Katie stared at the screen, her heart sinking. Andrew was threatening her over Lilah!

She hastily typed a response. "Is your effort even worth it? Lilah is already with someone else. I'm the one who's helping you!"

But once she tapped "Send", there was a mark indicating a message sending failure. He had blocked her.

Evelyn observed Katie's distress, her own face etched with concern.

It seemed Andrew, a royal of Mirello, was indeed a man led by his heart, even to his own detriment.

The online influencers hired by Evelyn defended Katie, and the narrative began to shift.

The Golden Excellence Design Award, too, faced significant repercussions. The award organizers quickly issued a statement on social media.

“Katie Turner is truly a gifted individual. Her exceptional talent merits the accolades she received that year."

Their statement highlighted her work and conspicuously avoided addressing the scandal.

Frustrated netizens and designers began to settle down.

This change was partly due to the persistent online influencers and Katie's dedicated fans defending her in various forums.

"Katie's work speaks for itself. She is a worthy recipient of the Golden Excellence Design Award!"

"The allegations in the video are unsubstantiated. I refuse to believe that Katie would engage in such conduct."

“Let's remember Katie's background. She overcame early setbacks, working diligently to resume her education. Given her situation, it's understandable she seized every opportunity presented to her. Her talent stands firm, why this hostility toward her?"

“Maybe Katie was coerced. We should stop vilifying her. Her journey from a rural upbringing to where she is now hasn't been easy."

"Could this be part of a smear campaign? It's odd how these allegations only surfaced after Katie's move to Hualand. Could this be Lilah's doing? She couldn't have masterminded this on her own; she must have asked her man to do it!"

"Indeed, a person's looks are key today. Why isn't Lilah managing a bar instead? Claiming she's CEO material is laughable. She's on a fast track to running the company into the ground!"

“Apologize publicly! Lilah, who do you think you are to treat Katie like that?"

Some began to point fingers at Lilah for the scandal, convinced she was to blame. They called for her to apologize to Katie.

This shift in sentiment was unforeseen, but Katie found it immensely gratifying.

She believed Lilah deserved to suffer for her supposed misdeeds.

Meanwhile, at the Phillips Group headquarters...

After the exposure of Katie's scandal, the employees felt disdain for Katie and didn't mention Lilah's earlier rumors again.

Yet, to everyone's surprise, online anger was now being redirected back at Lilah.