Chapter 132: Beauty Does Not Cause Disasters

If not for the last-minute changes that had everyone scrambling, those privy to the gossip would have gladly shared the juicy details on their phones. Instead, they could only exchange knowing glances, their excitement palpable.

"This is huge! Explosive! Team A-list… you played this perfectly! This will cause a major upheaval! We're already anticipating an industry earthquake tonight. Look! Even Mr. Briggs and Mr. Carey are shocked!"

Taylor and Riley, on edge all day due to the confidential script, felt their hearts sink as they assessed the situation. Backstage, they nervously lit cigarettes, savoring the pre-show calm.

As the stage lights dimmed and the background music began, a deep male voice narrated: "There once were beautiful concubines who used their beauty to serve their kings, disregarding morality and law for personal gain, causing harm to all. It's often said that a beautiful woman is a source of disaster…"

He was interrupted by Isabella's sarcastic, high-pitched voice: "Blaming all disasters on beautiful women? As expected, beauty is the cause of all disasters?"

The live chat exploded with question marks. The performance, intended to critique the immoral rise to power of royal favorites, seemed to be taking an unexpected turn. The on-site audience was dumbfounded, except for the Quirk family in the front row, who gleefully rubbed their hands together. They knew the inside scoop.

As smoke filled the stage, the actors playing King Abrax (Christopher), and Anippe (Isabella) made their entrance. The stage was set as a large, artificial bathing pool, suggesting decadence. Christopher and Isabella luxuriated in the pool, enjoying the music. Isabella obediently served Christopher wine, but she was the sole concubine present.

Suddenly, a vassal burst in, kneeling. "Your Majesty, I implore you to rescind your order. The construction of the Star Reaching Tower is exhausting the people and depleting the treasury!"

Christopher's temper flared. "What's wrong with building the Star Reaching Tower for my beloved concubine? It's none of your concern!" He pulled Isabella into his arms. "Come, darling, let's continue… I want more wine." Isabella remained stiff.

Initially, netizens considered Isabella's acting stiff, assuming nervousness. Then, Christopher grinned, gently tilting Isabella's chin. "Do you believe I should heed their words, darling? Don't you wish to ascend the Star Reaching Tower with me? To seek longevity from the deities?" Isabella's hand trembled. "Yes, of course," she stammered.

Isabella's fear of the ruthless king was evident, a stark contrast to the legendary manipulative witch.

"Witch! You've bewitched our king!" the vassal accused, seething. "You've monopolized his attention, neglecting state affairs! I will slay you to break his spell!" Isabella hid behind Christopher. The guards immediately apprehended the vassal.

He pleaded, tears streaming, "Your Majesty, this beauty is the cause of all disasters! She threatens you and the world! Don't forsake your legacy for her! Killing her will restore everything!" Isabella trembled, her face pale.

Christopher smiled cruelly. "I'd kill you first!" He executed the vassal.

The lights shifted; a large screen lit up, displaying rapidly scrolling ancient texts, akin to a furious public outcry. Texts included: "Anippe is a witch, she seduced the king… she's ruthless and brings harm to Abrazia!" "All the king's cruel acts were Anippe's manipulation!" "Without Anippe, Abrazia will recover!" "Kill the menace, Anippe! Kill the witch!"

The stage plunged into darkness, spotlighting a trembling Isabella, her voice hoarse. "What have I done? Why blame me for this disaster?"

She stood, slapping Christopher. "I was a young maiden with a fiancé. The king summoned me, fell for my beauty, and pursued me relentlessly. How could I refuse? I'm just a concubine; could I reprimand a king? Why would anyone say I monopolized him or stopped him from attending court? You only saw him skipping court for me, but who can prove I swayed his decisions?"

She slapped the vassal. "The king wanted the Star Reaching Tower! He wanted longevity! What does that have to do with me? Is it my fault he wanted me with him? He neglected his duties; that's his fault!" Isabella pointed at the screen, her voice filled with sorrow. "You're weaklings! You hide your incompetence behind love affairs! The king is inept, the vassals are useless! I may be beautiful, but I'm not a bringer of disaster!"

Her roar silenced the screen, plunging the venue into darkness. The first act ended. The audience and online viewers were stunned.

A netizen commented: "I get it. Team A-list wants to challenge the 'beauty is the cause of all disasters' trope by portraying different aspects of King Abrax and Anippe."

Another: "It's a unique perspective. I've always wondered why ancient beauties who held sway over kings seemed to enjoy tormenting others. Did they need cruelty to feel fulfilled?"

Another: "New evidence suggests the 'calamity to the country and people' might be men shifting blame."

Another: "In the patriarchal world, it's hard to imagine a woman having that much influence."

Another: "Didn't Isabella say it? Love affairs spread faster than political complexities. If a country falls, it's easier to blame a powerless woman than the king and vassals."

Another: "True. We're drawn to such rumors. Their spread makes them easily accepted. As long as they avoid a king like the previous one, infamous for his obsession with women, things will be fine."

Another: "Sleazy! When men are sleazy, women always get the blame."

Another: "King Abrax used Anippe to cover his indulgences; the vassals used her to cover their inability to advise him. Everything's Anippe's fault in the end."

Taylor and Riley nervously watched the serious discussion, hoping it continued. Then, the live chat exploded.

"Wait, who did I just see? Why isn't that Isabella?"

"Christopher's playing King Haris, shouldn't Isabella be playing Coga?"

"Didn't this actress leave the entertainment industry?"

"Yeah, she seduced a capitalist CEO. He invested in her movies and lost everything. His wife exposed her sex tape; she was condemned for destroying his family and career, labeled a parasitic gold digger!"

"She was ridiculed and announced her departure from the industry."

"Has Team A-list lost their minds? Why invite someone with such a bad past as a supporting actress?"

"Wait! She seems to be the main lead of this scene!"

Offstage, Rebecca stared at the actress, remembering her past distress, her attempts at explaining her innocence, her depression, suicide attempt, and ultimate withdrawal from the industry, leaving only negative scandals and insults. But Rebecca had seen her movies—terrible scripts, but impressive acting.