Chapter 135: Could You Take My Place On Stage?
The unexpected turn of events abruptly halted the live broadcast. The camera quickly shifted to the judges' panel as the host stepped in, saying, "There's been a slight mishap. We'll give Ms. Jeannet and Mr. Christopher a moment." The camera then panned to the judges, who had received urgent instructions from Taylor and Riley. They began critiquing the supporting actors' performances with the host. However, viewers weren't buying it, and an uproar erupted online.
The Team A-list performance now resembled a courtroom drama. Speculation ran wild: who would be the next "wrongly accused"? Who would make a comeback? Who would be ruined? Both spectators and those implicated anxiously awaited the fallout. Many fans expressed deep concern for Isabella:
- "What about Isabella? What happened?"
- "What's wrong with the production team? Are they jinxed?"
- "I'm still looking forward to Isabella's performance. There's more to reveal!"
- "It's likely they're trying to take Isabella down after she exposed them!"
- "Some fools are even threatening to sue Team A-list for defamation!"
- "Seriously? Let's teach them a lesson!"
- "Is there a conspiracy? Are industry insiders trying to sabotage Team A-list?"
- "It's rare to see someone defy authority. Will they succeed?"
- "It depends on whether the performance continues. I hope Team A-list can withstand the pressure."
Everyone in the livestream room waited anxiously. Backstage, panic reigned, except for the Quirk family. When Isabella fell, they rushed to her side, worried but hesitant to touch her.
It wasn't until Isabella mentioned a foot injury that they helped her. David and Selena wanted to call an ambulance, but Christopher suggested driving to the hospital. Rosalie and Evian checked for other injuries while Danielle and Thalia were kept at bay by the Quirk family.
"I'm okay, really! It's not serious," Isabella said, inwardly feeling guilty. She hadn't actually been injured; she'd jumped.
The Quirk family stared in astonishment. Christopher's eyes widened before Danielle pushed him aside.
"How are you feeling? Can you make it to the stage?" Danielle asked.
Embarrassed, Isabella confessed, "I think I sprained my foot. It's painful; I can't perform."
Danielle mentally urged her to persevere, but seeing the Quirk family's concern for their daughter-in-law, she remained silent. Isabella was more than just an actress; she was the wife of a prominent family's heir.
Taylor and Riley rushed over, their excitement turning to despair at the news. The Team Noble stage play wasn't ready, and shortening the program violated regulations. They felt like begging Team A-list for a solution. Their concern wasn't ratings; they just wanted a smooth recording.
Worried they couldn't handle the pressure, Isabella suggested, "We'll find someone to take over." Taylor and Riley were relieved. "Do you have another actress?" they asked.
Isabella nodded, surprising Danielle, who knew they didn't have a readily available substitute. Due to secrecy, supporting actors rehearsed individually.
Christopher was also surprised until he heard Isabella's thoughts: Rebecca. Isabella considered resuming the act after recovering or simply appearing in a wheelchair.
The Quirk family was awed by Isabella's plan. Taylor and Riley, desperate to continue the show, didn't worry about screen time rules. "Ten minutes! We need to keep the broadcast running," they said.
Isabella agreed before Danielle could react. Taylor and Riley left.
"Ms. Jeannet!" Danielle exclaimed, losing her composure. Isabella smiled apologetically as Rebecca entered, concerned. Isabella beckoned Rebecca, and Danielle had an epiphany.
"Ms. Yancey, I can't perform. Could you take my place?" Isabella asked.
The backstage staff were stunned. Rebecca stared blankly. "What?"