Chapter 64

Because of their comments, things took a turn for the worse, and they were arrested by the police.

As for the extremists causing trouble at the hospital entrance, Neville helped track them down, and those individuals all issued public apologies before being detained for assault. This swift and decisive action significantly reduced the number of online trolls targeting Stella. The official statement had a sobering effect on many in the frenzy, yet some keyboard warriors still engaged in malicious speculation about her. Stella decided to take legal action against those who continued spreading false rumors.

Once caught, these keyboard warriors admitted their hateful remarks were baseless and entirely fabricated. Some even confessed to being paid to tarnish Stella's online reputation.

In the hospital room, Rachel looked like a mess. Her clothes and face were covered in eggshells, lettuce leaves, and various colorful, unknown liquids. The wound on her forehead had been treated but still looked nasty.

Rachel was sobbing when Haynes entered the room. Jasper was trying to comfort her, but it didn't help. Seeing Haynes, Jasper angrily explained the situation. “Haynie, those people who attacked Rachel were sent by that awful woman, Stella.”

Haynes asked, “How do you know Stella sent them?”

Those surrounding us said something about karma, suggesting we needed to experience what it's like to be harassed online. Previously, Stella had been falsely accused of murder and subjected to relentless online harassment. The backlash upended her life and left her physically and emotionally scarred.

Jasper continued confidently, “Stella has always disliked Rachel and made things difficult for her. After everything that’s happened, she’s probably seeking revenge against Rachel. Who else could it be?”

Haynes looked thoughtful. “You’re basing this on what those people said?”

At this point, Rachel, who had been silent, looked up and fixed her gaze on Haynes. “Haynie, Stella has hated me for a long time. Posting that video online shows she wishes I were dead.”

Haynes suddenly asked, “Rachel, why did you lie?”

Tears welled up in Rachel’s eyes. “During the car accident, I was momentarily dizzy. When I snapped back, I saw the car aiming at me and thought it was Ms. Cameron…”

Jasper interrupted, “Haynie, Rachel didn’t know Stella was the driver and offered a reward for witnesses to prove her innocence. But who would have thought those witnesses would be so unreliable, making things up for money? Rachel’s also a victim here. Rachel doesn’t have much time left, and now, she’s suffering cyber abuse.” Jasper clenched his fists, his face full of anger. “Stella is trying to kill Rachel!”

Rachel looked at Haynes with despair and tears. “I know, at this point, you probably won’t believe anything I say, Haynie, go. I don’t want to drag you into this.”

Haynes’ brow furrowed slightly. “Why were you at the bathroom door that day, saying those things to Stella?”