"Disgraced artist? Are you kidding me?!" Abby''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Just because of some rumors about Antoney? Those stories might not even be true! What gives you the right to cancel our concert?!"


    On the other end, the voice replied, "It''s only a temporary suspension. If you can prove Antoney has nothing to do with the scandal, the concert will go ahead as nned."


    Abby was furious. "They''re ndering us-shouldn''t it be their job to provide evidence? You''re really going tobel Antoney a disgrace just because of a few video clips? Isn''t that way too hasty?"


    There was an awkward cough on the other side. "Uh... this is an order from higher up. We''re just following instructions."


    Abby wanted to argue more, but Ste gently ced a hand on her arm, shaking her head as a signal to stop.


    Abby knew she was right-no amount of arguing would change anything. She just couldn''t swallow the injustice.


    For now, the only n was to do as Star suggested: confront the user directly, then propose a paternity test.


    ...


    But while Abby was busy firing back at the so-called whistleblower online, yet another problem erupted at the studio.


    Someone had leaked Antoney''s studio address.


    Soon, a swarm of angryizens began sending funeral wreaths, creepy dolls, and all sorts of disturbing things to the office.


    Worse still, a crowd gathered downstairs, demanding answers from Antoney.


    It was Candida''s first official day at work. The moment she saw the mob outside the building, she froze in shock.


    Without hesitation, she called Ste.


    After hearing Candida''s shaky ount, Ste spoke quietly: "Go home for today. Abby''s already rented a new studio for us. Once we''ve cleaned up, you cane back in a couple of days."


    "Okay."


    Candida hung up, ready to slip away, when a tall, sharply dressed figure blocked her path.


    "Candida, I finally found you."


    She looked up, her face draining of color.


    "Karl?!"


    ...


    In just two days, Abby''s public sparring with the user sent the scandal''s buzz


    to a fever pitch.


    And if


    Time was running out. If Antoney''s issue wasn''t resolved soon, there''d be no way to hold the concert. his reputation took a hit, nobod would buy tickets anyway.


    Abby wasted no time-she publicly demanded a paternity test with the user.


    Suddenly, the other party''s social media went silent.


    At first, the tide of public opinion had been entirely against Antoney. But now, things were shifting. He still had plenty of devoted fans. While many had jumped ship after the scandal broke, some die-hards chose to stand by him.


    But anyone who voiced support for Antoney was quickly pped with a "fangirl"bel, bombarded with sarcasticments, and mocked until they fell silent.


    Still, Antoney''s willingness to fight back publicly suggested he had nothing to hide.


    Of course, some sniped back that thest celebrity who said that ended up behind bars.


    After a day of silence, the other side finally responded: they agreed to the paternity test.


    Everyone knew refusing or dodging now would mean only one thing.


    Abby read their reply, her excitement barely contained. "Star, Antoney''s about to turn this around!"


    But Ste didn''t share Abby''s enthusiasm. Her brows were furrowed, worry clouding her face.


    Abby''s smile faded. "Star, what''s wrong? Is there still a problem?"


    "No," Ste sighed softly. "I just hope I''m overthinking it."


    Everything had been happening at oncetely, and Ste-already run ragged had caught a chill. That night, after making dinner for


    Marvin, she realized she was


    running a fever.


    Worried about passing on her cold, Ste immediately called Neville Connolly.


    "Mr. Connolly, I''m feeling under the weather. Would you mind taking Marvin home for a few days?"