Chapter 127: Even Paparazzi Were Not As Dedicated

Isabella directly confronted the issue, disregarding everyone's feelings and leaving no easy escape. The situation was deeply embarrassing for those involved, though Isabella herself showed no embarrassment, simply waiting for their response. Christopher hid a smile, Rosalie's eyes sparkled with excitement, and Danielle, the manager, felt a mixture of annoyance at the unexpected situation and excitement at the potential buzz it could generate. Rebecca stared, astonished. Isabella had overheard the conversation in the bathroom.

No one anticipated such a dramatic confrontation. The gossip, regardless of its truth, was shocking. The three girls' faces paled, clearly terrified.

"That's complete nonsense! What are you talking about?" Taylor furiously questioned.

Riley glared coldly. "You have a lot of nerve spreading rumors on our show. Do you want to keep your jobs? How did you see it?"

Two of the girls, mere listeners, panicked and pushed the girl who claimed to have witnessed the event forward. Terrified, she stammered, "Ms. Jeannet must have misheard. How could you both have an improper relationship with Ms. Yancey?"

Isabella smiled. "Are you saying my hearing is bad? You spoke very loudly! You knew someone might be in the bathroom, yet you spoke loudly on purpose, hoping to spread the rumor. I heard it clearly. Why aren't you admitting it?" The girl's eyes were red-rimmed; she looked distressed and intimidated by Isabella.

"I really didn't say that…" she whispered, unable to admit her guilt and fearing the consequences. She couldn't comprehend why Isabella would target her.

Isabella thought, Laughable. She's playing the victim? She thinks I should have secretly retaliated against Rebecca instead of confronting her openly? She'd spread the rumor recklessly.

Christopher and Rosalie murmured, "Such a despicable person."

"You clearly said you saw Ms. Yancey entering the room where Mr. Carey and Mr. Briggs were," Isabella said, amused.

The girl's face turned pale. "How could that be? I've been with Mr. Carey the whole time. Ms. Yancey never met with Mr. Carey or Mr. Briggs alone. Please, Ms. Jeannet, don't make it hard for me." The other two girls' expressions shifted, but they supported her denial.

"Yes, we're sorry. The production team ensures fairness in the competition," they said, attempting damage control. Isabella knew they wanted to bury the issue.

"So, you're certain Ms. Yancey never tried to seduce Mr. Carey and Mr. Briggs for the competition? You always knew she was an upright person?"

The three nodded simultaneously.

"That's strange," Isabella said, smiling and producing her phone. The three girls were sweating profusely, realizing what was coming.

Isabella played a video—the incriminating restroom conversation. Their faces turned ashen.

"Since it was a serious accusation, I kept evidence," Isabella said, clicking her tongue. No one, not even paparazzi, was this dedicated. The crystal-clear recording caused astonishment. The girl hadn't just heard the rumor; she'd claimed to witness it.

Taylor and Riley were furious. They'd initially considered a misunderstanding, but now realized the girls had fabricated the entire story.

"You…" Riley fumed.

The three girls began arguing amongst themselves, blaming each other. The middle girl, completely pale and trembling, finally burst into tears.

Taylor roared, "How dare you cry? You said you were with us the whole time and never saw Ms. Yancey meet us. How could you lie?"

Terrified, the girl collapsed, finally ceasing her excuses. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I wasn't thinking clearly…"

Taylor and Riley, unable to physically punish her, apologized and calmed the guests, dealing with the girls privately. But the incident left a lingering feeling of slander.

"Don't apologize to us. You should apologize to Ms. Yancey!" Riley insisted.

The girl apologized to Rebecca, who smirked mockingly. The situation felt awkward. Rebecca realized Isabella had acted to help her, but the damage might be irreparable. She’d never confronted rumors directly before, believing that even revealing the truth made little difference.

Rebecca glanced at the onlookers. Those familiar with Taylor and Riley knew the rumor was absurd, but strangers simply enjoyed the drama, exchanging knowing glances, ready to gossip later. Nothing had truly changed.