Chapter 190: Its impossible… Theas heart pounded as the realization hit her.
In a panic, she scrambled to delete the defamatory posts shed made in the dead of night.
But no matter how desperately she clicked, the posts remained.
Staring at her screen in stunned disbelief, she saw a new comment pop up Allison had entered the fray.
Ive already gathered evidence, and my lawyer will be in touch.
The ground seemed to drop beneath Thea.
Of all the things she had anticipated, being caught red-handed by Allison herself was not one of them.
Frantically, she tried to cover her tracks.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard.
Ms.
Clarke, I think theres been a misunderstanding.
The forum is glitching.
Those arent my posts I dont know why its showing my name like that… Allisons reply was swift, and it hit like a hammer blow.
Oh, no worries.
Well let the lawyer verify that with the forums administrators.
Im sure theyll uncover the real identities.
Theas fragile defense crumbled.
Worse, the forums users began chiming in, turning against her.
Looks like there might be a bug, but the ID is definitely yours.
I double-checked my posts theyre under my real name too.
Come on, Thea.
Are you going to lie your way out of this? Whether its true or not, like Ms.
Clarke said, the evidence will speak for itself.
Well see soon enough.
And by the way, if the post reaches 2,000 hits, isnt that grounds for a lawsuit? You could end up in jail for defamation.
Each comment chipped away at Theas nerves, like a slow, agonizing drip of water wearing down a stone.
She had thought hiding behind anonymity would keep her safe, that she could spread rumors without consequence.
Now, not only had Allison tracked her down, but the post was surging in popularity 2,000 views was just around the corner! Sweat beaded on her forehead as she typed an apology, her hands trembling.
Im so sorry, Ms.
Clarke.
I was… I dont know what came over me.
I was jealous.
I made a huge mistake.
Please, please forgive me.
The apology felt rehearsed mechanical, hollow but Thea knew she had no other option.
Behind her words, anger simmered.novelbin
How had she been so careless? If only she had hired someone else to do her dirty work, or better yet, passed the photos to a tabloid.
Why had she been so reckless? Before Allison could respond, others jumped in, the mockery raining down like stones.
Good thing I didnt fall for it.
Ive worked with Ms.
Clarke in the lab.
Shes not that kind of person.
Exactly.
Too late to apologize now, Thea.
Just brace yourself for the legal consequences! Thea clenched her fists, fury swirling inside her.
Yet she had no choice now but to grovel and hope for mercy.
The last thing she could afford was a lawsuit.
If it came to that, shed be ruined both financially and professionally.
How had the forum, which had always been her haven for gossip, betrayed her now? He didnt understand the technical details, but he knew one thing for sure Allison was not someone who forgave easily.
In the end, her response was simple and chilling.
Everyone must answer for their own words.
Theas breath caught in her throat.
Her fate was sealed! Her limbs went numb as she collapsed in front of her computer, staring at the unrelenting flood of insults.
Her career, her reputation, everything she had fought to build it was all on the brink of collapse.
She cursed herself for ever stepping out of line.
If Allison decided to get a lawyer and sue her, it would ruin her in the industry! Logging off, Allison calmly handed the laptop back to Kellan.
Thank you, Mr.
Lloyd.
Is everything alright? If you need anything, just say the word.
Allison took a sip of her coffee, her gaze cold and composed.
Just dealt with a minor inconvenience.
Nothing worth mentioning.
Sherman, who had been watching from the corner, could hardly believe his eyes.
The sight of Kellan handing over his personal computer, loaded with sensitive information, to someone else so easily was unthinkable.
As Kellans personal assistant, Sherman knew just how fiercely guarded that device was he wouldnt dare touch it without permission.
Yet all Ms.
Clarke had to do was ask, and Kellan had given it to her without hesitation.
What kind of trust did they share? Two hours later, Allison and her companions reached Vrining.
The MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute loomed ahead, shrouded in mystery.
Few people outside the upper echelons even knew of its existence, and those who did spoke of it in whispers.
Its location was just as secretive, buried deep within an impenetrable maze of land.
Kellan surveyed the rugged terrain around them.
Without someone with intimate knowledge of the area, navigating to the institute would have been a fools errand.
But Allison moved with the confidence of someone who had been here many times before.
With Lorna by her side, she nodded toward Kellan.
Mr.
Lloyd, follow me.
Lets get Lorna inside first.
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.
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