Chapter: 188

But as she started reading the comments, her heart began to pound and her hands started to shake.

Kaitlin had gravely underestimated the hostility brewing in the strangers' discussions about her.

"Curse those capitalists, driving people to suicide!"

"This is clear-cut workplace bullying! What did she ever do? She's merely a regular employee."

“I'm boycotting Oasis Jewelry for good. With a leader like that, the designers must be cut from the same cloth, only interested in profit without a shred of decency!"

"This is beyond the pale. We need to boycott Oasis Jewelry!"

Kaitlin slammed her laptop shut. She didn't have the nerve to read any further.

The fault was landing directly on Oasis Studio.

She regretted not heeding Phoebe's advice to steer clear of letting this troublemaker into their space.

But speaking up now was futile.

The insistent knocking at the door made Kaitlin's muscles clench.

She remained silent, terrified it might be a vengeful lunatic at her door.

"Kaitlin, it's me."

Kaitlin scrutinized the peephole and, recognizing Alan, opened the door, her sigh heavy with relief.

“I saw what's happening on the news. What's going on?" he said, his voice tinged with worry.

Feeling her legs give way beneath her, Alan quickly stepped in, supporting her as they moved inside.

He didn't rush her for explanations, instead speaking in soothing tones. "It's okay, you don't need to be scared. I'm here now," he assured her.

As Kaitlin gathered her thoughts, she managed a brief explanation of the chaos swirling around her.

Alan's response was firm and supportive. "This media storm didn't erupt out of nowhere. Someone's stirring it up. I'll help you figure this out," he promised.

Kaitlin met his gaze, her expression somber as she shook her head.

“No matter what, Whitney Jones is gone. If it's my fault, I have to face the consequences."

"How could you possibly be to blame?" Alan asked, his brow furrowed in concern, Kaitlin dismissed the thought with a wave of her hand. "Don't worry about it. The studio can handle it. I don't want to drag you into this mess. I'll deal with it myself."

Alan saw her resolve but reluctantly accepted her decision. "You shouldn't stay here alone. It's not safe. Let me take you to my place," he insisted. "Your personal details are all over the Internet. It's only a matter of time before someone dangerous tries to find you. I won't be at ease knowing you're here by yourself."

As he spoke, a sharp knock interrupted them.