Both parties weren’t just suing Claire Sinclair; even Astoria Daily couldn’t escape.

With such a major incident blowing up at Astoria Daily, the atmosphere in the office grew heavy. No one dared to speak above a whisper.

As the instigator, Claire Sinclair felt perfectly calm. ’With Teacher Hartwell backing me up, I’m not worried in the slightest,’ she thought.

Just as Claire Sinclair was focusing on her next feature story, Phoebe Lockwood appeared, seeking to make her presence known. She stood with her arms crossed, her attitude as arrogant as ever.

"Claire Sinclair, you have no idea, do you? CloudScript Group has a powerful backer, and that woman, Lily Yariel, is no simple character either. Even my father has to treat her with deference. But you? You not only offended her, but you’ve also stirred up the big shot behind CloudScript. You really think Henry Hartwell can protect you? Heh... How naive."

Claire Sinclair replied coolly, "Even if I get fired today, at least I stood up for my rights and spoke out for the vulnerable people who were plagiarized by that pack of copycats. With a clear conscience, I’m not even afraid of ghosts. Why would I be afraid of some powerful forces in the shadows?"

"You—" Phoebe Lockwood, who had come over with the pretense of offering advice, was taken aback by Claire’s sharp retort and flared up in anger. "It’s no big deal if you get fired, but Editor Hartwell is being dragged down with you. Have you no shame?"

"What did you say?" Claire Sinclair vaguely sensed that something was wrong.

Phoebe Lockwood gave a cold smirk. "You don’t know? Editor Hartwell was ’invited for tea’ by the National Congress first thing this morning. It’s hard to say if he’ll be coming back unscathed. Who do you think is going to back you up now?"

’Teacher Hartwell was summoned by the National Congress...’

The news hit Claire Sinclair like a club to the head, leaving her completely blindsided.

’Didn’t he say the CloudScript Group was no match for Astoria Daily?’

’It was because he said that that I felt confident enough to write the article.’

’What do I do now?’

In that moment, Claire Sinclair panicked.

’I’m just a lowly reporter with no power or influence. I can’t save Teacher Hartwell, and I can’t even save myself. Is my career really going to end here?’

Seeing her silence, Phoebe Lockwood felt a surge of triumph.

’You damned bitch, you finally got what’s coming to you. Serves you right!’

"Claire Sinclair, if I were you, I’d resign and publicly apologize to CloudScript Group and Lily Yariel on Weibo. If you do that, maybe Editor Hartwell can come back to work. But it’s hard to say. Heh... Figure it out yourself. I can’t help you."

With that, Phoebe Lockwood sashayed away.

Claire Sinclair ignored her, picking up her phone to message Henry Hartwell.

Claire-lamity: Teacher Hartwell, I heard you were "invited for tea" by the National Congress?

She waited a long time before his reply came through.

Reporter Henry Hartwell: It’s routine for me. Nothing to worry about.

Claire-lamity: Is it because of the article I wrote?

Reporter Henry Hartwell: A little storm like this can’t shake my 220-pound frame. You need to work on becoming a giant too, so you can stand tall and unshaken.

’Here we go again...’ 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

’This batch of chicken soup for the soul is pure poison.’

Claire Sinclair forced herself to swallow this "chicken soup" and replied.

Claire-lamity: What should I do now? Phoebe Lockwood just told me that CloudScript has a powerful backer, and that Lily Yariel is no simple character.

Reporter Henry Hartwell: Marcus Miles’s uncle is one rank below Young Master Quincy. Lily Yariel is Marcus Miles’s mistress. This situation reflects a lot of things going on behind the scenes. Even if you hadn’t written this article, I would have written it myself. I’ve been wanting to clean up this cesspool for a long time.

Claire-lamity: I get it. You’re using me to do your dirty work.

Reporter Henry Hartwell: Hahaha... You’re a pretty sharp little blade. You should learn a thing or two about making the most of your assets.

Claire-lamity: ...