Chapter 141

Evelyn Sinclair and Nathan Blackwood had long grown indifferent to the online chaos, barely glancing at social media anymore. With Gordon Gonzales effectively barred from the stage, they turned their attention to Isabelle Laurent, discussing the final arrangements for the evening.

Meanwhile, Gordon was unraveling at the seams.

His decision to divorce and remarry had once filled him with self-righteous conviction. But now, as the internet erupted with scathing critiques and merciless mockery, the weight of public scorn crushed him. The polished facade he’d maintained for years was crumbling, exposing the coward beneath.

Worse, netizens had already dissected his intentions from that ill-fated evening, branding him a hypocrite.

Losing his dignity in his twilight years was a humiliation he’d never anticipated.

This middle-aged man, coddled by his wife for decades, had been blind to his own foolishness, mistaking recklessness for romance. Now, regret twisted his stomach into knots, leaving him unsteady on his feet.

Evelyn smirked inwardly. Look at him, sweating bullets. Did he really think he could walk away unscathed?

The Blackwoods shared the sentiment. Even if tonight’s scandal hadn’t erupted, they knew Gordon would’ve thrown Rebecca under the bus the moment public opinion turned against him. Self-preservation was his only true loyalty.

Suddenly, Gordon lunged toward Rebecca’s resting area like a desperate man grasping at straws.

Evelyn’s mental scoff was immediate. Oh, now he wants her to clean up his mess? Pathetic.

The Blackwoods exchanged glances. No shame at all.

Despite their disgust, they moved to intercept him.

Isabelle, mid-conversation with Preston Whitmore and Donovan Sharpe, reacted instantly, stepping into Gordon’s path.

Gordon’s smile was strained, his voice tight. "I need to speak with Rebecca. It’s urgent."

Isabelle offered a razor-thin smile. "The performance is canceled. There’s nothing left to discuss. Ms. Yancey needs rest before the supporting actresses’ interviews. You, however, should focus on damage control—unless you enjoy being the internet’s favorite villain."

Gordon’s composure shattered. "What business is this of yours?"

Evelyn nearly laughed aloud. He’s panicking. The mighty Gordon Gonzales, reduced to a sputtering mess.

Even the backstage crew watched with rapt attention, savoring the spectacle.

Isabelle arched a brow. "It’s our business now. Rebecca’s contract is nearly up, after all."

Gordon paled. He’d counted on Rebecca’s vulnerability—no contract, no allies. But now, surrounded by A-list power players, she was untouchable.

Defeated, Gordon slunk away, tail between his legs.

Simon, his nephew, trailed after him nervously. As a newcomer, he lacked the clout to intervene. When he caught Gordon’s furious phone call with Ruth, he froze, eavesdropping in dread. If their schemes unraveled, he’d be collateral damage.

"What have you done?" Gordon snarled, his refined veneer obliterated by rage.

Ruth, stunned by his ferocity, stammered, "I—I only meant to deal with Rebecca! This wasn’t supposed to happen!"

Gordon’s voice dripped with venom. "Fix this. Now. Or I’ll make sure you regret it."

A heavy silence followed. Finally, Ruth murmured, "We’ll talk at home."

Gordon exhaled. Good. She’ll handle it.

The irony wasn’t lost on Evelyn. Once, they’d feared Rebecca would cling to Gordon. Now, he was the desperate one.

As the actresses took the stage for interviews, the live chat exploded with praise. Yet some hesitated under the spotlight, their trauma from past scandals still raw.

The host smiled warmly. "Nervous? It’s been seven years, after all."

One actress nodded, her laugh tinged with relief. "Yes. Seven years."

"But your performance was flawless."

"Because I love acting," she said simply.

Unlike hollow industry platitudes, her words rang true. Only genuine passion could’ve reignited her talent after so long.

The host grinned. "The fans are begging for your comeback!"

Her smile softened, eyes glistening. "This role was a gift. Ms. Sinclair and Mr. Blackwood showed me that justice exists. I’ve retired, but if they ever need me, I’ll be there."

Evelyn’s chest warmed. This was why they fought.