Chapter 40

“When Hugo saw my online harassment, he immediately wanted a divorce. My mother scolded me, saying she’d raised a daughter like me? They were morally corrupt and plagiarized. Everyone abandoned me. I’m still alive. What’s the point?” Bella’s expression was desperate.

Bella finished speaking, burying her face in her hands and sobbing uncontrollably.

The reporter hugged her comfortingly. “Don’t be sad, Miss Lopez. It’s not your fault. You were blinded by Hugo Roberts. You’re a young woman confused by love. It’s okay to make mistakes. But no matter what, you must be strong; don’t give up your life because of this!”

Releasing Bella, the reporter looked emotionally at the camera. “I believe many netizens feel as I do. Hearing your truth, they will stand by you and help you get your sister, Sophia Lopez, and her family to forgive you. As for Hugo Roberts, that kind of scoundrel, we just need to avoid him. Who hasn’t encountered a few bad people? You’re young; don’t let this ruin your life!”

The video ended. I instantly understood Bella’s purpose.

Her suicide attempt, a calculated ploy for sympathy, had garnered everyone’s attention and compassion.

Netizens instantly transformed into detectives and self-appointed arbiters of justice.

“I’m on Bella’s side. She seems pure and genuine, not scheming. Besides, the evidence online—Sophia and Hugo’s chats—doesn’t implicate Bella. She’s innocent!”

“Yes! Someone mentioned a video in the restaurant; the couple was flirting under the table.”

“Exactly! Bella is pitiful. Used by a scoundrel, about to be discarded, and unforgiven by her sister and family. If I were her, I’d be driven to suicide too.”

“Bella is so kind. Such a young woman, facing this devastation… she must be collapsing. How could Sophia do this? Even if Bella plagiarized her work—what about the earlier plagiarism? Why didn’t Sophia speak up then? She’s her sister! How could she treat her so cruelly? To resort to such ruthlessness to drive her to death? I’m ashamed of her!”

“If this were a stranger, people would stop persecuting them after learning the truth. But they’re sisters! Sophia is vicious!”

“Bella, be strong! We support you. Stay away from that scoundrel and protect yourself!”

A few maintained some clarity, stating that while there wasn’t enough evidence to confirm Bella’s claims, they couldn’t accept her words as absolute truth.

Unfortunately, most sided with the perceived weak, unwilling to pause and think.

I watched Bella’s performance, then the keyboard warriors cheering her on. A few keystrokes transformed them into righteous avengers. The irony was staggering!

Bella was clever. She exploited a loophole, shifting blame to Hugo and perfectly portraying herself as a victim.

Her suicide attempt amplified public sympathy, effectively clearing her name. Hugo’s reputation was now in ruins.

I hadn’t expected that after her failed attempt to drug me and create a compromising video, she’d launch such a powerful counterattack the next day.

I stared sullenly at the computer, contemplating my next move. Continuing to expose Bella might be successful, but it would only invite further attacks.

Just then, my mother called. I grabbed my phone and went outside.

The design department buzzed with activity the moment I left.

“What do you think about the internet situation?”

“What’s there to think about? Sophia’s design was plagiarized, but Bella’s suicide attempt changed everything.”

“Yeah, innocent plagiarizer, kept in the dark, deceived by love, deceived by a scoundrel, and finally attempted suicide. Even if Sophia wins the lawsuit, it’s a loss. Netizens aren't on her side.”

“This is the ‘winning the lawsuit, losing the hearts of the people’ scenario. There’s no difference between winning and losing this lawsuit. Should we continue fighting?”

“Who knows? Ask President Luka.”