Chapter 3

Public opinion quickly split into several factions.

Most people adopted a wait-and-see attitude, waiting for more definitive proof, while a few added fuel to the fire, eager for drama.

A few Pack members who were usually close to Lila were the first to jump in and defend her.

"Everyone, let's not spread rumors. I've known Lila for almost a year; she's not that kind of person. There must be some misunderstanding."

Someone immediately echoed:

"Exactly. Alpha Kian and Luna Elara's relationship has always been stable, and with the Pack alliance in place, how could something like this happen?"

"Maybe it's someone maliciously Photoshopping or spreading rumors to intentionally sow discord between the Packs."

Such flimsy defenses didn't last long, quickly buried by a flood of emerging details.

"Rumors? A hotel room photo has leaked, and it's still rumors?"

"The person above hasn't looked closely, have they? The post even shows her pearl hairpin left on the bedside table. Can that be fake?"

"I've always thought something was off with her. She's always holed up in her professor's office, her mind not on experiment data at all."

"During the last territory expedition, she kept trying to shield Alpha Kian from drinks, getting completely drunk herself. Kian even had to take her home!"

Once the tide turned, everyone piled on.

Lila's carefully cultivated "pure academic" image was shattered in that moment.

After nearly an hour of the incident fermenting, Lila, as the other party involved, finally appeared.

She posted a lengthy message simultaneously in the Pack Council channel and the department-wide email list, full of tearful indignation.

"To all my Pack members, teachers, and classmates, I apologize for occupying public resources with my private matters."

"Last night at the academic closing dinner, Professor Kian was plied with a lot of strong liquor by several colleagues from a neighboring university and ended up too drunk to stand."

"As his student, I had a responsibility to ensure his safety, so I took a taxi and brought him to a nearby hotel to rest."

"The professor vomited all over himself, so I helped him change out of his dirty clothes."

"After settling him in, I left. I originally wanted to call Alpha Kian's Beta to inform them, but the phone was unanswered. In a panic, I messaged Luna Elara to explain the situation."

"My message might have been ambiguously worded, causing everyone to misunderstand. It truly wasn't what everyone thinks."

"I'm still shaking with fright, not knowing who would want to ruin my reputation like this."

"Professor Kian and I are completely innocent, just a pure teacher-student relationship. Please stop spreading rumors."

"Luna Elara, if you see this message, could you please explain the situation? As a young Omega, if my reputation is ruined, I truly don't know how I'll be able to survive in academia and the Pack."

Finally, she specifically @-mentioned me.

What a fragile, innocent-looking manipulator.

This PR statement was watertight, portraying herself as a dutiful but innocently wronged victim,

shifting all the blame onto me, saying I misunderstood, that I made a mountain out of a molehill, ruining a young woman's reputation.

As expected, after her statement, the mood in the channel quietly shifted.

Several well-meaning but naive individuals immediately stepped forward to mediate.

"So that's what happened. I knew there must be a misunderstanding."

"I wonder who was so heartless, taking things out of context to ruin a young girl's reputation."

"Luna Elara did seem a bit impatient this time. She should have at least clarified things before letting the message spread. It's truly damaging to Lila."

"Exactly, she's a young Omega. How will she face people now?"

"Poor Lila, she's so innocent."

I looked at these words, and the cold sneer on my lips grew wider.

Playing a public opinion war? Lila, you're still too green.

Just then, a call came in.

The name flashing on the screen made my eyes turn cold.

It wasn't Kian; it was Kian's mother, Mara.

I let it ring for a long time, picking it up only in the last second before it would automatically hang up.

"Hello."

My voice betrayed no emotion.

On the other end, Mara's sharp, furious roar immediately erupted.

"Elara! You finally picked up! Are you insane! What exactly are you trying to do!"

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