Chapter 77: An Unexpected Encounter

The premiere episode of "My Acting Skills" was a sensation, with live viewership soaring. Isabella and Christopher's team received thunderous applause after thanking the audience; David and Selena waved excitedly. The audience's reaction clearly indicated strong netizen sentiment.

The broadcast then showed the emcee interviewing guests in the waiting area, soliciting their opinions on the performances. Each guest offered a self-righteous critique before hastily departing, their unconcealed excitement betraying their claimed need to use the restroom. Online comments reflected this:

• "Damn! They must have gone backstage to gossip!"
• "Is there anything I, as a VVVVIP, am not allowed to see? I've paid my dues; take us backstage!"
• "Team Young Again is already backstage, and Team A-list just left the stage. It must be wild back there!"
• "Let me see! Let me see! I want in on the fun!"

The emcee, eyeing the live comments, reluctantly continued the interviews, secretly wishing she could join the backstage action. With all the guests gone, she turned to the invited performing arts professors for their evaluation. However, even they were distracted, glued to their Twitter feeds.

The play and ensuing gossip dominated Twitter's top ten trending searches. Real-time updates fueled a frenzy, with many criticizing William and Jennie. Even those in powerful positions couldn't stem the tide. Beyond die-hard fans, most understood the situation: the play exposed a blatantly unfaithful man and his mistress conspiring against his wife. The public, once obsessed with shipping couples, was now focused on exposing the infidelity.

Backstage, William was consumed by self-doubt. Connor, however, desperately attempted to salvage William's image, despite the lack of concrete evidence. The play significantly amplified the scandal. Connor's plan relied on William denying any ongoing feelings for Tacsica and insisting Jessica's accusations were a vindictive smear campaign. As long as William stuck to the script, Jessica wouldn't be irreparably damaged.

Connor still refused to believe Isabella and Christopher's performance was genuine, suspecting a calculated setup. In the entertainment industry, leaking a mix of truth and lies was a common tactic for targeting individuals. He believed Jessica orchestrated this.

"Jessica is ruthless! She's trying to destroy you!" Connor raged, watching the situation deteriorate. "Contact her immediately!" he ordered William.

Jennie, pale-faced, looked at her phone, realizing the unexpected turn of events. She turned to William, pleading, "William"

William, however, remained oblivious to the external chaos, preoccupied with Isabella's harsh words. Have I truly wronged Jessica this much? I briefly strayed, cared for Jennie… how did it come to this?

Then, Isabella and Christopher arrived backstage, silencing the hushed whispers. All eyes turned to them. Rosalie and Thalia greeted them enthusiastically; Hayden offered a forced smile, his fake cheer disappearing upon seeing David and Selena. He dared not criticize Isabella and Christopher directly, respecting the former Quirk Group leader's presence. The elders had clearly come to witness the unfolding drama.

Everyone's gaze shifted between the two groups. Connor stormed towards Isabella and Christopher, his phone buzzing incessantly. Desperately, he blurted, "Issue a statement denying involvement, and we'll pretend this never happened."

Isabella was amused. Christopher smirked at Hayden, who quickly interjected, "Connor, this is just a script. Why take it personally?"

"Don't cross the line!" Connor snapped.

Hayden chuckled. "We performed as directed. Nothing unusual."

Connor roared, "Are you insane? How much did Jessica pay you to set us up?"

Christopher scornfully replied, "Set us up? Aren't you the ones setting others up?"

Connor felt a crushing blow. The onlookers stifled laughter.

"Do you think you can win this way?" Connor threatened. "You have no proof! Jessica is William's wife; married couples reconcile quickly. She hasn't presented incriminating evidence…"

[The passage ends abruptly here. The final paragraphs are incomplete and nonsensical.]