After Elaina left, Hazel logged into her Twitter account on her computer.
Among her friend list was a user named Dark Hunter. She clicked open the chat window.
The individual was a notorious online troll leader -- whatever the latest gossip was, he was sure to be there. Known for his scathing online commentary, he had amassed a significant following.
Now a prominent figure in the gossip sphere, any scoop he leaked would instantly attract massive attention.
Hazel organized the evidence in her hands -- all of it concerning the competition judges.
(Hey, I've got some juicy dirt on Evan Grey, one of the judges for the design competition.)
The other party replied almost instantly, firing back a question:
(How much for the scoop?)
Hazel chuckled, her fingers flying across the keyboard.
(You won't need to pay for this information. Consider it a favor. All you need to do is take this material to Evan and demand that he publicly clarify Kathy didn't plagiarize. Otherwise, I'll expose him myself.)
The other party fell silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the potential benefits.
(What if he refuses to clarify?)
(Then you can handle it however you see fit. If he does clarify, I'll give you another exclusive scoop -- guaranteed to satisfy you.)
After hitting Enter, Hazel promptly sent the documents over.
Opening the files, Dark Hunter found the content explosive -- utterly riveting.
If it leaked online, it would cause a huge uproar.
But even if he couldn't leak it, he wouldn't lose much either.
After all, this was his livelihood -- the steady stream of insider information was what kept the money flowing in.
If Hazel could dig up such private matters, uncovering other secrets would surely be a breeze.
(Alright, leave this to me. You're a true friend.)
(You flatter me. I believe evil deeds will always meet retribution.)
Hazel deliberately avoided using an alternate account for the negotiation, aiming to demonstrate her sincerity.
If Dark Hunter wanted to trace the account back to its owner, it would be a simple matter.
Rather than risk suspicion, she preferred directness.
Her Twitter account and Kathy's belonged to the same studio anyway -- Dark Hunter would understand her reasoning.
(Wait for my message, Miss. Also, congrats on your comeback.)
Hazel's lips curled into a smile as she read the reply on her screen.
Who would have thought -- this Dark Hunter was actually one of her fans?
****
Evan Grey, the renowned judge of the design competition, led a vibrant nightlife. At this moment, he was lying in a private room at a nightclub, completely drunk.
His head rested on a beautiful woman's lap as he dozed off.
His phone buzzed incessantly in his pocket. Annoyed, he frowned and pulled it out.
"Who the hell is this...?"
It was his private number -- he rarely received calls from unknown sources.
There was only one possibility: the beautiful woman he had his eyes on a few days ago couldn't resist any longer and was finally offering herself tonight.
Grinning lewdly, he pushed away the woman leaning toward him and stepped out of the private room with his phone.
Outside was much quieter. He cleared his throat twice before answering, "Hello, is this Kathy?"
Dark Hunter on the other end got goosebumps all over. So he really was the kind of man who loved backdoor deals -- pretending to be respectable in public, but a slimeball behind closed doors!
"Sorry, I'm not Kathy. But don't hang up just yet. What I'm about to say will shock you -- make sure no one else can hear."
The middle-aged man's face darkened. He thought it was some kind of prank.
"Got something to say? If not, hang up."
"You remember the incident with Lucy Chen, right? The one you took advantage of?"
Evan's eyes flashed, his entire body stiffening. The alcohol sobered him almost instantly.
"If Lucy Chen doesn't ring a bell, how about these names -- Jessica, Maya? Remember them now? They're big names in the art world, past champions of the design competition. But they only won because they slept with you, right?"
By the time Dark Hunter finished, Evan's scalp tingled.
Even so, he refused to admit it.
"What nonsense are you spouting? Do you have any proof? I can sue you for defamation!"
"If it's not true, why are you so flustered? Want to see my evidence? Evan Grey, check the photos and videos I just sent you -- then call me back."
Dark Hunter hung up abruptly.
Moments later, videos and images appeared on Evan's phone.
Upon seeing them, he nearly fainted.
The footage was unspeakable -- yet undeniably showed him in a hotel room with those very champions.
Evan felt his entire career crumbling before his eyes. If this was exposed, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Without hesitation, he dialed the number back.
"How much do you want? Name your price!"
"Evan Grey, I don't want money."
"Then what do you want?" His voice grew tight. Someone who didn't want money was far more dangerous.
"Simple. The plagiarism scandal surrounding the design competition -- you started that, didn't you? Clear Kathy's name. She didn't plagiarize. End this farce."
The man exhaled in relief, but his heart sank again at the thought of Oliver.
"You want me to offend President Knight? Do you even know who's backing Oliver Howard?"
Compared to ruin and disgrace, Rayan was terrifying too!
"That's your problem. Maybe there's a way to save both sides. Figure it out yourself. You have one day. By tomorrow night, I want to see the clarification!"
The call ended abruptly.
Evan kicked a trash can in frustration and hurried off to find a solution.
One day. He had to issue a clarification without offending Oliver -- or the devil Rayan behind her.
How could this not be a death sentence?
