Chapter 5

Melissa's livestream had already drawn over 100 thousand viewers. The screen was flooded with comments, all condemning me.

"This woman is pure evil."

"We need to expose her and destroy her reputation!"

Melissa sat in front of her tent, her eyes red, and her hair deliberately messy. She sniffled into the camera. "Thank you, everyone, for your concern. I didn't sleep at all last night. Every time I closed my eyes, I imagined Max crying out in the forest.

"I just don't understand why Lauren is so cruel. We're all colleagues, after all. Even if she didn't want to lend me her drone, she could've just said no. Why did she have to destroy Max's only chance of survival?" She cried as she spoke.

Right on cue, Greg appeared in frame, handing her a tissue. "Melissa, don't be sad. That woman isn't worth it."

He then turned to the camera. "Don't worry, everyone. We already made Lauren sign a compensation agreement. Once we're back in the city, we'll drag her to Melissa if we have to, and make her kneel and apologize to Max!"

The comments erupted again.

"She must kneel and apologize!"

"Post a picture of her. We'll make her pay!"

Melissa bit her lower lip, pretending to hesitate. "I don't know… She may be awful, but she's still a colleague. I just hope she realizes her mistake, pays for my emotional damages and Max's value. If she apologizes publicly, maybe I won't press charges."

Watching her put on a show made my stomach churn. Not only was she demanding compensation, she was playing the saint while trampling on my dignity.

Then, Mr. Woodruff leaned into the camera and cleared his throat. "Hello, netizens. I'm their supervisor. Our company has zero tolerance for employees like Lauren, who destroy team harmony and lack basic morality. Once we're back, I'll immediately file for her dismissal."

Approving reactions flooded the screen, and Melissa couldn't hide the smile on her face.

But just as the livestream insults reached their peak, a piercing siren rang outside the campsite. Soon, several off-road vehicles marked with the words "Forest Police" and "Department of Forestry" roared into the campsite. The headlights blared straight at Melissa, blinding her and forcing her to squint.

Doors slammed open. Uniformed officers jumped out, their expressions grim as they strode toward the crowd.

Greg shrank back, stepping aside.

Mr. Woodruff froze. "Officers, what's going on here—" he stammered, but was shoved aside before he could finish.

The lead officer scanned the group, holding up a bloodstained dog collar. His voice cut through the livestream's speakers. "Who is the owner of this Mastiff?"

Melissa's eyes lit up at the sight of the collar. She didn't even put down her phone, immediately raising her hand. "Me! I'm Max's owner! Officer, where is he? Is he okay?"

The officer fixed his gaze on her and raised the collar. "Your dog broke into the core area of the national nature reserve and killed three endangered wild Key deer on the spot. You are required to come with us for the investigation. Prepare to face criminal charges and financial compensation."