Chapter 72: Overwhelming Slander

William's impressive public relations team effectively twisted the truth, mounting a slanderous campaign. After using a health report to sow doubt within the influential online community, they promptly released a statement. William admitted to concealing his marriage, then announced the full truth would be revealed during a live broadcast, subtly hinting at both his and Jennie's innocence.

Isabella thought, Damn, they're using the show's popularity to whitewash their reputation with a web of lies. They haven't made their stance clear yet; they're giving Jessica a final chance. If Jessica accepts their other propositions, they will… The Quirks were astounded. "I can't believe they're actually doing this!"

"Surely Jessica will come forward to prove her innocence," Selena exclaimed, surprised.

"Jessica never wanted anyone to know about her illness," Evian said, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Could you persuade her, Evie?" Rosalie asked anxiously.

As hospital director, Evian felt obligated to check on Jessica. She learned that Jessica had seen the news and was deeply affected, isolating herself; the medical staff couldn't reach her. If Jessica didn't act, no one could overstep boundaries on her behalf.

The next day, promotional videos featuring William and Jennie were posted online, reviving fan enthusiasm. Public opinion shifted dramatically. William and Jennie were portrayed as star-crossed lovers, while Jessica was painted as a villainous wife clinging to a dead relationship and causing unnecessary drama. Though not officially endorsed, the implication was clear, revealing a masterful marketing strategy. The Quirks were utterly astounded.

"Why do the unfaithful always seem to have better lives than the devoted?" Rosalie asked Isabella.

Isabella replied, "Because the devoted are more morally bound, they worry more, and worry leads to illness. It's a lesson." Everyone looked at her curiously.

"Throwing a tantrum and avoiding self-reflection is the real secret to longevity," Isabella said sarcastically.

Mid-sentence, Isabella received a call from Hayden. "The shooting schedule is out. Whether by chance or design, we're competing against William's team. The theme is 'True Love.' They perform first, then us. The format seems to favor us, but no one will pay attention. The production team is giving Team Young Again a chance to hold a press conference; anyone else is cannon fodder. We're playing it safe with the script, waiting for the controversy to die down."

Intrigued, Isabella asked, "Did they specifically target us?"

Hayden chuckled.

Isabella mused, "True love, huh. I have some ideas for the script."

On the day of the shoot, William waited anxiously for Jessica to react to the news, expecting an angry confrontation. Her silence unsettled him.

"William, maybe we should just let it go. This is all my fault," Jennie said, looking distraught.

"There's no turning back. With the show airing, a divorce announcement is necessary," Connor reminded them.

William closed his eyes. "She won't even comply. Forget it. Let the lawyer handle it."

Jennie's eyes flickered. "What if Jessica refuses to sign?"

William avoided her gaze. "I'll assure her it's a sham. Once things are settled on your side, I'll have nothing more to do with you. I'll stay by her side forever. She'll stop making a fuss. Consider it our…" A flicker of resentment crossed Jennie's face. "What if Jessica gets angry? What if she won't forgive you?"

"She will. We've been together since childhood. She loves me deeply. Even if she's mad, she'll forgive me." William laughed.

Isabella thought, The audacity! Does he really believe that after all this, their future will be sunshine and rainbows?

Isabella read her system in the waiting area while Christopher and Rosalie eavesdropped. David and Selena, too far away to hear Isabella's thoughts, were filled with regret.

The live broadcast began. After the host announced the format, Team Young Again took the stage. Simultaneously, Jessica answered an unknown number.

"Hello, we're Mr. Sawyer's legal counsel. Are you Ms. Elmore?"

Waiting for the lawyer, Jessica pondered William's intentions. She knew his divorce threats were often scare tactics. But what if this time it was real? Could she let go? William felt like a brain tumor—removing it was dangerous, but leaving it meant death. Without her parents and her dreams, her life revolved around William. The pain… She sought closure through self-inflicted torment.

In her hospital room, Jessica watched William and Jennie's grand entrance on television. A beautiful love story began. The sparkle in Jessica's eyes faded.

Countless viewers were deceived. The performance depicted star-crossed lovers. The narrative: childhood friends, pressured into marriage by their families; the male lead, focused on his career, went along with it. Realizing the mistake, he wanted a divorce, but his wife clung to him. Soft-hearted, he remained entangled for years, numbing himself with work. His wife benefited without effort. He found true love, but his wife drove her away. He wanted to make amends, but she was vengeful and paranoid, framing him and faking illness. Seeing this, he finally decided to end it.

Fans, familiar with the real-life events, understood the staged play. This was the truth they'd waited for. The comments flooded in:

Is it wrong to divorce when there's no love? William didn't cheat. Give William his freedom. He deserves happiness. Since the scandal four years ago, William has been clean. This is true love. A mad woman is separating them. Jennie suffered. She was targeted and framed. Two lonely hearts found solace.

Counterarguments emerged:

Since when is a change of heart defensible? Am I the only one who sympathizes with the wife?

But they were quickly overwhelmed. The trend was overwhelmingly one-sided.

The play ended with the couple divorcing and the male lead with his true love. The malicious wife disappeared. The barrage of comments continued. No one seemed interested in the next performance.

Evian, after watching the broadcast, rushed to Jessica's ward, finding a lawyer already there.

"Ms. Elmore, we're here on behalf of Mr. Sawyer with these divorce papers…" The lawyer, seeing Jessica's state, lost his composure. "This…this is just an act…" Evian gasped. Jessica looked as if her soul had been ripped away.

The stage lights dimmed. An ethereal voice echoed:

"Why weren't you proactive about your treatment? Were you planning to punish those who hurt you by harming yourself? If you're not afraid of death, why fear life?"

Isabella, in a sickbed, was illuminated. "I…I don't know."

"If you could start over, what would you choose? Between your health and him? Your parents and him? Your career and him? You still have choices."

The light brightened. Isabella sat up, a spark in her eyes. The answer was clear. Jessica remained dazed.

William's expression subtly changed during the performance. A photographer? The unusual beginning paused the comments, but attention waned. Then, the lights flickered, and a slap echoed. Jessica was shocked. "You lousy jerk! You cheated and tried to sugarcoat it with lies? You think you're worth ruining my life?"

The comments exploded again.