Chapter 53
Alex’s words made me second–guess myself. When I got back to the dorm, I immediately reopened Hastings Group’s recruitment website. Sure enough, there was an opening for
an office assistant
1 owned slighth. Had I really missed this before?
The university acted quickly be that evening, they released a video clearing my name, officially staring had been falsely accused. But the response wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for.
“Who are these people?” Lila timed, pacing angrily. “They’re saying the university is blased?”
listened to her rant while pulling out my phone to check the comments for myself.
Just as I had expected, the comment section of the video the university posted was flooded with hate. I frowned and set the phone down. I didn’t have the energy to deal with this right now.
A few days later, Lila woke me up again, shaking me frantically.
“What’s going on, Lila?” I groaned, rubbing my eyes. Thad been up late studying for three nights straight and had barely managed four hours of sleep,
“You need to check the internet!” she cried, on the verge of tears, “Someone posted a video of julian proposing to you and your rejection! And… And that take photo Kevin edited
I took her phone and watched the video.
The video was clearly recorded on–site. It showed Julian’s proposal, along with the obscene photo Kenn edited.
The worst part was that the video was cut right after confronted Kevin and forced him to admit the truth, lewing enough ambiguity to spark even more discussion
“Who is this women Why is she acting so entitled?‘ one person commented.
“Seriously. That poor barista who liked her got investigated and threatened, mother replied.
“Rich people these days, huh? They can investigate whomever they want. What chance do regular people like us beve?”
The hate comments this time were worse than before.
throwned. The incident had happened so suddenly back then. After all this time, there was no way 1 could track down the original surveillance footage.
Defeated, flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.
Then, my phone rang. It was Morn
Thesitated for a second before answering. “Hi, Mom ”
“Smena, are you okay? I saw the news online. Is it true? Her voice was full of concem.
“Of course not,” I said quickly, my voice trembling slightly. Hearing her voke brought a wave of motion I couldn’t hold back
“Tknew it,” she said with a relieved sigh. My daughter would never do something like that. What’s happening now?
“Well.” 1 besitated, then decided to be honest. I’m still trying to find evidence to prove the truth. But it’s been so long I don’t even know if I can.” Honestly, I didn’t deel confident with what I said
There was some muffled conversation on her end before Mr. Hastings Senior’s voice came through the phone
“Hey, Serma it’s me
*Mr. Hastings Senior 1 asked,confused
Serena, do you have any leads o
I shook my head. “Not yet”
on this yet?” he asked, cutting straight to the point.
“If your te struggling, you should ask Alex for help. He’s got a lot of people working for him. He’ll find something. There’s always a trail if you look hard enough.”
