Chapter 70: Their Downfall

Connor acutely knew that mishandling the unfolding crisis would have catastrophic repercussions. He urgently needed to pull William aside to strategize, but Hayden's cough reminded him of the audience. Frustration mounted, but he knew better than to provoke further conflict with the influential figures present.

"I apologize, Ms. Jeannet. We didn't thoroughly investigate this matter," Connor offered, expertly navigating the delicate situation.

Their dismissive response left Connor no choice but to pull William aside. Jarred, William felt embarrassment and anger surge. He resented the indignity; he was a celebrated actor, far more renowned than the rookie, Isabella. Even if he'd erred, what significant loss had Isabella suffered to warrant such a fervent apology? His pride, repeatedly wounded before this gathering, ached. Yet, his manager's pressure compelled him to murmur, "I'm sorry, I misunderstood."

The scene was surreal—a revered actor humbling himself before a novice. Attendees were fascinated by Isabella and the unfolding drama, though some felt she'd overstayed her welcome in the limelight. It was time to de-escalate and salvage William's dignity. Why push for further apologies?

To everyone's astonishment, Isabella refused to let it drop. She sighed, her voice calm yet firm: "I'm forgiving, and I don't hold grudges. However, one individual hasn't apologized, so I can't say I'm completely done."

The room fell silent. What? she wasn't one to hold grudges? But who started this?

William was flabbergasted by Isabella's persistence; he hadn't anticipated her refusal to reconcile. His manager had to physically lead him away.

William's group's promotional video fell through. Other groups filmed, but the focus was lost, everyone distracted by the scandal and online chatter. Curiosity about William's response was rampant, yet as evening fell and the crew dispersed, there was no response from his camp.

The production team distanced themselves, claiming ignorance and awaiting instructions. Online, while die-hard fans clung to their beliefs, neutral observers reveled in the downfall of the once-revered actor and his mistress. Their past relationship, once romanticized, now reeked of scandal. Netizens dissected every rumor, their commentary increasingly critical, significantly damaging his public image.

At the Quirk manor, the evening was spent discussing the scandal. While Isabella multitasked, the others feigned interest in their screens, hanging on her every word. The veracity of her firsthand account was undeniable and far more enthralling than questionable online information.

"Half the internet is hurling insults! And some still believe in their innocence! Can they not see? Or do they choose to be blind?" Isabella's articulate scolding intensified. "What? There are actually people who still…"

Everyone leaned closer.

"Dang, did she resort to suicide?"

Everyone was shocked.

"Fake? Oh, it's a mere ruse to deceive William."

Silence.

"It's utterly ridiculous. She claimed her resentment over being tricked into a gathering caused her unstable emotions and impulsive actions. She regrets her rashness and claims she lied out of fear of being disliked by William…"

Nods of agreement circled the room. The rationale was unbelievable; they knew the supposed drinking party was fabricated by Jennie. Wouldn't William reflect on the veracity of the gathering claims?

"Gosh, he doesn't believe her…"

A collective sigh. But Isabella's tirade continued.

She confessed that she loved him, driven by unresolved feelings from their past forced separation. "How disgusting!"

The room was stunned, barely suppressing their urge for more revelations.

Jennie had thrown herself at William and kissed him! And shockingly, he didn't pull away. After a while, he gently pushed her away, clarifying that he couldn't reciprocate because his heart belonged to Jessica.

The onlookers echoed the sentiment. So, a confession, a kiss, and then William forgave Jennie for her actions against Jessica? He excused everything because of love? He even consoled Jennie, promising to find a way out. "You had the nerve to call Jessica from Jennie's room!"

The Quirks, though unacquainted with those involved, felt indignation. No wonder online activists were expressing outrage.

Suddenly, Isabella's expression shifted to shock. The room held its breath.

"Can you believe it? Connor actually suggested William pin all the blame on Jessica, divorce her, and marry Jennie, claiming it would cause the least damage! Are you even hearing yourself? Do you have shameless tattooed on your forehead?!"

Though the Quirks lacked insight into the manager's plan, they lamented his lack of morals.

On Jennie's apartment balcony, Connor said decisively, "It's time to decide. Get a divorce, let Jessica publicly admit her mistakes, and then you can be with Jennie. Only then can we clear this hurdle."

"No way!" William exclaimed, incredulous. "Are you out of your mind? She mentioned divorce to scare Jessica, to stop her from making a fuss. I never seriously considered it…"