What is the most logical next event?

How to conduct a whisper campaign
Start a rumor.
Tell others that you heard some interesting or important information from someone you trust or someone who is in a position to know a secret truth.
Rumors are sometimes used to manipulate the stock market.
A rumor that a company is about to come out with a revolutionary new product can drive the stock price of that company up. A rumor of a class action suit can cause the company's stock to plummet.