Chapter 104: Orchestrating a Distraction to Deflect Conflict

+5 Pearls

Maverick stood beside Hendrick, signaling agreement, but missed the glint in Hendrick's eyes. Hendrick, in turn, couldn't help stealing glances at him. Christopher, regaining his composure, said nonchalantly, "It was a competitive showdown, survival of the fittest. Why wouldn't we use a better strategy? Haven't you ever done something at others' expense for your own benefit?"

"Seriously, Chris, you sound like a villain," someone muttered. "But you're not wrong. Those three are even worse. They considered sacrificing Danielle for their love story! How dare they question us? They secretly inserted their agenda, while we, at least, were transparent."

The Quirks stifled laughter, desperately trying to suppress their smiles. The trio was stunned by Christopher's forthright admission. They expected an excuse, a way out, but his response left Hendrick and Maverick completely aback.

Maverick, ill-equipped for such situations, instinctively looked at Danielle, but received no response, not even a glance. For the first time, he felt utterly alone, walking a tightrope, filled with unease.

Just as the atmosphere became unbearably awkward, Hendrick's manager arrived, breaking the tension. Afterward, a few individuals met, evidently to discuss the stage play. A post-match interview was underway outside; they were to go on stage later, seemingly aiming to make amends. Danielle returned, her expression gloomy.

The Quirks, noticing her solitary return, whispered, "Why is she back alone? Didn't they have a meeting?" After all, Danielle was still Maverick's manager, and their contract remained active.

While having her makeup retouched, Isabella noticed Danielle's expression and whispered, "Haha, she's mad."

The Quirks perked up. The company aimed to salvage the idols' reputations, proposing PR strategies. Danielle, professionally, suggested an apology, admitting their mistake and assuring the public. The Quirks agreed; a sincere apology might deter further criticism. Christopher considered it the best approach—openness was advantageous, even if it meant losing some popularity.

Surprisingly, the trio refused. Mirabelle questioned Danielle, suggesting her reluctance stemmed from past issues with Maverick. Then, feigning pity, she apologized and begged Danielle.

A Quirk hissed, "Wow, the hypocrisy! Mirabelle's playing to Maverick, setting a trap for Danielle."

Maverick, lashing out, accused Danielle of lacking foresight and told her to leave. The Quirks scorned his lack of discernment.

As soon as Danielle was gone, the trio plotted. "Damn! They acted already? Maverick, you're heartless! I'm disgusted!"

Driven by curiosity, the Quirks crowded Isabella. Instead of answering, she checked her phone. They joined her, scrolling through Twitter. Several phones, including Danielle's, rang. Danielle's face froze.

The hashtag #TheCulpritOfTeamDuoAlphaFailedStagePlay was trending. Rehearsal photos, showing Danielle overseeing scenes with the script, had surfaced. An alleged insider claimed the original script focused on righteousness and faith, not romance; Danielle had forcefully demanded the change. The insider added that Danielle controlled Maverick's career, leaving him with no say. Therefore, the stage mishap was her fault.

A response followed: "How foolish! Instead of changing Maverick's image, she had him do what he's good at—asking for trouble! Or is there another motive?"

An incensed fan wrote, "She used to be astute. Is she trying to ruin Maverick's career?"

A top comment read: "Rumor has it they're planning to terminate their contract."

This sparked outrage. Managers backstabbing artists wasn't uncommon. Perhaps negotiations failed, or resentments fueled retaliation. Public opinion swiftly shifted. Fans, favoring their idol, saw Danielle as the villain. Hashtags like #SympathyForMaverick, #ActorsChoiceOfScript, and #WhatStoppedYouFromChangingYourImage trended, portraying Danielle as the puppet master.

Live comments changed too, shifting from mockery to sympathy; demands for Danielle's apology arose.

Staff members sympathetic to Danielle knew she'd been scapegoated, but lacked the resources to fight back. The director and producer remained silent, avoiding the conflict. The Quirks, displeased, hinted at their dissatisfaction to Christopher. Christopher gave Hayden a meaningful look.

Hayden, approaching Danielle, asked, "Do you need help?"

Danielle, with an icy laugh, replied, "If I can't handle this, do you still want to recruit me?"

Hayden raised an eyebrow, "It seems nothing can stump you, Danielle."