Within a short time, the post was flooded with thousands of comments, the majority of which were negative in tone.

As Ariana read through the comments, she noticed that most of them were highly critical of Tom and their team. Among the comments, there were both hired internet trolls and netizens seemingly influenced by the negative narrative.

Ariana remained composed as she continued to read through the comments, well aware of the considerable impact of public opinion in the entertainment industry.

Finally, Tom's drug test was completed. He seemed to be aware of the dire public opinion online, as his demeanor had changed significantly.

He appeared visibly disheartened compared to his earlier confidence.

The test results were expected to take another hour, so Ariana chose to remain with him outside the testing room.

She inquired, “Tom, can you explain exactly what happened?" She showed him the incriminating photo in which he was seen holding drugs.

Tom's reaction was immediate. He grew indignant and vehemently exclaimed, "I'm innocent. Someone rushed over and forced that stuff into my hand. I hadn't even had a chance to react when the police stormed in."

Hearing Tom's vehement denial, Ariana became more certain of her initial suspicion that this might be Carl's act of revenge.

Maintaining her composure, she pressed for more details, “Please, Tom, tell me, why did you go to that bar tonight?"

Tom, however, appeared evasive, struggling to find the right words.

He avoided eye contact with Ariana, and his confidence seemed to waver.

Determined to get to the bottom of things, she urged, "Tom, you must be honest with me. If you don't tell me the truth, I won't be able to help you."

After a few moments of hesitation, Tom let out a sigh and finally admitted, "I just wanted to make some extra money. A friend of mine recommended me to the bar, saying I could earn a decent amount by performing there."

Ariana pressed further, her voice unwavering, "Make money? Are you in urgent need of money right now?"

Tom's face contorted into an awkward smile, and he continued to avoid meeting Ariana's gaze. With a lowered head, he reluctantly confessed, "I have debts to repay, and the bank has been pressuring me."

"Debts? What kind of debts?" Ariana probed.

Tom shrugged and let out a forced chuckle as he reluctantly began to explain, “My father used to be a successful businessman in Eleymond, quite well-off you could say. But then he got swindled by someone, and his business investments went south. Unable to bear the financial strain, he took his own life."

Tom recounted these events with an air of resignation. He hung his head low as he delved into the difficult circumstances he had faced.

"After my father's death, the debts he owed to the bank still needed to be repaid, and those debts were transferred to me. So, for the past few years, I've been trying my hand at various endeavors, from underground music to bar singer. I used to perform regularly at a bar to chip away at the debts. Additionally, I have a younger sister currently in college who relies on me for financial support."