Chapter 107: Attacked by a Fan

Danielle, naturally, was too clever to admit her involvement. Her acting skills, at that moment, rivaled those of a leading actress.

"What?" Maverick's expression was gloomy; he couldn't discern reality from fiction.

"Enough talk," Hendrick interjected hastily. "Let's return to the office and discuss this." He grabbed Maverick, prepared to leave, shooting Danielle a fierce glare before departing. He wouldn't allow anyone to hurt Maverick like this; it was pushing them to their breaking point.

Once they left, Hayden stepped forward. "Seems more drama is coming."

"Let it come," Danielle said with a cold chuckle.

Christopher stepped forward. "Ms. Blackwell, on behalf of the agency, I formally invite you"

Danielle was startled. She saw Isabella, her clear eyes blinking, standing behind him. Team A-list truly was a breath of fresh air in the entertainment industry.

"Thanks, but I can't join a new team while potentially carrying a scandal," Danielle said. "I'll contact you once this storm passes." After thanking them, she left.

Danielle chose to face the storm alone. She likely anticipated Alexander's deductions, but lacked an effective counterattack. Tonight promised drama. I needed to stay close to my phone for the latest gossip!

The Quirk family felt the same; they’d followed the gossip this far.

"Let's go," Evian said, approaching with a smile. "My younger brother said he'd join us to celebrate your successful performance tonight."

Hayden addressed the Quirk family. "Everyone, please follow Thalia and exit through the back door. Isabella and Christopher should use the front door; many fans are gathered there." By the time Christopher and Isabella reached the doorway with Hayden, Isabella was astonished. Outside, a sea of people stretched as far as the eye could see. The production team had even arranged security guards.

"Are there so many people?"

Christopher understood the potential number of fans who might come to his aid. If excessive, his agency would intervene. Isabella, still a rookie, had attracted fans, but her spontaneous supporters were relatively few. She was, strictly speaking, still considered a variety show star. "And also," he added, "the fans of Team Duo Alpha."

"They haven't left yet?" Christopher exclaimed, surprised.

"How would they dare face their fans now? They've slinked away through the back door!" Hayden scoffed.

"Didn't the staff tell the fans they'd left?" Isabella asked curiously.

"They did, but no one believed it."

Christopher turned to Isabella. "There are too many people. Be careful not to get pushed around."

Isabella nodded.

As soon as they stepped outside, they were met with a cacophony of excited shouts. Fans pushed and shoved, security guards barely holding them back. Besides the cheering, Isabella heard accusatory inquiries about Team Duo Alpha; no wonder they hadn't dared to use the front door. Movement was nearly impossible. Several times, the security guards were overwhelmed.

Soon, men in black arrived to help—the Quirk family's bodyguards. Isabella spotted Alexander, formally dressed, waiting by the roadside. Clearly concerned, he'd sent a car and bodyguard.

With the bodyguards, Isabella and Christopher quickly reached the car. Christopher carried a stack of fan letters. Isabella felt curious; what would fans write to their idols?

As she pondered, a shrill cry pierced the air. "I'm your fan, Isabella! Please read my letter!"

Isabella felt intrigue, not vanity. Before the car moved, she rolled down the window. A young girl, restrained by a bodyguard, was visible. Seeing Isabella, the girl's face lit up with excitement. The bodyguard, noticing Alexander peering from behind Isabella, nodded slightly and allowed the girl to approach the car.

The young girl leaned against the car door. As Isabella reached for the letter, she saw a cold glint, followed by Alexander's hurried breathing near her ear. "Move aside!"

Before Isabella reacted, she was pulled back by her collar, crashing into Alexander's embrace. Inside the car, shocked gasps arose, but Isabella was in a daze, only aware of Alexander's thunderous heartbeat and his arm outstretched before her. The sharp blade sliced through his suit sleeve and shirt; blood seeped through the fabric.

"It's all your fault!" the girl screamed. "You schemed against Maverick! He's a good person! Those leaks were aimed at tarnishing his reputation! You bribed his manager! I'm certain of it!"

The girl lunged again, but the bodyguard tackled and restrained her. People around were terrified, snapping pictures and recording videos.

Christopher and Hayden reported the girl to the police. The car sped off, others accompanying Alexander to the hospital.

Feeling guilty, Isabella gently held Alexander's hand. "I'm sorry; it's all my fault. If I hadn't been so curious—"

"What does this have to do with you?" David interrupted, urging the driver to speed up. "The script was Christopher's, the fans belong to someone else. You're just unlucky!"

"Don't worry, the wound isn't deep," Evian reassured her. A medical student, she could provide immediate care.

Rosalie, scared and eyes reddening, patted Isabella's hand. "Don't be afraid, Bella. Chris has encountered this before. Some fans are irrational."

Selena, worried, turned to Isabella. "Don't blame yourself, Bella. Alexander instructed the bodyguard to let her in. He brought this trouble upon himself."

Isabella felt guilty, looking at Alexander. He looked at her, his icy gaze softening. "It's all right."

Isabella was speechless and uncomfortable. Someone had fiercely protected her, and it felt awkward. The knife likely only grazed his arm; it wouldn't have been a big deal if he hadn't intervened. "He's a good person," she thought. "I'll thank him properly later."

Alexander glanced at her. "Protecting you is what I'm supposed to do."

It wasn't a courageous act of justice, but a husband protecting his wife. "Ah, right," she thought. "This guy takes responsibility seriously. Protecting his wife, in name, is his duty. I enjoy the benefits!" Alexander fell silent; that wasn't the message he intended to convey.

The Quirk family exchanged concerned glances. They knew Alexander and Isabella were only nominally a couple, yet Isabella was subconsciously distancing herself. Before, she'd clung to him; now, she was an outsider. Even Alexander’s selfless act hadn't moved her to tears, which worried them.

While Alexander received treatment, everyone else plotted their next move. Christopher arrived with the police to gather evidence. The girl was underage. Her family arrived, causing a commotion.

"Judging by their irrational behavior, they spoiled their child into a maniac," Christopher said angrily. "They demanded the police arrest Bella and me, accusing us of framing Maverick!"

Their failure was reflected in Maverick's poor performance; his inappropriate advances towards another's girlfriend showed their shortcomings. Those who opposed them didn't fare well, as evidenced by Team Young Again's fate. "Would Maverick interfere?" Isabella asked, astonished.

"Of course not," Christopher replied. "This is the fans' behavior. Even Maverick's agency wouldn't interfere. In the past, Danielle would have mitigated the impact. Now, Maverick would likely apologize to us and condemn the fans' behavior."

Hayden entered. "The other party responded; they made it to the trending list. They handled it swiftly; otherwise, they'd be surrounded by problems."

Christopher scoffed. "I wonder what those crazed fans will think, seeing their idol apologizing and distancing himself." "I plan to sue her," he said.

Knowing Christopher's stubbornness, Hayden frowned at Isabella. "The other party is underage. There are many instances of this in the entertainment industry…"

Christopher looked dissatisfied.

Isabella looked at Alexander. "You're the one hurt. What do you think?"

"You and Christopher are the targets, so you two decide," Alexander said.

Hayden, thinking Isabella was easy to talk to, was relieved until she glanced at Alexander's wound. "Then let's sue her to the end," she declared.

Christopher laughed. Hayden sighed.

"Age isn't an exemption from consequences," Isabella stated. "Everyone pays for their actions. We're not buying into claims of depression or suicide threats. If she harms herself, it's her and her parents' responsibility. We seek legal justice and fairness. Even if the outcome is unfavorable, or public opinion is against me, I can leave the entertainment industry. It's not a necessity."