?<strong>Chapter 213:</strong>


    Joelle tried to maintain a positive outlook despite the circumstances. “The number of critics has exploded from thousands to hundreds of thousands. At least my children are unharmed. I couldn’t handle it if they were targeted.”


    After Joelle ended her call with Katherine, Rafael approached. Joelle didn’t want him to worry, so she managed a smile. “Have the kids gone to bed?”


    Rafael nodded, concern evident in his voice. “Joelle, are you alright?”


    She had not shared the extent of the cyberbullying or the studio incident with Rafael, fearing it would stress him and possibly provoke further online bacsh. The inte felt like an overwhelming foe.


    “I’m fine,” she assured him, choosing still not to divulge everything.


    Rafael’s expression softened. “If there’s ever anything you need to talk about, I’m here.”


    “Really, Rafael, I’m okay. No need to worry.”


    “Okay.”


    However, Joelle soon realized she had underestimated the severity of the online harassment. One day, as she headed home, she noticed several suspicious figures near her residence. Even the building’s management had cautioned her, noting a surge in unfamiliar faces around the area.


    Concerned for Aurora and Rnd’s well-being, Joelle opted not to return home and instead stayed at a hotel. On the third day, noticing a reduction in online hostility, Joelle ventured out for dinner. Unexpectedly, within an hour of her departure, she realized she was being followed.


    A man with a camera had tracked her from the restaurant. Joelle didn’t even finish her meal and quickly left. Once inside the elevator, her anxiety eased slightly, but a worrying thought crossed her mind: what if these people discovered which floor she was on? Therefore, she pressed the button for every floor.


    When the elevator stopped on the twenty-sixth floor, Joelle stepped out cautiously, continuously ncing back to check if anyone was tailing her. She felt as though she was enduring a type of public humiliation, where she could almost sense usatory fingers pointing at her.


    To reach her room, she needed to navigate around two corners. As she turned the second corner, she spotted two individuals in hats lingering by her door. “Is this the right ce?” “Yeah, my sister’s at the front desk. She said Joelle Watson’s in this room!”


    Joelle pressed herself against the wall, gripped by fear.


    “Hey! You vile woman! Open up!” A loud bang echoed in the hallway.


    Joelle’s heart raced with terror.


    “Isn’t she inside?”


    “No problem, we’ll just wait here. She has toe back sometime! And when she does, she’ll regret it!”


    Joelle was too scared to attempt returning to her room. She thought about heading back to the elevator but then heard noisesing from that direction. “Are we on the right floor?”


    “Yes, we haven’t checked this one yet!”


    She was caught between threats on both sides! Joelle found herself frozen in the corridor, unable to proceed either way. She regretted not wearing a hat for her outing.


    With no means to vanish or fly away, her only option seemed to be knocking on a random door and hoping someone would help her. If fortune was on her side, she might find a ce to hide. If not, and she ran into someone who despised her, it could spell disaster.


    Caught in a moment of urgency, she saw a door swing open. Without hesitating, she darted towards the figure emerging from it. “Excuse me! Can I hide here for a moment?”


    Her timing was impable. She entered into darkness, unable to make out any details. Her first impression of the man was his height and sturdy build, towering over her.


    In an instant, he had her pinned against the wall, her arms secured behind her. Ignoring the difort, Joelle’s urge to cry overwhelmed her. This was it; she had encountered yet another person who hated her. “Who sent you?”


    That voice… Joelle attempted to turn her head, but the darkness obscured her view.


    “Adrian?”


    He hesitated, then reinserted his room card.


    As light filled the room, Joelle’s heart surged with relief. Adrian let her go, scrutinizing her with a frown. “Joelle, what, throwing yourself at me again?”


    “Shh!” Joelle pressed her ear against the door, straining to hear the conversations outside. “Where is she?”


    “Hasn’t shee back yet?”


    “No way.”


    “You’re definitely saw her leaving the restaurant!”


    “She couldn’t have escaped! Go find her!”


    Joelle shuddered to think what might happen if they caught her.


    Adrian whispered closely, “Given your current notoriety, you still dared to go out?”


    It was clear that even Adrian was aware of the situation. Joelle maintained herposure. “It’s only a matter of time.” She then looked Adrian over and asked, “Why are you here?”


    Adrian remained silent. Curiosity got the better of Joelle as she nced around, half-expecting to see another woman hidden inside.


    Suddenly, a knock at the door startled her. Fearing she was discovered, Joelle instinctively sought refuge in Adrian’s arms. Adrian didn’t push her away, understanding that anyone facing such relentless online attacks would be on high alert.


    A voice outside asked, “Mr. Miller, have you changed? I’m really sorry for spilling wine on you earlier.” Adrian answered, “It’s okay.”


    Joelle gazed downward, her eyes shimmering as she fixed her stare on the floor. After the threat seemed to recede, she was ovee by a wave of exhaustion and fear.


    Adrian firmly grasped her arm and helped her to her feet. Tears began to fill Joelle’s eyes.


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