The comment section swelled with a chorus of calls for Tom to step back from the competition. Ariana discerned the clandestine orchestrations at play, an insidious hand intent on forcing Tom's withdrawal, a resolve to take matters to the brink.

This discovery kindled a fire within Ariana. She promptly instructed her assistant to enlist a legion of paid commentators. Soon, the online battleground blazed, with both the sides locked in a fervent fight.

Yet, the opposition held the upper hand, having disseminated incriminating photos of Tom at the underground bar. Many internet users who were swayed by their narrative joined in, calling for Tom's withdrawal.

Observing the tumultuous sea of public sentiment turning against him, Tom's spirit waned, and he confided with a heavy heart, “Perhaps I should gracefully step aside from the competition. I have no desire to drag others down with me."

"No," Ariana promptly interjected.

"You are not accountable for this.

Why should you give up and yield? We cannot yield now, for that would be handing them the victory they seek."

"But given the current situation, we are unable to vindicate ourselves clearly, and the live performance is a mere two days away,"

Tom sighed, his desolation palpable.

“Don't worry; we'll find another way," Ariana reassured him, her mind already churning with a potential solution. Suddenly, inspiration struck, and she inquired, “Do you recall if that bar is equipped with surveillance cameras?"

"Yes," Tom responded eagerly, a glimmer of hope illuminating his face.

"Yes, there are surveillance cameras in place. The person suddenly approached me and handed me the drugs. I was positioned in a spot that the surveillance cameras would undoubtedly capture."

"Let us return to the bar and attempt to access the surveillance footage." Ariana, always the proactive one, encouraged Tom to take action.

However, considering the bar's affiliations with Rollingrock Media, there was mo assurance that they had retained the crucial surveillance footage.

Ariana acknowledged this uncertainty but remained steadfast in her determination to explore this avenue.

The two of them proceeded to the bar, now shuttered for scrutiny, its entrance securely locked.

After a brief contemplation, Tom suggested, “There's a back entrance around the rear. We might gain entry there. Follow me."

Leading Ariana to the back of the establishment, Tom managed to unlock the back door. Inside, they were greeted by dim Lighting as they navigated toward the first-floor surveillance room, only to encounter an obstinate Locked door.

As they labored to coax the door ajar, Ariana was suddenly overcome by a gnawing sense of foreboding.

Just then, footsteps ominously approached from behind, and before Ariana and Tom could react, they were viciously struck on the back of their heads, plunging them into unconsciousness.