Chapter 126: Under the Light

Isabella arrived last, quickly scanning the room to confirm everyone's presence. Danielle was the only one actively following Team A-list; Hayden handled Christopher's international affairs. Danielle, unfamiliar with Team A-list, was puzzled by Isabella's excited demeanor. Even Christopher and Rosalie seemed unusually anticipatory, their expressions glowing with excitement. This was a marked change from their initial reluctance to attend. What had changed? Why this ominous feeling?

Isabella noticed several staff members behind Taylor and Riley exchanging cryptic smiles and furtive glances at Taylor, Riley, and Rebecca. Taylor and Riley appeared oblivious. Rebecca, however, remained calmly composed despite the hostile glances, her smile unwavering. Her gaze, though, held a different light when directed at Danielle, a glimmer of hope perhaps, given Danielle’s lack of refusal.

Gordon, a seasoned actor, maintained an approachable demeanor, but his gaze frequently lingered on Rebecca with intensity. Though age isn't a barrier to love, a twenty-year age gap is significant. Mister, can't you see Rebecca is avoiding your gaze?

Christopher and Rosalie watched, noticing Gordon's unusually blatant interest—more overt than in previous episodes, possibly emboldened by his impending divorce. Even Ruth's attempts to shield him from Rebecca failed to deter his gaze.

A tall figure, Simon, appeared, diverting attention. Rebecca's expression subtly shifted upon seeing him. Simon, a supporting actor, wasn't typically present at such meetings.

"Who is that?" Isabella asked, intrigued by his unexpected presence.

"A supporting actor, I suppose. I don't know him," Christopher replied.

The anonymity meant no immediate gossip. Isabella found his proximity unsettling, suspecting him of being a troublemaker. Danielle interjected, "That's Simon, Gordon's nephew. He's a new actor, a bit of a slacker, brought in by Mrs. Gonzales to keep an eye on things."

Everyone looked at Danielle in surprise, impressed by her knowledge. They immediately gave her a thumbs-up.

So, he's here as an observer, not a troublemaker? Not interested then. I should check Mrs. Gonzales' plans.

Taylor launched into a lengthy explanation. Except for Danielle and Thalia, the rest of Team A-list appeared disengaged, engrossed in their own gossip.

So vicious. I'm glad the production team has integrity. Such maliciousness—to think we inspired this. Isn't this defamation?

Isabella's thoughts remained cryptic, frustrating Christopher and Rosalie.

What is going on? Don't leave us hanging! We're okay with spoilers. The sooner we know, the better we can prepare. What if we can't handle it?

Their internal fretting ceased as Taylor finished speaking. He and Riley simultaneously announced, "That's about it. We wish everyone good luck in the competition."

Just as everyone anticipated the meeting's end, Isabella excitedly stepped forward. "I have a question I need to clarify, or it might affect the fairness of the competition."

This was clearly directed at Taylor and Riley, responsible for ensuring fair competition. Their nervousness was palpable. Although they had manipulated the competition order and themes, they believed it didn't compromise fairness. They'd made some concessions under pressure. Could Team A-list know about this and care?

Gordon and Rebecca were unaware; only Ruth had previously been anxious. After the draw, Isabella's team showed no reaction. Ruth even thought they'd chosen to ignore the issue.

Riley, internally panicking, maintained a placating smile. "The show is going live tomorrow. If there's a problem, we can discuss it." Taylor, equally flustered, nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Isabella deliberately turned to Rebecca. Rebecca's confusion was evident before Isabella's sharp voice cut through the air: "I heard that Ms. Yancey slept with Mr. Carey and Mr. Briggs to win the competition. How can we trust the fairness of the competition?"

Rebecca's face paled. Her composure, rarely broken, faltered. Isabella and her team's previous righteous demeanor had given her naive hope. She hadn't anticipated the rumors' spread, knowing their inevitability and the futility of refuting them.

She didn't expect even Team A-list to misunderstand her, jeopardizing her contract. The hurt was profound. She wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn't come. She was accustomed to such blows. This time felt different—a public humiliation. She recalled past public humiliations—the slapping, the hair-pulling, the cold stares, the disbelief. The scene felt eerily similar—the silence, the accusing gazes. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but her throat felt choked. Numbness set in.

Taylor exclaimed, "What?" Riley's face paled. "Ms. Jeannet, you can't say such things!" Their anger was evident. Others reacted with embarrassment, gossip, or excitement.

Rebecca, stunned, realized this situation differed. Taylor and Riley seemed genuinely unaware. Maybe she could defend herself. She looked up and saw Isabella's surprising smile. Her throat tightened. "Ms. Jeannet, you misunderstood. I have no improper relationship with Mr. Carey or Mr. Briggs. Those are just rumors. I'm innocent." Her clear, earnest denial was met with Isabella’s continued smile.

Isabella adopted a puzzled expression. "Oh? Are they just rumors? But I clearly heard it from Mr. Carey's assistants." She pointed at three girls behind Taylor and Riley, their faces ashen. "They were in the bathroom saying you had a threesome with Mr. Carey and Mr. Briggs for an hour, and they saw it with their own eyes." Ignoring the shocked gasps, Isabella shrugged. "When I heard this, I was worried, so I had to speak up. Since everyone involved is here, you should confront each other."

Taylor and Riley stared at the three girls, whose legs trembled under the weight of everyone's gaze. Under the light, can filth still be hidden?