Chapter 109: The Trio Lived Harmoniously

The initial discussion about script selection during the live broadcast remained relatively calm. The source of the leaks was unknown, and it was dismissed as a misunderstanding. Maverick, however, shouldered the blame, claiming a lack of confidence in defeating Team A-list led to his suboptimal choice. He admitted to insufficient consideration, a solution he could have implemented from the beginning. His pride, however, prevented him from admitting defeat; acknowledging failure was humiliating. Rather than risk reputational damage, he initially shifted the blame. Unexpectedly, he eventually had to confess, as a public announcement of their relationship was imminent; further deception would have been insulting to the viewers. He was forced to revise his strategy.

Isabella chuckled at Maverick's ultimately fruitless efforts and his casual dismissal of Danielle. They then watched Hendrick and Mirabelle's joint live broadcast, where they announced their decision to face the consequences together, showcasing camaraderie and solidarity. This further amused Isabella.

The online audience, however, was perplexed. Isabella and the broader online community were astonished by this audacious maneuver.

The three then hosted a joint live broadcast, Maverick seated between Hendrick and Mirabelle. The ensuing online comments were a mixture of confusion and speculation:

• Netizen: Why are you three getting along so well?
• Netizen: Hendrick, are you being held against your will? Blink if yes!
• Netizen: Maverick, are you the third wheel?
• Netizen: Are paramours this blatant now?
• Netizen: Mavie joined the family, not tore it apart!
• Netizen: I don't understand, but I wish you all the best.
• Netizen: I'm baffled.
• Netizen: Betrayal happens; you gotta endure it, bro.
• Netizen: Compensate me or I'll be upset!

Isabella's laughter erupted at the comments. Alexander, undressing in the bathroom, heard her. The Quirk family joined in the laughter. This generation of netizens, the passage notes, often disregarded the feelings of fans and the main characters. Unlike the casual viewers, fans reacted with outrage and demanded answers:

• Fan: Maverick, did you steal your friends' girlfriends?
• Fan: Hendrick, dump that lowlife!
• Fan: Mirabelle, you're not playing both sides, are you?

The trio, seemingly prepared, ignored the live comments and revealed information sequentially. Hendrick announced his amicable separation from Mirabelle, a bombshell that immediately ignited the chat. Fans expressed disbelief and offered various theories:

• Fan: You two attended events as a couple! Are we fools?
• Fan: Industry practice; an agreement. No permanent enemies, only interests.
• Fan: Contractual obligations?
• Fan: Poor Hendrick; silent humiliation.
• Fan: Hendrick's always been a playboy; Mirabelle might be the one dumped.
• Fan: Regardless, Mirabelle and Maverick are inseparable. They know how to stir things up.

Before the reaction to this subsided, Mirabelle revealed her past relationship with Maverick, rekindled due to their recent collaboration. The comments exploded with exclamation and question marks. Hendrick's confirmation of the breakup and his role in facilitating their reunion led to a moment of stunned silence before another wave of comments:

• Netizen: Unexpected surprises? Consider your fans' tolerance!

The comments poured in relentlessly (99 updates per second), becoming chaotic. Trending topics included:

• Maverick is the ex, not a paramour.
• Hendrick is magnanimous; a secret matchmaker.
• They're all the same.
• The trio lives in harmony; the fans are fools.

Should fans bless or condemn the situation? While the idols appeared content, fans felt manipulated, having fiercely defended them in online battles, only to find out their idols were dating others. The "image transition" stage play might have been a calculated reunion tactic.

As fan opinion became volatile, Maverick apologized for the inconvenience their personal issues caused, expressing regret over the public disclosure. A netizen's comment followed:

• Netizen: Hahaha. That straight face? Your lie is the funniest!

The netizen questioned their acting skills but acknowledged the current narrative was better than their original plan. They at least avoided slandering Danielle. This made the events somewhat justifiable, despite potential backlash and fan loss.

Maverick continued speaking when Alexander entered, partially dried from a bath. Isabella, captivated by his appearance, momentarily forgot about the live stream. Alexander approached her, and Isabella eagerly helped him dress, her fingers brushing his skin. Maverick's voice interrupted again:

• Maverick: I'm also announcing my professional separation from Danielle, my agent.

Isabella's attention returned to the live stream, momentarily neglecting Alexander's partially dressed state. Alexander, watching with her, commented: "What's going on? Weren't we supposed to stop talking about Danielle?"