Chapter 115: The Justice Upholder Who Blacklists Others (+5 Pearls)

Isabella checked the trending topics on her phone. Both sides were slandering each other, but without concrete proof. She couldn't understand the situation. To her surprise, the online votes reflected reality. After Terrence's revelation, Mirabelle couldn't clear her name. Alienated from Maverick and Hendrick, she used the rumors surrounding them to portray herself as a victim. Her latest Twitter post read: "I was emotionally attached to both of them and couldn't let go. I'm a girl longing for happiness, afraid of being alone. But I never imagined they were deceiving me, using me as a shield. I respect different orientations, but I don't want to be a gay man's wife."

This strategy usually retained fans who believed her version of events. Various ideological defenders also blindly offered support. However, Mirabelle hadn't anticipated Hendrick and Maverick's alliance. They strategically maneuvered her into a situation where they would all suffer together.

They released a video explaining their actions. They sincerely apologized for their past scheming against Danielle, admitting their immoral behavior. Regarding their relationship, Hendrick first realized his affection for Maverick wasn't mere idolization. This was painful, as he believed Maverick still loved Mirabelle. He broke up with Maverick. Unexpectedly, Maverick then fell in love with Hendrick. Fearing public scrutiny, they enlisted Mirabelle's help to conceal their relationship. Knowing this was unfair to her, they promised to compensate her. They presented themselves as a harmonious trio to avoid future headlines; Mirabelle was their cover.

They hadn't anticipated Mirabelle's insatiable greed. She was willing to harm them to protect herself. The intimate moments captured were staged; otherwise, the paparazzi wouldn't have photographed Mirabelle sleeping alone in the guest room.

Isabella thought, "I didn't think they could spin this! It seems forced. Does anyone believe them? Are people really taking sides? They must have ghostwriters! And why did Maverick compromise? He almost got assaulted and beat Hendrick up! This plot twist is baffling."

(There is a break here in the original text – likely a page break, some extraneous characters, and potentially a language mixing issue. I've removed this section.)

Chapter 115: The Justice Upholder Who Blacklists Others (82%) +5 Pearls

There was even gentleness in Maverick's expression. Danielle's casting choices are spot-on; he's a professional. Hendrick was holding Maverick's hand tightly.

"Ahem!"

Isabella turned to Alexander, who was working at his desk. "What?" she asked. They were in his CEO's office. He'd returned to work after a three-day leave.

The Quirk family seemed worried. Isabella assumed the office staff would help, but as they detailed Alexander's needs, she realized his left-hand injury was significantly inconvenient. Using her time off, she acted as his assistant. Alexander was considerate, delaying his office arrival until nine o'clock. However, Isabella found herself largely unnecessary. Ninety percent of her day involved using her phone and reading gossip.

She was considerate, keeping her thoughts to herself until Alexander seemed to need something. "Are you thirsty? Shall I have Thalia bring water?"

Alexander looked troubled. He was used to her emotional outbursts, but still disrupted. "Hmm, black coffee would help my concentration." Isabella immediately ordered coffee for him and a latte for herself.

Seeing him take a break, she shared the gossip. "How did you guess so accurately? I forwarded the poll to the Quirk family, but I'm the only one who got it right!"

Alexander's eyes flickered. The family had been analyzing the votes? He'd only glanced at their discussion of the rumors. Had the whole family participated in the polls? Everyone else was idle; only he was working. He felt exploited. Isabella watched him with intense curiosity.

Alexander explained, "It's the principle of maximizing benefits. Maverick's at a dead end. The rumors can't be clarified, and he's entangled in other scandals. Instead of ridicule, it's smartest to spin the rumors. In entertainment, truth and falsehood blur. A sensational twist distracts from previous issues; it's easier to mislead people."

"No wonder their explanations are flawed. They knew the fans' focus would shift."

Alexander continued, "Maverick only knows how to act. Asking him to retire is out of the question. His pride won't allow it, especially since he almost won Best Actor. His remaining path is to venture overseas, using these rumors to star in related films. Modern society, especially abroad, is more accepting. As long as he endures the humiliation, there's a chance."

Isabella was astounded. She immediately saw the news: Hendrick and Maverick were temporarily leaving the entertainment industry for opportunities abroad.

Isabella looked at Alexander with admiration. "You're too clever."

Alexander felt embarrassed. "It's just a normal guess."

Isabella's attention shifted. "Even Hendrick allowed himself to be used no, he volunteered! This is a showdown between obsessive Hendrick and villainous Maverick. Should I watch Crazy Hendrick win?" She chuckled, sipping her latte.

Netizens were stunned, but many commented: "Finally, Team Duo Alpha joins Team Young Again as the biggest joke of the past two weeks." Hendrick and Maverick announced their departure from My Acting Skill, mirroring Team Young Again's fate.

"I can picture the director and producer embracing each other, crying."

Alexander looked at her phone. "Unlikely. After this mess, they probably planned to remove them. They were close to official scrutiny. The production team wouldn't want to risk it."

Isabella froze. "So only three teams left? They still have several episodes to record. How will that work?"

"Maybe find replacements?" Alexander was uncertain.

They soon learned many were concerned about the show's future. Under pressure, the production team announced a round-robin tournament to determine the next face-offs.

"Isn't this insufficient?" Isabella wondered, checking the Gossip System. She almost spat out her latte. Alexander looked over, seeing a twitch at her mouth.

The director and producer planned to terminate their contracts and find replacements. They'd contacted several groups, but received no response. They also tried approaching…

Alexander raised an eyebrow. Why?

Isabella read: "Fear of clashing with A-list teams; this might be their last show. They're cursed and need to steer clear. Why don't they admit they're guilty and scared of their dirty secrets being exposed?" Isabella was dissatisfied.

Alexander found this amusing and exasperating. The most popular variety show, at its peak this season, was now ignored.

"They should be sobbing in the restroom now."

"They should," Alexander agreed.

While criticizing the production team, Isabella received a message from Hayden, asking her to share a Twitter post. Danielle had mentioned her, but Isabella was too engrossed in gossip to notice. Danielle announced she was Isabella's agent; Isabella immediately reposted it.

She now had a million fans, and the comments section exploded. Isabella refreshed the page. She expected Christopher's congratulatory message to be top, but it was second. The top comment was unexpected: "Once you've entered Isabella's fandom, you stay forever. She is the Justice Upholder, she who blacklists others. Come, let's enjoy the gossip with Isabella!" Isabella was confused.