Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

"I think the priority should be finding out what caused the accident, not digging up people's information. Are the marketing accounts just following a trend?"

"I agree. Such a major accident can't be the fault of just one person. Shouldn't we focus on the event organizers?"

"Illegal racing on a road where speeding is banned caused this accident. What more is there to say? Those in charge aren't just the water army hired by Esper's family, right?"

"Didn't Joe participate? Is he innocent? The real victim here is the passerby who was killed. It's ridiculous that some people are feeling sorry for these scumbags instead of seeking justice for the innocent victim." Joe's personal information was exposed and widely shared online. Some even dug up his college entrance exam scores, questioning how he got into S University when his scores didn't meet the admission requirements.

This major traffic accident has turned into an attack on one person, with public opinion being manipulated. Something feels off here. The focus shouldn't be on Joe. Either someone is trying to shift the blame onto him, or they're using this to go after the Esper family.

Stella contacted Vermont to investigate. He responded, "This accident isn't as simple as it seems. Illegal racing is just part of it. The real issue is that someone was driving under the influence of drugs, causing the tragedy. The internet is blaming Joe to cover for that person. You and Aurora should stay out of it."

Stella was shocked, "Who is that person?"

Vermont replied, "Don't ask."

Stella thought for a moment and guessed, "Ricky?"

Vermont was speechless, thinking, "You really can't hide anything from someone this sharp."

Stella was outraged, "People died in this accident! And now they're trying to frame Joe to divert attention? Is there no justice?"

Vermont sighed, "When the accident happened, Ricky was taken away immediately. His name isn't even on the list of those involved. What's worse, Joe is unconscious, and his teammates told the police he was the one driving. They also found alcohol in Joe's blood, so now the police think he caused the accident by drunk driving."

If the drunk driving claim sticks, Joe is doomed, no matter the real cause of the accident.

Stella then asked, "Have you contacted Marshall recently?"

Vermont's guard went up, "What are you planning?"

"Nothing serious," Stella replied casually. "But the Graham and Esper families don't get along, right? With this dirt on Ricky, I'm sure attorney Moore would be interested."

Vermont sighed, "Why do you always make me do the dirty work?"

Stella teased, "I could do it, but Keegan would get jealous. He still minds that I went skydiving with Marshall when he disappeared. How about this: I'll tell him, and when Keegan finds out, you can say it was your idea, and that I, being pregnant and all, was just looking for help."

Vermont rolled his eyes, "He gets jealous, and I take the blame. You're the queen of blame-shifting."

Stella laughed, "It's for family harmony. You don't want your parents fighting before their grandchild is born, do you?"

Vermont grumbled, "You're heartless. Don't you feel guilty using Marshall like this, even if he does have feelings for you?"

Stella's tone turned cold, "He manipulated me to look like Willow just to annoy Keegan. That's not love. At most, we're even now. Are you going to do it or not?"

Vermont realized he had struck a nerve and quickly agreed, "Fine, I'll do it. But I can't guarantee Marshall will take action."

Stella replied confidently, "He will."

Marshall, who had taken on the investigation into Luanna's case, would not let an opportunity like this slip by.

Vermont called Marshall, starting with small talk before bringing up the drag racing accident. "It's tragic. Three dead, fifteen injured-all young people in their twenties. Joe could've done anything else at his age, but he chose racing."

Marshall, busy flipping through documents, replied, "Since when do you care so much about social news?"

"I just saw it on the news. It hit close to home since Joe was involved."

Marshall brushed it off, "I skimmed the news but didn't look closely."

Vermont pressed on, "Well, there's more to the story than meets the'èye. Let me tell you the content is on

Marshall cut him off, "I'm busy right now. We'll talk later."Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Vermont insisted, "But it's really urgent, just give me two minutes."

Marshall was about to refuse when Vermont added, "Stella told me about this, I was shocked and thought you'd want to know."

Marshall paused, "Stella told you?"

"Yes, she said Joe is being framed to cover for Ricky, who's a drug addict. The Graham family putted Ricky out, and now they want Joe to take the blame."

Marshall was silent for a long time before finally replying, "I know."

"Well, it's good you're aware. Pretty shady, right?"

Marshall responded faintly, with a hint of sadness, "Tell Stella I said hi."

Vermont was taken aback, but before he could reply, Marshall had already hung up.