Chapter 112: More Gossip To Feed On (+5 Pearls)
The Quirk family’s gaze turned unanimously to Isabella, who seemed to be processing something. What was it? Could anything still shock her, given her history with surprises? Their curiosity was palpable.
Finally, someone asked, "Any idea what's happening with those three now?"
Isabella’s reaction: "This world is truly baffling! In a large hospital, one encounters all sorts of peculiar patients!"
The Quirk family gasped. What was it?
Isabella’s internal monologue: "This scoop is too explosive! I have to share it!" A family member thought, "Just tell us already!"
Isabella revealed that, after their boisterous celebration, Maverick and Mirabelle, intoxicated, had rekindled their romance.
The Quirk family responded, "That's expected; they reconciled."
Later, Mirabelle received a message. Hendrick hadn't left. She found him awkwardly standing outside their door, seemingly wanting to say something. The Quirk family thought, Their spirits have been tainted; those three are just too…
After Mirabelle fell asleep, Hendrick felt uneasy. He realized he didn't just idolize Maverick; he desired him. Was this why he couldn't initially verify the gossip? The Quirk family thought, Why do we have a bad feeling? What's with this desire to cover our ears?
They opened Maverick's door… Oh, crazy Hendrick!
The Quirk family was shocked. What had they heard? Was it what they expected? For the first time, they genuinely didn't want to hear Isabella's thoughts. The men present paled. Christopher, a peer, was astounded. He’d suspected Hendrick’s ulterior motives but hadn't anticipated this. Could Maverick not resist? Didn't he love Mirabelle? He wasn't gay!
[The following section combines the disparate segments of the original text, improving flow and clarity.]
Despite his exhaustion and intoxication, Maverick awoke at a crucial moment. A fierce fight erupted. Hendrick, desperate, tried to forcefully claim Maverick. The Quirk family, despite their reluctance, were consumed by curiosity. What happened?
One was driven by a single chance, the other to defend their innocence. Both had gone too far, knocking each other unconscious. Neither was clothed, and Hendrick left marks on Maverick. The Quirk family thought, "What? Mirabelle again… and she brought four people barging in with her?"
Silence filled the Quirk family's dinner table, contrasting with the shrieks echoing from Maverick's bedroom. Mirabelle, leaning against the door, stared in disbelief at the unconscious men. She retched. The other three tried to rouse them, but failed. The blood and swelling on their faces revealed the severity of the situation. Both ended up in the hospital.
Isabella's internal monologue: I never anticipated this, ending with a forced hospital stay. I wonder if Maverick can handle it when he wakes up, especially now that Terrence has been exposed and is starting to spill secrets. Once he learns how he was betrayed… The Quirk family, deeply shaken, guessed Maverick couldn't hold on much longer. They lost their appetite for breakfast.
Their father changed the subject. "Alex, don't go to work today. Wait until your injury is better." Alexander nodded. Selena asked about a hospital check-up and re-bandaging. Alexander nodded again. Evian began to offer to accompany him, but her mother silenced her with a look. Evian quickly turned to Isabella, laughing, "So that's why you woke up early, Bella. You wanted to accompany Alex to treat his wound." Isabella nodded. After all, it was because of me that he got injured. I should help. A subtle smirk played on Alexander’s lips. After all, he's a major benefactor who helped me earn money; I definitely had to have some conscience. The corner of Alexander's mouth tightened. The Quirk family wanted to laugh, but dared not.
[This section also combines several smaller parts from the original text.]
At the hospital, after treatment, a swarm of reporters burst in. Isabella initially thought her disguise had been compromised, then realized she wasn't famous enough for this. Alexander observed, "So many reporters… Is there a celebrity admitted here?" glancing at Isabella. Isabella’s internal monologue: Holy smokes, it's the same place! I didn't notice! Are they here about the video and Terrence? Yikes! No! It's not about the video anymore!
Alexander was taken aback. Their gossip from Isabella was confidential. Isabella’s internal monologue: Hahaha… I didn't want to laugh, but is this poetic justice! She struggled to contain her laughter. Alexander began to guess the bizarre scenarios. He suggested, "Maybe, we should check it out?" Isabella could only nod fervently.
[The final section combines the remaining text, addressing narrative inconsistencies.]
Meanwhile, Maverick, having woken up half an hour earlier, inquired about Hendrick's room. Ignoring the nurse's curious gaze, he rushed there, furious about the previous night. Upon arrival, he heard commotion.
Mirabelle cried, "Hendrick, you deceived me! This was your game!"
Before Maverick could sympathize, Hendrick retorted, "Wasn't it you who spent the night with me behind your boyfriend's back? Wasn't it you who promised to sleep with me secretly? We're both despicable!" Maverick, stunned, stormed in, "W-What did you just say?"
Mirabelle was speechless, Hendrick's expression shifted repeatedly. They both surprisingly exclaimed, "I drank too much, it's all his fault for leading me on!"
Maverick's face paled and flushed. Hendrick's manager intervened, "Where's your assistant? There's a major online issue! Deal with this later. If you don't handle this, you might as well leave the entertainment industry!"
This brought clarity to Maverick's mind. "What?" "Check your phone!"
The leaked video's involved parties couldn't explain; they issued legal notices, delaying matters. Netizens continued to analyze the video. Maverick, leaning against the wall, read the online mockery.
Netizen 1: Maverick's like a smug narcissist, assuming any woman who treats him well is secretly in love with him. Netizen 2: Hahaha, he thinks you're playing hard to get. He's convinced you're in love with him. Netizen 3: Maverick, you have no shame! You've greatly disappointed us! Netizen 4: Have you honored our trust? Netizen 5: I must have been blind. Do you realize how much Danielle has done for you? Netizen 6: You deserve to be with Mirabelle for life! You're a match made in heaven! Netizen 7: Maverick, being led on by Mirabelle but still oblivious! He deserves it! Netizen 8: Ah, Maverick. You're foolish and unaware of it.
Maverick's hand trembled. Mirabelle tried to grab his phone, but it was too late. He saw Terrence's post, stating Mirabelle initiated their past relationship.
Terrence's Post: Dmn it. Why am I the villain? Do you deserve that? Maverick, do you want to know how I met Mirabelle? It was during movie auditions years ago. I was paving the way for my friend's artist, realizing it was your closest shot at success! Moreover, when you were injured years ago, it was Mirabelle who asked me to do it. She was afraid you would bother her after the breakup. She willingly chose me; I never forced anyone.*
The online community erupted. Maverick felt a deathly ordeal. His expression turned devilish. He didn’t notice a new trending topic. He stared intently at Mirabelle, frightening her. Hendrick added, "She's not worth it!"
Maverick, overwhelmed, lunged at Mirabelle, grabbing her throat. "B*tch! I'm going to kill you!"
Despite her injuries, Mirabelle broke free, pushing him back. He fell toward the bed, caught by Hendrick. The door burst open, flooded with reporters. "Maverick, can you clarify whether you're with Mirabelle or Hendrick?"