Chapter 140: A Tarnished Reputation

Backstage, Danielle contentedly watched Rebecca, shielding her from distractions. She’d discovered a promising talent and was eager to support her. The online response exceeded Danielle's expectations, a testament to Rebecca's revolutionary acting skills.

The Quirk family arrived, pleased to see Isabella and Alexander together. Christopher, leaning wearily against a wall, spoke with Alexander, sensing someone had approached him. Alexander reassured him. "Don't worry."

Meanwhile, Isabella gossiped quietly with the Quirk women about the online buzz. Gordon and Simon then approached, drawing everyone's attention. Their anticipation was palpable. Gordon's pallor was striking. He hadn't expected Rebecca's performance to be so impactful. The Quirks agreed; he looked pale.

Before they reached Rebecca, Taylor and Riley arrived.

"Mr. Gonzales, we were looking for you…" Taylor said.

Gordon, remembering what awaited, steeled himself. "I believe we should perform on stage…"

The stakes were high, and Rebecca had already shifted the momentum. Gordon and Rebecca were now at odds. If he fabricated something about her absence, it would cause trouble. Though furious and wanting retribution, he had to act.

But Riley interrupted with a smile. "Mr. Gonzales, you don't need to go on stage."

Gordon's expression froze. "But how can that be? This is a competition."

"Ms. Yancey is too exhausted to continue," Taylor sneered. "She doesn't need to perform anymore."

Gordon tried to argue, but Riley cut him off. "We've adjusted the show to meet online audience expectations. Besides, you were initially unable to perform. We can't accommodate your whims." Those listening almost laughed.

Chapter 140: A Tarnished Reputation (Continued)

The audacity! They don't owe him anything. Just because he's ready doesn't mean they must oblige. Besides, Carey and Briggs aren't fools; they see him manipulating women. The Quirk family stifled laughter at Isabella’s comments.

Perhaps the scrutiny was overwhelming. Gordon couldn't take it anymore. Losing face enraged him. "What does this mean? Will I not appear in future broadcasts?" He threatened to withdraw to force Taylor and Riley to comply.

Taylor and Riley stared impassively, their eyes seeming to say, "If withdrawing means losing a team, that's their fate; they've accepted it."

The threat was ludicrous. He'd soon realize he needn't appear, as netizens were already protesting, vowing to boycott him and Rebecca from future collaborations. They'd soon be trending. Netizens are relentless. The Quirks, initially observing the confrontation, became curious. How did it escalate this far?

Gordon maintained a false facade privately. Netizens likely didn't know about his situation with Rebecca. Isabella was too busy gloating to explain. Everyone had to find out for themselves and checked their phones.

The results were hilarious. The wives' group had suffered significant losses. Seeing Ruth and Gordon unharmed, they realized they'd been pawns. When questioned about plotting against Rebecca, someone implicated Ruth. They claimed Ruth instigated it because Gordon wanted a divorce to be with Rebecca!

This revelation caused a huge controversy. However, today's netizens were sharper and more experienced than in the past; numerous cases had been solved tonight. The truth emerged quickly.

One netizen mocked: "Please, don't tell me you're accusing our precious Rebecca of seducing Gordon, causing the divorce. That's hilarious! Why would she be interested in him?"

Another commented: "Mr. Gonzales coveted Rebecca's beauty and wanted a divorce. But what does that have to do with Rebecca?"

One netizen scorned: "You can't control your own husband, yet you bully innocent women. You should be stripped of your womanhood!"

Another: "I remember the recently viral video. The mastermind is clear now."

Another: "Someone released Rebecca's original script. Compared to the video, the difference is unbelievable."

The script depicted a tragic tale of love and loyalty; a story of home, country, and cherished loved ones. It transcended typical romance, showcasing the meaning of "confidante," a word often used derisively. Rebecca aimed to use her looks and acting to show that even with her beauty, she could have a confidante who knew and believed in her. There was no ambiguity. Such a performance would be the ultimate testament to her skill.

Ruth's video portrayed a classic mistress using her status as a confidante to charm a man, subtly undermining his wife. The man neglects his wife, and the confidante's true nature is only exposed when the wife is despairing.

Every detail mirrored the script, making comparison easy. It became a joke, proving Ruth's involvement in the blacklist.

One comment: "Justice has been served. This is your retribution for slandering others."

Ruth, witnessing the online barrage, broke down. She never imagined cyberbullying, or the exposure of her family background. She was pale and confused, reaching for her phone to call her husband.

Netizens speculated on Gordon's absence, with one commenting: "Did you plan to propose to Rebecca after your divorce, get rejected, and decide to intimidate her? Otherwise, tonight makes no sense!"

Another: "We're outside the broadcast room. We haven't seen an ambulance or Gordon. They say he's too sick, but I find that hard to believe!"

Another: "Ugh, I'm disgusted. Old man, stay away from her."

Ruth was speechless. Gordon continued to antagonize Taylor and Riley.

After browsing online, Christopher remarked sarcastically, "Mr. Gonzales, you should check public opinion. Not letting you on stage is for your own good. Mr. Carey is saving you from tarnishing your reputation at your age."

Gordon was stunned, checking his phone. His pupils constricted.