Chapter 113
Over the next two days, the arguments between netizens raged. Initially, most netizens believed Vespera’s response was solid and credible. But slowly, things began to shift.
An anonymous account, claiming to be an Eclipse Group worker, stated that Vespera’s response showcased her acting skills. Her true colors, the account alleged, were revealed when she hit Tina at the airport. The account urged everyone not to be fooled.
Later, another anonymous account—purporting to be a hotel employee—pointed out that Vespera’s video was edited. The account detailed discrepancies as if the person had witnessed the events firsthand. The alleged employee noted that the pillars at the hotel entrance were under renovation and covered with a protective layer at the time of the video. However, the video showed no such layer. Clearly, the footage had been edited.
As time passed, more such accounts emerged. Popular content creators and influencers, known for their commentary on gossip, began offering their own speculations. Everyone seemed to have become a genius detective, pointing out details and making groundless accusations, each speaking confidently as if their claims were absolute truth.
One blogger took an unusual approach, using AI to replace faces in the videos. He even altered the video background, edited the sounds, and fabricated a screenshot of a fake conversation. His aim was to demonstrate the ease with which AI could be used to fabricate evidence.
Soon, the evidence from both sides seemed highly suspicious. Ultimately, even psychologists weighed in, leaving netizens more confused than ever—who was telling the truth?
The online discussion intensified as public opinion swung between supporting Vespera and Tina. Some supported Vespera because she was Luke’s wife; a wedding certificate couldn’t be falsified. Regardless of other evidence, Tina didn’t seem as wonderful as Felicia had described; everything about Tina screamed “bitchy.”
Furthermore, Luke stood by Vespera, refuting Felicia’s claims during their feud. This indicated that Vespera wasn't the failing wife Felicia portrayed her as. Instead, Luke sounded like he had cheated on Vespera, explaining his support for her.
Of course, others supported Tina. The reasoning was that a young heiress might have a skewed perspective on love, perhaps unaware that she had become Luke’s mistress because, to her, love was love. By the time Tina fell deeply in love with Luke, it was too late for her to withdraw. She was willing to endure the public backlash for love. Clearly, she was head over heels for him. Also, if Thahed blamed Felicia, why would Felicia foolishly speak up for Tina? That seemed contradictory and unbelievable.
The online chaos continued for another three days. Netizens eagerly awaited the next chapter of the unfolding drama. But Vespera, Luke, and Tina all went silent.
Gerard and Raymond closely monitored the news daily, secretly updating Dominic on developments. He always seemed rather nonchalant after hearing their reports.
The next morning, Vespera rose and went to the balcony, stretching while looking out at the sea. For the past few days, she hadn’t read the netizens’ comments; she’d turned off her phone and kept it in her bag. But she already had an idea of what had transpired. That’s how the internet worked—one might understand the rules and how the game was played, but so did their opponent. In the end, the truth didn’t matter anymore.
Before reaching Natalie’s home that morning, after eating, Vespera went to bed and slept the entire day before waking up the next. Two nights prior, she had driven all night.
Natalie’s home was in a fishing village. As soon as Vespera stepped outside, she was greeted by the sight of the sea. Vernon and Wanda had been there for a few days. At the monggal, Vernon and Vespera’s uncle, Maurice Hall, had gone out to sea, leaving Wanda and Natalie to dry the fish. Natalie and Wanda sighed as they watched Vespera stretching on the second-floor balcony.
“Although Wera has been severely bullied, there’s nothing we can do for her,” Wanda said, hanging her head.
Suddenly, an idea struck Wanda. Still holding a fish, she turned to Natalie and asked, “Mom, why don’t we go to Ravendale and tell the Lockes about Vespera? We can’t protect her, but they can.”