The next day, early in the morning, a piece of news started to spread on social media. All it said was:
'Breaking news:
Who is the mastermind behind the crimes at the hospitals?
Who is the heinous monster sucking people's blood for his own greed?
Who is the cannibal who has lost all his humanity?
To know, more tune in to Channel 475 at 8 p.m.'
The message was not elaborate. It was crisp and concise and to the point. It was structured in such a way that one would be forced to read it again and compel them to find out what was happening. But it was still in the wee hours of the morning and it would take more than half a day to find out the truth.
Many people were on the edges of their chairs, especially the ones who had undergone unfair treatment and suffered injustice at hospitals which right now were shut down forever. They had nowhere to lament their griefs and miseries. The one who was responsible for their states had long gone into hiding, and they had no idea who the mastermind behind this was to unleash their pent-up frustration of them.
With no concrete evidence to support their woes, they had been living their lives, trying to get past the dreadful incidents in their lives. However, this piece of news evoked the person who suffered the injustice in them, and all they wanted was to find out the truth.
Out of anticipation and curiosity, many people tried the channel specified in the message. However, all they got was a blank screen for it was still not open for broadcasting. This led to people grumble in dismay, and some even wondered if this was all a prank. Why would someone send a message with a channel that did not even have any existence?
Annoyed by the incredulous prank, people started to curse and lash out at the media, especially at the person who posted the message. But all they got in return was a short message.
'Be sure to watch the news at 8 p.m. The truth will be revealed.'
There was nothing else. Nada. The person did not even give any sort of justification or explanation. They did not reply to any of the comments or slanders, leaving the public to conjure their own thoughts. Now, it was up to the people to watch the news or not.
Comments kept flooding and people started to speculate about the matter. At first, nobody knew about the post. It was posted somewhere around seven in the morning. However, soon after, one of the popular news agencies, Everyday, reposted it on their account. Since a lot of people followed the news agency, the news spread like wildfire, catching everyone's attention in the process.
What astonished everyone greatly was the fact that the name of the agency had changed. Although the account still belonged to Everday, it went with a new name called 'Truth', making one wonder what was happening.
People's imaginations started to run wild, and they started to come up with their own assumptions. Other than a few insiders who knew that the news agency Everyday was now under someone else's Presidentship, nobody else had an idea about it. Neither the news agency nor the new owner had revealed the truth to the public. So, they too zipped their lips as they waited for the drama to begin.
Meanwhile, the people behind the message were now glued to the screens as they read through the messages one by one. They had got the public's attention towards them just as they had wanted, and they were sure that people would tune to their channel once the clock struck eight.
"Our first step was a success," Ivy commented as she read the next comment on her phone.
"Yes, it is. But we need to be careful from now on." Joshua added as he wrapped his hands around her. "Jared will now be alert and he might try to sabotage our hard work."
"No way. I trust Maggie. Didn't you see the evidence she has collected over the time she was undercover? They are explosive, and I am yet to come to terms and accept them." Ivy shook her head as she recalled the video clippings Noah had sent them the previous night. Ivy had spent the entire night watching them, cursing the man responsible for the crimes while Joshua just accompanied her helplessly.
"Who will be relaying the news?" Joshua looked at the girl in his embrace, whose eyes were twinkling in delight.
"It will be Max for sure. Only he can handle such pressure on him. I'll have to visit him during the time of the broadcast. I have some things to tell him." Ivy turned to the man who was staring at her with a frown. Although he was unwilling to send her without him accompanying her, he had no choice. He knew what Ivy wanted to convey to Max. He just pursed his lips, agreeing to her silently.
"Don't worry. I will take Kaito with me. With him around, do you think anyone would dare hurt me?" Ivy understood Joshua's concerns. With a monster at large, they could not lower their guards at all costs until he got the punishment he deserved. And for once, Ivy did not object to Joshua's wishes to have a guard accompanying her.
"I am still not assured."
"Joshua," Ivy tried to convince him but to no avail.
"I will always be troubled if I am not the one accompanying you." He added, his face losing its spirit instantly. "I am sorry, Ivy. I will not be able to protect you myself for the time being."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Ivy turned to him at once, glaring at him in anger. But Joshua did not miss the warmth and happiness in her eyes behind her anger. "You do not have to apologize for anything. You being here is the greatest form of protection for me. And have trust in your people. They will definitely keep me safe."
Ivy did not stop at that. "In fact, I should be the one to apologize. If I had told you the truth sooner, you might not have met with the mishap." Ivy lowered her head, guilt eating her heart and soul. She could never forgive herself for keeping such an important secret from him and blamed herself for Joshua's injury.
"Ivy, I am the one allowed to talk nonsense here. Let me do it. Don't venture into my territory." Joshua scolded her softly and held her hand. His words made the girl laugh out loud and she pouted lightly. "So, don't use your smart brain to dwell on such unwanted matters. You have other important issues to deal with and you need your brain for that."
Joshua's words eased Ivy's heart and she smiled in relief. "You are right. You are in charge of all the nonsensical talk. I will let you do it." She obliged without protesting, and Joshua smiled in content.
"I presume Dad must be busy now. He has a lot on his plate."
"Ohh, I bet he must also be thrilled to return to what he loves doing the most." Ivy's eyes sparkled with an unknown excitement that Joshua could not comprehend. "I always wanted to work with my Dad. Finally, my wish is coming true. You have no idea how happy I am, and I am certain Dad too feels the same."
Ivy kept blabbering while all Joshua did was gaze at her, his eyes filling with fondness for her.