's grab a bite to eat together later."

Sean shook his head, his hand instinctively reaching out to gently tousle her hair. "No, I flew here in a rush. But don't fret. This too shall pass."