Chapter 118: No One Can Steal My Spotlight
Isabella, Selena, and Rosalie empathized with Rebecca's situation. However, the online reaction to Rebecca was baffling. One could easily be swayed by the prevailing sentiment. Men joked about her attractive physique and face. Eight out of ten comments contained risquรฉ humor, yet they insisted it wasn't disrespectful, claiming it was praise. They even argued with other women on Rebecca's behalf, creating gender tension. This "protection," however, felt uncomfortable.
Women were divided. One group, like Ruth and her associates, scorned Rebecca, accusing her of shamelessly flirting with men and fearing she would target their idols. The other group admired Rebecca and saw her as a role modelโthough they were dismissed as deluded fans. Only a few genuinely admired her beauty and acting skills.
Isabella found the situation overwhelming. The netizens she once found cute now seemed frightening. She knew only the ruthless survive industry scandals. She had no intention of meddling in Rebecca's affairs; she preferred to observe from the sidelines.
She looked up to find the women across from her intently watching, awaiting her response. Women should understand each other's struggles, yet some become accomplices to men in oppressing other women.
"Have you seen clearly now? You understand what kind of person she is, right?"
Isabella nodded, understanding perfectly.
Ruth, assuming agreement, declared righteously, "We need to remove her, to restore peace within the entertainment industry!"
Isabella considered this, then asked, "Aren't you afraid this might ruin Mr. Gonzales? What we did before wasโฆ a complete wipeout."
Ruth's face changed. "Of course not! I'll reveal this wretch's true colors to my husband. She's seducing him; he's simply true to his heart!"
Isabella smirked. "Doesn't a man ready to divorce you for another woman mean he's fallen out of love? And yet, you still want him?"
Ruth's face hardened. "Our marriage is deep-rooted. I can't abandon him just because he's momentarily lost his way. I need to help him. You don't need to concern yourself with this. Just focus on doing what we've asked."
Isabella shrugged. "I refuse."
"What?" Ruth was stunned that Isabella, their supposed ally, would refuse.
The other women erupted.
"Have you considered the consequences?"
"Do you think you're so important? That we came here to beg you?"
"What an audacious young lady! Don't you plan on staying in the industry?"
"Stop wasting your breath; let's talk to the man behind her. She's nothing more than a sugar baby."
Ruth glared. "Your man is in the upper echelons of Quirk Group, yes? My cousin's a board member. I intended to speak to your man, but you're ungrateful. Women of your caliberโฆ"
Isabella mentally scoffed, suppressing laughter.
In the distance, Selena and Rosalie trembled.
"Oh, so you didn't approach Christopher because you knew you couldn't order him around, and that's why you came to me?" Isabella said, stifling laughter.
The women's expressions shifted.
One said, "You and Christopher seemed close on the show. If I were to gather some videos and photos for your boyfriendโฆ"
Isabella was taken aback. She's trying to intimidate me using Christopher! A genius!
Selena and Rosalie were stunned.
Ruth picked up her phone. "A wise man submits to circumstances. If I contact my cousin, things get complicated. Since we've met, it must be fate. It's for a good cause, so you shouldn't reject us again, Ms. Jeannet?"
Isabella feigned distress. A classic opportunity to show off! I'll play the underdog. She considered involving a waiter or letting Ruth call her cousin.
Selena and Rosalie, listening to Isabella's thoughts, were excited to help. Revealing their identities might not be believed; thus, they could play the roles of the arrogant mother and sister of a CEO, bullying others. The thought thrilled them.
They prepared, ready for action, when someone barged in.
"Ruth, how come you're here?"
"Liam! I came to see you." Ruth looked surprised, then smiled cruelly at Isabella. "Looks like you're out of luck. I gave you a chance, but you didn't take it seriously. Learn from your mistake."
"You're here for me? Why are you lecturing someone? Are they from our company?" Liam didn't recognize Isabella.
Isabella waited for her moment.
"Yes, some young girls have skewed values. They think they can ignore right and wrong. Cousin, can you identify who she belongs to? It'd be a great favor if they could learn some manners."
Liam, grasping the situation, was about to ask who the woman's lover was, exciting Selena and Rosalie. Isabella was ready to intimidate them, when a chilling voice said, "She's mine. Is there a problem?"
Everyone looked toward the entrance, where a man stood.
Liam was shocked. Mr. Alexander? He didn't have a secret lover. Oh noโฆ it's over.
Ruth, having seen Alexander a few times, was stunned.
The other wives whispered, "Who is this person?"
"Mr. Alexander, sheโฆ is she from your familyโฆ" Ruth stammered.
Alexander put his arm around Isabella. He ignored Ruth, asking Isabella gently, "What happened?"
Isabella looked at Alexander with dissatisfaction. My grand entrance, my cunning plan! Alexander, how will you repay me? My pleasure was cut off! Alexander silently protested.
Isabella narrowed her eyes, wrapping her arms tightly around Alexander's waist. She felt his abdominal muscles and rubbed against them. Alexander stiffened.
Sobbing, she said, "Hubby, I'm terrified. They threatened to find another woman for you, and slandered my relationship with Christopher. Oh, how wronged I feel!"
Alexander was dumbfounded. Nobody can steal my spotlightโฆ Oh wow, abs!
The wives were speechless.