Chapter 149: They Seem to Have Quite the Endurance

The scandalous hotel affair dominated Twitter for two days. The story was so richly detailed that it remained captivating, no matter how often it was revisited. The men previously shamed were pitiful, but compared to Gordon's current predicament, they'd had it relatively easy. They merely lost status and reputation; Gordon's situation was far worse. He faced public humiliation, exposure of his illnesses, infidelity, and even professional poaching. In short, it was tragic.

In the Quirk manor's living room, the family—except Callahan—had established a new post-dinner tradition: gossiping. This daily ritual seemed to rejuvenate them. Even Alexander, occasionally leaving work early, participated.

Alexander smirked at Isabella's sarcastic commentary on Gordon's misfortune. The others joined in the laughter. Since Isabella's transformation, the family spent more time together, laughing and sharing stories.

"I've just heard the latest!" Rosalie exclaimed. "Mrs. Gonzales has announced her divorce and plans to sue Gordon, sending him a lawyer's letter. He's already been thrown out of the house."

"The truth has come out," Selena observed. "She's furious and doesn't care about her reputation anymore."

David added, "Gordon is leaving with nothing and will likely pay compensation. He's lost everything—his career and family."

"The paparazzi spotted Simon at Mrs. Gonzales's villa," Christopher said incredulously. "He's taken over! Is she still herself?" The family erupted in laughter.

Evian shook her head. "After being so badly hurt by men, how can she still trust them?"

"Maybe she doesn't trust them," Isabella mused. "She just wants to enjoy life. After all, she's rich. It's just the unresolved issue of them sabotaging Rebecca."

Everyone felt it was a pity they hadn't found traces of drugs in the coffee residue on Rebecca's clothing. Ironically, the intended perpetrator became the victim. Then Alexander remarked, "Mrs. Gonzales's cousin has been complaining at the office. The online scandals have impacted her family's businesses, including her natal family. They're planning to disown her. She's also not working." Ruth's cousin was a Quirk Group board member, so his words carried weight.

The family was surprised. Alexander, known for his serious CEO demeanor, was paying attention to office gossip and sharing it. However, seeing Isabella's excitement and her grabbing his arm, they exchanged knowing, teasing glances. Is this a new method to court your wife? they seemed to think. David and Selena, previously despondent about the couple's relationship, noted their newfound affection.

"Really?" Isabella asked eagerly.

Alexander nodded, detailing the situation. Isabella burst into laughter. "The bad things you do always come back to bite you."

They imagined Ruth's future without money and Simon's prospects, severely damaged by the scandal of seducing his aunt.

"Finally, Ms. Yancey has been vindicated!" Rosalie said happily. "No one will dare harm her again."

Everyone laughed. Evian then asked, "Bella, Chris, how will your show continue?"

Isabella, known for procrastination, turned to Christopher.

"Rebecca and Gordon are done," Christopher stated.

Isabella envisioned a more mysterious public image and the increase in direct messages she’d received.

Christopher continued, "Rebecca remains with our agency and will continue as a supporting act."

Isabella suggested, "I can step down. Rebecca can perform with you. Danielle wants to nurture her talent."

Christopher retorted, "Do you want to see Taylor and Riley killing themselves in front of you?"

The family laughed.

Isabella said innocently, "They seem to have quite the endurance."

Christopher explained that previous groups withdrew due to public condemnation and contract termination. Isabella, however, would face a penalty for breach of contract.

"A penalty?" The family watched Isabella with amusement and helplessness. Alexander said, "If you don't want to participate, I'll pay the penalty."

Isabella replied, "Never mind, I'll participate."

A penalty was unacceptable. Christopher exclaimed, "There's only one episode left! We were in the spotlight; let's wrap things up quietly. Otherwise, even the fastest-acting anxiety medication won't help Taylor and Riley." They had both endured hardship.

"Only one episode?" Isabella was surprised. Her contract covered a full season.

"Yes. Only two teams remain. We tried to get others to join, but no one dared. So Taylor and Riley gave up, making the next episode the last." Isabella laughed. One of life's greatest joys was earning the same amount of money with less work.

David chuckled, "Your group's the only one still fighting. It looks like Bella's going to scrutinize every group."

Selena said, "I'm familiar with the last group. I loved Freya's shows. She's paired with her son's ex-girlfriend, Scarlett."

Rosalie added, "People online bet on Team In-laws dropping out."

Evian remarked, "Backing out would show fear of Bella and Chris. Netizens would be unforgiving."

Christopher agreed. Mr. Briggs had approached them, but they showed no desire to quit. Hayden and Danielle had no major issues, and Mdm. Pearson, with official support, would likely maintain discipline. Selena mentioned a report about Mdm. Pearson becoming a widow at a young age and depending on her son.

Evian asked, "Is she protective of her son? Does she interfere with his girlfriend?"

Christopher hesitated, replying vaguely, "You could say that, I guess." His hesitation suggested a different meaning.