Chapter 63
Because of their comments, things took a turn for the worse, and they got arrested by the police.
As for the extremists causing trouble at the hospital entrance, Neville helped track them, and those people all issued public apologies before being detained for assault.
After the swift and decisive action, the number of online trolls targeting Stella dropped significantly.
After all, the official statement had a sobering effect on many in the frenzy. Yet, some keyboard warriors still engaged in malicious speculation about Stella.
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 getting paid to tarnish Stella’s reputation online.
In the hospital room, Rachel looked like a mess. Her clothes and face were full of 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 started to explain 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, sounding like we needed to experience what it’s like to get harassed online.”
Previously, Stella had been falsely accused of murder, 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 long. 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?”