424: Through the Looking Glass

As the evening shadows deepened, the digital world buzzed relentlessly. Fabricated stories of a love triangle swirled online, igniting public curiosity and stoking the embers of gossip. Companies linked to Emma, Bauer, and Alex reeled under the weight of public scrutiny, shares trembling under the onslaught of rumor. Emma leaned against her desk, scrolling through the sea of misinformation, her face a mask of calm. "What do you think? This feels orchestrated," she mused, glancing at Wayne who had just walked into her office. Wayne furrowed his brow, his mind ticking through possibilities. "It’s Clarke Zodiac, without a doubt. Lillian's reach isn't this extensive. Clarke Zodiac has been itching to disrupt our peace, and it seems he's crafted his opportunity." The effect on their family business was palpable, a dip in stock prices marking the tangible impact of the rumors. Emma's resolve hardened. "Then it's time we stop playing defense." Wayne sighed, the weight of the debacle pres