Chapter 122: She Wants to Join Our Agency

"What's your opinion on Rebecca?" Danielle asked directly.

Isabella was surprised. Why were so many people asking her about Rebecca today? The lively restaurant fell silent as Isabella pondered this. Alexander was naturally quiet, while Selena and Rosalie simply wanted to know what was happening.

Isabella voiced her concerns. "Did you hear about what happened to me today?"

Danielle was startled. "What?"

Isabella, realizing Danielle hadn't heard, cautiously explained the situation to her new manager. She omitted details from the Gossip System but hinted at her perspective. "I'm pretty sure there's been a misunderstanding. When I asked Ruth for proof, she couldn't provide any and just started insulting me." A burst of laughter erupted from the other end of the phone.

"She actually… actually tried to intimidate you! Hahaha, those women are as arrogant as ever. They must have been terrified of your status. I wish I'd been there, hahaha!"

Danielle clearly enjoyed a good bit of drama. However, her laughter subsided, and her tone turned serious.

"It seems Ruth was planning to confront Rebecca, which explains why she contacted me. Gordon must have expressed his intention to be with Rebecca. Ruth, seeing no other options, wanted an ally—and chose us."

Isabella was confused. "Huh?"

Danielle explained, "We've exchanged contact information before, and she contacted me today wanting to join our agency."

"What! She wants to join our agency?" The Quirk family members reacted in surprise.

"With her current contract ending soon, she had to decide whether to renew or find a new agency. She initially planned to use this show to showcase her acting and secure a new contract. At first, they certainly didn't consider us…" Danielle paused, hesitant. "The reason I called was to ask for your opinion. However…"

Isabella expressed her surprise. "When you sign a contract, don't you have the final say?"

Danielle, amused by Isabella's easygoing nature, understood the subtle hints from Hayden and Christopher that Isabella was poised to become the next agency head. Even with significant decision-making power, it was important to consider the boss's perspective. However, as an artist herself, Isabella might find the idea of being a boss troublesome.

Danielle clarified, "Since you're all artists from the same studio, harmonious relationships are important. If you dislike her, I definitely won't sign her."

Isabella laughed. "How could I dislike her? I barely know her."

"In this industry, at least ninety percent of female artists who don't know her well dislike her."

Isabella, having indulged in some gossip, understood the underlying reasons. Beyond the rumors, most female artists disliked Rebecca upon first meeting; they instinctively avoided her. It was simply a matter of appearance.

Rebecca's beauty was captivating to men but intimidating to women. Her allure was undeniable, like a ripe fruit. Without sufficient power, status, or connections, men desired her physically, while many women viewed her with malice. A particular incident illustrated this well. While the same outfit looked respectable on other female artists, when Rebecca wore it (and a button popped off), a middle-aged male host blurted out, "If Ms. Yancey were standing next to me in this dress, I'd be worried the police would arrest me." The implication was clear, causing the room to erupt in laughter. Rebecca handled it with impeccable composure, a touch of irritation quickly masked by self-deprecating humor. However, the male host seemed to have a lapse in judgment, abruptly switching to a horse-riding game (it was unclear if this was planned). While other female guests maintained composure, Rebecca's turn on the mechanical horse led to more laughter, though she effortlessly completed the challenge. A female guest sarcastically remarked, "There's no point in competing; we're no match for Ms. Yancey."

This incident highlighted the malice Rebecca frequently faced. Her videos were heavily edited, making her the industry's most controversial figure, yet this fueled her popularity and influence.

As Isabella contemplated this, Danielle said, "However, since Ruth is determined to ruin her reputation, we might as well let it be." Danielle, after speaking with Hayden, considered Rebecca's unique circumstances. Hayden was hesitant, finding Rebecca too scandalous and potentially more trouble than she was worth. He preferred to see his studio refocus. Danielle, however, was drawn to Rebecca's acting talent and ability to generate controversy; she saw it as an exciting challenge. Rebecca's concessions further appealed to her. Understanding Rebecca's predicament and privy to insider information, Danielle wanted to help, remembering her own past reliance on kindness. However, a powerful group was determined to destroy Rebecca. Danielle had to weigh the pros and cons professionally; she couldn't jeopardize her benefactors or risk acting irrationally out of sympathy. She was responsible for the agency and Isabella.

Danielle felt a pang of disappointment. As she was about to end the call, Isabella asked, "What did Rebecca do wrong to end up in this situation?" Danielle, remembering Isabella's past, was intrigued. "How do you know she didn't do anything wrong?"

Isabella, feeling uncomfortable, touched her nose. "If she were truly flitting between men, how could she have no options, forcing her to come to us, to you?" Ruth had strong connections, but Rebecca also had rumored connections to influential men. If she were willing to use her body as leverage, couldn't she have found a better agency? Shouldn't she have approached Christopher and Hayden first? By choosing Danielle, a strong, independent woman, wasn't it clear she valued professionalism above all else, seeking to secure her future through her own abilities?

Selena and Rosalie agreed.

Danielle laughed. "You're right. She agreed to a very modest compensation, but she had one request."

"What is it?" Isabella asked.

"She won't sell her body."

Isabella's expression changed. A heavy silence fell over the room. It seemed a woman, battered by fate, was fighting to salvage herself.