Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind: Chapter 130 – A Threatening Proposal
Rebecca's expression soured during Gordon's lengthy speech, but she was too embarrassed to rebuke him directly. She began to gently refuse him. "Mr. Gonzales," she said, "you've always been my mentor and teacher. I deeply respect you."
The smile faded from Gordon's face, his expression growing somber. Rebecca's reluctance was clear; her brow furrowed in refusal. He felt she was being condescending and embarrassing him.
"Do you know why your company only briefly questioned you about your expiring contract, Rebecca?" Gordon asked abruptly.
"Once the contract expires," Rebecca replied, "they won't be able to pressure me."
In truth, she knew she'd offended her former company. Negative news about her had been trending for days. Her management company, despite their ongoing contract, had done virtually nothing. Considering her former company's ruthless exploitation of young talent, their sudden change of heart was baffling.
Rebecca had attributed the company's inactivity to her age, assuming she was no longer valuable to them. But Gordon's words unsettled her.
"They wouldn't let you go, Rebecca," Gordon said. "You're a cash cow, entertaining their clients."
Rebecca's face fell.
"They backed off out of respect for me, for claiming you as mine," Gordon said slowly. "Their willingness to discuss this project before your departure is also because of me. Consider this project my proposal."
Rebecca's surprise was evident. "Why would they listen to you?"
"I told your boss," Gordon explained, "that if you were released, I would secure investments and new connections for them."
A wave of nausea washed over Rebecca. Although Gordon had amassed his fortune with his wife's help, his own network wasn't sufficient to pressure her former company. They feared Ruth's capital and, more importantly, Gordon stirring up Ruth's jealousy if his proposal was rejected. Ruth's powerful connections and her willingness to appear on a show with her husband's romantic rival demonstrated her impulsiveness. Rebecca's company would be the collateral damage in their conflict.
Therefore, they dared not offend Gordon and complied with his requests. Rebecca saw him anew: foolish and manipulative, leveraging his wife's reputation to pursue other women.
Maintaining her composure, Rebecca replied, "Honestly, the company's actions won't change my decision. I'm leaving. I'm prepared for hardship; as long as I'm alive, anything is fine. As for this…" She sincerely promised to repay the favor, recognizing this show as an unparalleled opportunity.
Gordon hadn't anticipated her continued refusal. He didn't want to admit Ruth was right, so he offered Rebecca one last chance.
"You've broken my heart," he said melodramatically, clutching his chest. "I feel unwell. Could you call the director? I can't perform."
Rebecca felt a chill. She couldn't believe his low tactic.
"Mr. Gonzales, this is your show too. Your absence would be a serious problem," Rebecca pleaded.
"I'm getting older, my heart isn't great," he said nonchalantly. "The netizens won't mind. Later, if things escalate, I may need hospitalization. With other groups withdrawing, the director will understand."
Rebecca trembled.
"The internet is against you," Gordon added. "The public likely doesn't want to see you either."
Rebecca's eyes reddened. "Mr. Gonzales, did you have to resort to this?"
Danielle's probationary status and her agency's strict code of conduct complicated Rebecca's situation. Rebecca had hoped to use the live broadcast to showcase her skills and gain popularity. She'd received contract inquiries after the previous episode, but the scandals created hesitation. Even the negative publicity had boosted her visibility; strong performance could turn public opinion. She assumed Gordon, even if rejecting her romantic advances, would act professionally. But he'd taken an unexpected turn. Missing this opportunity would shatter her hopes.
Seeing Rebecca's defeat, Gordon chuckled, regaining his gentle demeanor. He raised a ring box. "Marry me. Be a good girl, and I'll rescue you."
Backstage, Isabella startled Danielle by suddenly standing. The Quirks waved goodbye, Isabella and Christopher saying in unison, "We'll walk you to the exit."
Danielle, about to ask them to stay, found them hurrying out. She reluctantly followed, watching the time.
Around the corner, she heard Taylor's furious cry.
"What? Mr. Gonzales is unwell and can't perform? A last-minute replacement? It's not about feasibility, it's about time! Your performance is about to start! Are you trying to sabotage me?"
A weak, tearful voice replied, "I-I'm sorry."
Danielle heard Isabella's voice, but the rest was cut off. Why do I have a bad feeling? she wondered.
The live broadcast began; the comments exploded:
Netizen 1: It's starting! I'm excited! Netizen 2: Get ready for a grand punishment! Netizen 3: Get out of showbiz, Rebecca! Netizen 4: The industry is full of shameless climbers! They must be punished. Netizen 5: Apologize, Rebecca! Apologize to those you hurt! Netizen 6: Investigate Rebecca's finances! Netizen 7: Her love life and finances are dirty! Jail! Netizen 8: Rebecca, you're the best! Be true to yourself! Netizen 9: Wow, even her fans are awful. Netizen 10: Rebecca's acting is professional. Netizen 11: Professional? It's all about her charm and allure. Netizen 12: It's starting! Watch Team A-list's embarrassing performance! Netizen 13: I've set a trap for Team Noble! Netizen 14: I feel sorry for Mr. Gonzales! He's kind, and being taken advantage of! Netizen 15: Direct your anger at her, not Mr. Gonzales! He's an upright man! Netizen 16: A confidant? A mistress! Netizen 17: Check out this fan-made video!
In the hospital, Ruth said into her phone, "Has it been sent? Good, buy those views! I want her ridiculed!" But the stage curtain fell again. Question marks filled the comments. The host apologized, explaining Mr. Gonzales's illness and the rearranged performance order. Next, Christopher and Isabella would perform: "A Beautiful Disaster!"