News of my past relationship with Luke was unexpectedly leaked.
Soft articles flooded the internet.
They implied that I had abandoned Luke for status and proximity to Finley.
At the height of the public outcry, Lila came forward with revelations:
"Do you know why Elise went to the financial section? Because it's more promising, and with Finley backing her, Elise squeezed out other newcomers to dominate the field. She was with Luke for five years, had a stutter, but once she recovered, she latched onto Finley with her clever tactics."
Someone asked below: "How do you know this so well?"
Lila was at a loss for words. Lila replied: "Because I was that newcomer."
Soon, someone uncovered Lila's resume.
"She's not exactly a newcomer, graduated with a master's degree in journalism."
"To push out someone with such a high-level education, there must be something fishy going on."
Lila was smart.
After pushing the narrative, the conflict escalated from personal grievances to class warfare.
Online, a tide of sarcastic sentiment spread.
"Workers empathize strongly, hating parachutists the most."
"Who she marries is her business, but if she comes to steal my job, I'll fight her."
"Oh, so Elise's articles might not have been written by her?"
"She has ghostwriters. With that much money, hiring a few ghostwriters is nothing."
Although Finley and I issued a statement promptly.
Yet the cyberbullying was like a sudden hurricane, burying the truth.
For a moment, emotions ran high.
No one listened.
No one cared.
They just wanted to vent their frustrations at a perceived enemy.
And I became the unfortunate target.
The situation escalated, even affecting the company.
The editor-in-chief called me in and said solemnly, "Now, there are two paths in front of you."
"One, resign. two, participate in the News Awards in three months and prove yourself with your abilities."
The News Award is a highly prestigious award.
It's known for its rigorous evaluation process.
No contestant can win this honor through cheating.
Without hesitation, I chose the latter, a do-or-die situation.
I entered the busiest period since joining the company.
On the sixth day of overtime, Finley called on schedule.
Hearing my weary voice, he paused and asked, "Do you want me to handle this?"
I knew he had a professional PR team that could easily suppress the matter.
But, suppressing is worse than guiding.
Instead of silencing voices, it's better to show strength.
To win hearts and minds.
I declined his offer. "Mr. Hebert, I'll walk this path myself."
Lila capitalized on the publicity, joining a rival news agency and reportedly securing an interview with a prominent figure.
The articles she produced during this period were of decent quality.
Public opinion increasingly believed that Lila had been marginalized.
The editor-in-chief constantly reassured me, "It's alright, I believe in your abilities."
On the day I submitted my work, I went straight to bed when I got home.
When I woke up, the sky outside was pitch black.
I heard Finley's voice.
"Wake up?"
A dull feeling welled up in my chest.
"How long did I sleep?"
"Two days and nights," he kissed my forehead. "I had to touch you every now and then to make sure you were still alive."
Two days.
My heart raced.
"Has the result come out?"
"Yes, the award for Best Newcomer Journalist, First Prize."
I lifted my head in disbelief, trying to find Finley's face in the darkness.
Finley hugged my head, touching foreheads with me and affectionately rubbing his nose against mine.
"Well done."
I buried my head in Finley's chest, my eyes moistening.
All the grievance endured over these days finally poured out.
Finley patted my back. "You did great, really."
"What about Lila?"
"No award."
I was stunned. "None?"
"Mm, the news association didn't give a specific reason, just that she didn't win."
Checking my phone, I found that Lila had posted a status update a day ago: "Can't fight it, surrendering."
Many people asked below: "What happened?" "How are you?"
Someone commented: "She was robbed of the award."
"Was it Elise again? She's pulling all the strings."
I quietly observed her stirring up trouble, foreseeing her end.
When one person can't fight alone, turn one person's struggle into a collective effort.
This is what Lila taught me.
