Chapter: 18

"Contact Nora about the plagiarism case. Tell her to relax at home; we've got everything covered," Kaitlin said with confidence.

Phoebe's eyes sparkled with renewed hope. "Kaitlin, do you have a strategy in mind?"

"Yes, I've got it handled."

“That's amazing! You're a lifesaver, Kaitlin!" Phoebe exclaimed, embracing Kaitlin enthusiastically.

"Thanks, but now it's time to work. We've still got orders to fill, right?" Kaitlin gently reminded her.

“What would you Like to eat? I'll fetch anything for you. Consider me your dedicated minion!" Phoebe declared, her voice playful.

Amused, Kaitlin responded, "You're too much, Phoebe. If you hadn't taken me in, I'd be homeless after my divorce."

Touched by the sentiment, Phoebe was almost teary-eyed but Kaitlin quickly directed her, "Just bring me a cup of hot chocolate, please."

"Consider it done!" Phoebe replied cheerfully, heading out.

Alone now, Kaitlin powered up her computer and logged into her Twitter account. She initiated a chat with a user known as Three Drops, a notorious Internet troll and gossip blogger whose influence turned any murmuring into a headline.

With the evidence against a judge, Kaitlin wasted no time, and texted, "Hey, are you there? I've got solid evidence against Larry Maddox, the judge of this year's Hope Design Competition."

The response was immediate, a direct and keen inquiry. “How much do you want for it?"

Kaitlin smirked, fingers flying over the keyboard as she prepared her next move. "You don't need to pay for this information. Instead, I'm asking for a favor. Take these documents, confront Larry Maddox, and persuade him to clear Nora Andrews from the plagiarism charges. If he refuses, expose his misdeeds."

The other side weighed the potential benefits.

"And if he doesn't clear her?"

"Then you handle it as you see fit. If he does clear her, I'll provide you with more insider news that will definitely pique your interest."

Kaitlin attached the documents, demonstrating her commitment.

Three Drops reviewed the contents and was taken aback. The information was potent enough to stir significant controversy online.

Even if he chose not to publish it, he wouldn't lose anything.

His livelihood relied on a steady flow of information. Keeping reliable sources meant more earnings in the long term. If Kaitlin could uncover such private matters, it hinted at her ability to unearth other secrets as well.

"Alright, I'm on it. You really know how to play the game."

"Thank you. I believe in karma."

Kaitlin had not used a secondary account for this exchange, signaling her honesty and directness. If Three Drops wanted to track the account, he could easily determine its owner. But transparency was more effective in this case.

Her Twitter account was associated with the same studio as Nora's, clarifying her intentions for Three Drops.