Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind - Chapter 116: The Justice Upholder Starts Her Duty (+5 Pearls)

"Can this be more absurd?" Isabella fumed. "Reckless gossip is one thing, but these puns are unbearable! 'Slapping Master,' 'Censor Master,' and now this bizarre nickname? These unscrupulous netizens are infuriating!" She vented her frustration to her new manager, Danielle.

Danielle, however, responded ruthlessly, "This is a fantastic opportunity! Spontaneous popularity like this is a dream for others. It's all positive for you." To underscore her point, Danielle liked and replied to the offending comment.

Isabella, exasperated, finished her latte in one gulp. A soft laugh echoed from the side. Glaring in that direction, she saw Alexander pretending to be engrossed in a document.

"Hey!" she called out.

Alexander cleared his throat. "Danielle's probably shaping your image. This way, people won't mess with you, or approach you with shady business."

Isabella was surprised. "What? Really?"

Alexander nodded. "She's also using this to establish an unshakeable image for the agency, suggesting it's bulletproof. This attracts more trust from future artists, creating a win-win situation."

Isabella, feeling victimized, didn't want this peculiar reputation.

After a moment, Alexander added, "If you don't like it, tell Danielle. Let her handle it."

"Can I do that?" Isabella asked hesitantly.

Alexander nodded earnestly. "No one can force you. If she can't handle it, I will."

Taken aback by his seriousness, Isabella contemplated it. Honestly, it was funny, if she weren't the subject. Finally, she decided to let it go. She hadn't entered the entertainment industry just for gossip; she wanted to make money. Danielle was right—popularity was good.

By afternoon, the online trend had become even stranger. Some fans audaciously demanded their idols confront negative rumors head-on. Celebrities with real scandals could only placate their fans; none dared to meet such challenges. Jokes and scandals abounded.

Isabella giggled throughout the afternoon, so much so that when Alexander had to attend a meeting, he couldn't bring her along—she was too distracting.

"Huh? I don't need to go? Then…"

"Could you sort the files on my computer?" Alexander asked before leaving.

Isabella agreed and stayed in the office. She spent the day reviewing documents, searching for contracts, typing, and responding to messages on Alexander's phone. Because of the Hannah incident, Alexander kept these things secure, making Isabella the only person with access. Ms. Gates would have a fit in prison if she knew, Isabella thought, laughing.

She was about to leave when an email notification appeared on Alexander's computer. Having previously managed his emails, she opened it without hesitation. The email froze her.

Alex, I'll be returning in half a month. Can we meet?

It was from Alexander's first love, Eleanor. Isabella regretted her impulsiveness.

Later, she stared at the email again. She should be happy. Her plan relied on Alexander initiating the divorce, freeing her. She'd been playing the obedient wife, waiting for Eleanor's return to trigger his guilt, securing a hefty divorce settlement. This was her exit strategy. She should be celebrating the countdown.

But something felt off. Life had become too comfortable at the Quirk manor. The thought of leaving unsettled her. But then, the thought of over two hundred million in alimony, plus investments, and her established entertainment career, brought a smile to her face. Darling, I'll be waiting for you, she typed, making a heart with her fingers. Then she left Alexander's office; his meeting was taking a long time, and she craved another latte.

The assistant usually bought her lattes from the corporation's leisure bar. It wasn't teatime, so few people were there. As she ordered, a staff member recognized her and offered to bill her later. Then, a woman's voice called out, "Ms. Jeannet?"

Isabella was startled. Only people in the entertainment industry used that name. She turned to see five stunningly beautiful women, adorned with jewels, sipping tea. Their gaze was arrogant and disdainful. The speaker was Ruth Aguilar, wife of Gordon Gonzales, a beloved older actor.

They'd met once before, but never properly interacted. Isabella considered this a chance encounter. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she approached them.

Ruth nodded, introducing Isabella. The others acknowledged her with haughty nods, offering no introduction. Isabella suppressed her laughter; she understood their attitude. They likely assumed she was a young mistress kept by a Quirk Group director.

Isabella and Alexander's marriage wasn't exactly a secret; business families kept their private lives discreet. Even Christopher's connection to Quirk Group was only known within the industry. Isabella's identity, however, remained a mystery. Ruth knew about Christopher; if he'd brought a newcomer, she assumed a significant connection to Quirk Group. She certainly didn't expect the CEO's wife.

Isabella expected to leave after greetings, but Ruth said, "Please, sit."

"Huh? Won't I interrupt?" Isabella asked.

"No. We're here to see you. We need your help," Ruth stated, leaving no room for refusal. "Aren't you the Justice Upholder? We hope you'll help us take down Rebecca! We want that homewrecker to lose all standing in the industry!"