“Katie's story is motivational! I believe in her. Past mistakes are just that-past. She will rise above them."

"Katie is a credible designer. She's acknowledged her faults and made amends. That's respectable, unlike some so-called designers with questionable qualifications who exude unwarranted pride."

"Katie's authenticity shines through. Everyone stumbles. It's how we recover that counts. Her life's story could fill a book. My support for her is unwavering!"

"I appreciate your designs, Katie; you've consistently impressed me.

Keep it up, and I'm eager to see your future creations!"

“What is this madness? Does everyone forget so easily? Trading dignity for success is now acceptable? This is ridiculous!"

“Seems some of you are Lilah enthusiasts. Maybe you should scrutinize who Lilah really is. Aligning with her spells trouble, while Katie, at least, stands on her own!"

"Just a neutral observer here, but isn't anyone else baffled?

Wrongdoing is evident, yet genuine apologies are absent from Katie's statement. It's as if compromising integrity is now the norm."

"It's perplexing that there's still support for someone willing to sacrifice their morals... I simply can't fathom it."

These bystanders aired their views, only to be met with vitriol from Katie's supporters, leaving them dumbfounded. They were merely onlookers yet found themselves targeted for their comments.

The debate escalated into a frenzied, toxic exchange. A silver lining, however, emerged as some retained their reason, finding Katie's public apology unconvincing. A faction of fans even justified using personal appeal to advance one's career, which led to a rift, prompting some supporters to distance themselves from Katie.

This only agitated her fervent admirers, who turned on the defectors.

"It must be Lilah's doing, hiring trolls to smear Katie's hard-earned reputation. Even if Katie slipped up, does she deserve such harsh treatment?"

"Go ahead, leave. You were never true fans. We don't need disloyalty!"

Bystanders and former advocates were left without words.

Even Lilah, upon observing the debacle, couldn't suppress a chuckle.

Ironically, Katie's most zealous supporters caused more damage to her reputation and made her lose more fans.

Katie, witnessing her fan base crumbling, was consumed by anxiety and fury.

Why was she reaping all the repercussions, while Lilah remained unscathed?

In a desperate retaliation, she commissioned a PR team to continue spreading rumors that Lilah was seen at a hotel with an unidentified man, hoping to stir controversy around her.

This gossip, spun solely from Katie's narrative, lacked any substantiating proof. Nevertheless, it gained traction among those who envied Lilah's apparent conquest of Gerard-Eleywood's coveted bachelor—fueling the flames of jealousy.

Despite many people harboring hopes for their separation, Lilah spent her day immersed in crafting a birthday present for Gerard.

Determined to present it to him at the earliest, she did not dally.