Chapter 73
Celestine scrolled through Instagram in silence, not saying a word.
She methodically recorded every page, saving each screenshot as evidence.
When Crystal Lennox found out what happened, she was furious. “I’m calling Carmen right now and telling her to take that post down!”
She tried to reach Carmen herself, but Carmen pretended to vanish.
No replies to her messages, phone switched off.
Celestine handed her a glass of water. “Let it go, Crystal. Forcing her to delete the post now will just make it look like we have something to hide. Let her enjoy her five minutes of internet fame–she clearly wants the attention.”
“I’m so sorry, Celly.” Crystal buried her face in her hands, guilt written all over her.
“What are you apologizing for?” Celestine blinked at her, amused.
Crystal paused, realization dawning. “Wait… Celly, did you think of a way to clear this up?”
Celestine smiled. “The security cameras outside the office building were working yesterday, right?”
Crystal gave a relieved laugh. “I can’t believe I forgot about that!”
It didn’t take long for Celestine to pull the complete security footage from the previous afternoon.
She copied it, backed it up on her phone, and then set out for the Fordham family’s estate to retrieve the last piece of proof she needed.
But just as she was organizing all the evidence, an unexpected ally spoke up on her
behalf.
[Mirabelle Official: Miss Selwyn is truly a kind person. She would never do
something as underhanded as stealing someone’s partner.]
Mirabelle’s public show of support turned the tide overnight, silencing the rumors
that Celestine was so disliked no one would defend her.
The truth, however, was more complicated.
Crystal Lennox, given her public standing, couldn’t speak out directly.
14:06
Chapter 73
Pete had rallied his friends to defend Celestine online, but their efforts were drowned out by real trolls and bot accounts.
Mirabelle, though–she was the hottest rising star in the business. Her statement had real influence.
In terms of social media buzz, Mirabelle had even surpassed Joanna, who’d been out of the limelight for years and was only recently making a comeback.
Mirabelle was respected in the industry–talented, scandal–free, never one to stir up drama. The only thing tabloids ever speculated about was her love life.
And now, in the middle of the crucial Magnolia Awards nomination season, Mirabelle’s open support became the strongest backbone Celestine could have hoped for.
Instagram exploded.
Everyone was stunned.
Carmen’s Instagram was bombarded with ridicule, the backlash immediate and
intense.
[Seriously?]: Chasing clout? Girl, you’ve got affiliate links in your bio–who’s really trying to profit off this drama?
Joanna’s Instagram was also flooded with sarcastic comments from people eagerly watching the scene unfold.
[Popcorn Ready]: Don’t play dumb, Miss Sinclair! Mirabelle’s spoken up, and your wishy–washy attitude just dragged someone innocent through the mud.
Meanwhile, the Fordham Group issued an official statement.
[Miss Selwyn’s contract with Fordham Group ended as scheduled. She chose not to renew and left the company. Any online rumors suggesting otherwise are false. The employee responsible for spreading misinformation has been terminated.]
Celestine’s former colleagues, finally given the chance, spoke up for her–and their words were pinned to the top of the company’s official account.
[Celestine might not have been in the office much, but she always finished her work on time and never left it for anyone else! She only took time off to care for her child–she’s married! We’ve all seen how much she loves her kid. There’s no way she’s the greedy, selfish person the rumors say. Everyone needs to get a grip!]
The comment was highlighted by Fordham Group, making it impossible to ignore.
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14:07
Chapter 73
Some neutral followers–who’d once spoken up for Joanna–were now furious as the narrative flipped again and again, their earlier sympathy turning into sharp, angry jabs.
Carmen’s Instagram, overwhelmed by criticism, had to disable comments.
When Joanna saw the two trending topics reversing public opinion online, she threw a fit in the break room on set.
Crash! The last cup shattered against the floor.
Her face twisted with rage. “Are these idiots blind? Can’t they see who’s really at fault? Why are they blaming me for their own stupidity?”
