Chapter 75: They Were at Fault

The live comment section of the livestream was overrun by die-hard fans, causing it to lag severely, almost to the point of unusability. Netizens appeared either brainwashed or simply bluffing; the backlash was intense, filling the comment section with insults. Even the saying, "The one who wasn't loved was the mistress," appeared.

On Twitter, a flurry of trending topics exploded with criticism. Even Christopher, despite his immense popularity, found it difficult to handle. However, different voices quickly began to dominate.

Not everyone was a fool. Isabella's arguments, delivered during her rebuke, were clear and logical. Anyone not in denial could see the truth. Upon closer examination, Team Young.Again's performance was fundamentally flawed, relying entirely on emotional appeal and lacking logical consistency.

The audience in the waiting area, watching the livestream, couldn't help but comment on the individuals' expressions.

"Heartless men are the best at making excuses. Their actions earlier made me question their morals. If they don't love each other, why get married?"

"Exactly. Once married, you should be mindful and avoid cheating. Using 'true love' as an excuse is disgusting."

Further comments from the audience included:

• "Back in the day, I pursued Jennie. She left for overseas, landed a major project her first year, married in her second, and we heard nothing more. She clearly had no issues with"
• "My scalp is tingling! Could William have fabricated such lies without guilt? This is a moral breakdown. I used to like him so much."
• "Team A-list is truly brave. Who gave them such courage?"

David and Selena, seated among the crowd, listened as the discussion increasingly favored Isabella and Christopher. They held their heads high in satisfaction.

In the waiting area, the stares from the crowd sent chills down William and Jennie's spines. William, berated to the point of near-exhaustion, had never been so disheveled. His mind was in chaos; he didn't even question whether Isabella and Christopher's accusations were fabricated.

He turned to Jennie. "Didn't you say Jessica drove you?" His voice trailed off. William felt deep guilt whenever he saw Jennie, feeling his initial overreaction had ruined her life, despite his lack of malicious intent. Jennie seethed, her body shaking with rage. She couldn't believe Isabella and the others knew so much—some things were merely rumors. Could it be coincidence?

When William questioned her, panic flashed in Jennie's eyes. Her lips trembled, her eyes bloodshot, and she said in a wronged tone, "The elders came looking for me, saying it was for Jessica. Didn't that imply she forced me?"

William was speechless. His head throbbed, making it hard to breathe. "So it's possible Jessica didn't know you?"

Jennie retorted defiantly, "Back then, our duo was popular. How could Jessica not know? She managed the company; she should know the artists."

Jennie believed Jessica had arranged the confrontation with the four elders. However, William was surprised. That was Jessica's retirement period; she was finding a replacement. "I don't dare claim Jessica paid attention to me then." Still, he leaned toward Jennie's stance. Jessica must have known, right? Everyone was shipping them.

"Why didn't he seek the truth from his parents?" A voice echoed, causing William and Jennie to jump, fearing exposure. But everyone was focused on the screen, not them.

"Even if his parents spoke up, do you think this man, clearly favoring his mistress"

William felt a shock, like a bucket of ice water. He'd considered asking his parents, but then doubted their honesty.

"Not trusting your parents, not your wife, but believing a strangertsk tsk tsk."

Overwhelmed with guilt, William felt utterly ashamed.

"Isn't the main point that the mistress left on her own? According to their version, she didn't even contact him."

William's expression changed; he remembered asking Jennie why she hadn't contacted him. She'd said she didn't want to burden him. There'd been ambiguity in their relationship—more than friends, but not lovers. He'd believed she had feelings but wouldn't disrupt his family. This made him pity her. But now, his stance wavered.

"She returned because her path hit a dead end, hoping to rekindle an old flame and steal someone else's husband. Audacious. She's clearly incapable but refuses to admit failure. She came back, hoping someone else would be the victim. She's probably still believes she's the victim."

"Indeed, she has no shame."

"You!" Jennie snapped, tears welling.

The speaker, however, wore an innocent expression. "We're just discussing the play. What's the matter?"

"Isabella's performance wasn't bad," someone lied, watching her emotionally driven, unskilled acting. The microphones in the livestream were off, the cameras focused on William and Jennie. The audience saw Jennie's near-collapse and William's disappointment, seemingly confirming suspicions.

Backstage, Connor frantically contacted Taylor and Riley to get Jennie and William off stage; they needed to discuss damage control.

But what difference would the truth have made? If Isabella and Christopher claimed it without evidence, Connor could sue them.

In the hospital room, Evian, like the rest of the Quirk family, knew the truth from Isabella's thoughts but still found the enactment thrilling. Even William's lawyer was stunned. Jessica stared intently at the screen.

"What did I do wrong? They were at fault! Why am I being punished?"

The final act on stage began.