Chapter 78: It Is Over

Hayden was worried and questioned Christopher's intentions. Christopher reassured Isabella, saying, "Don't worry, it's fine." The onlookers, however, were doubtful. They wondered if Jessica, if swayed by William, would become a mere stepping stone for them.

The director and producer, sweating profusely, felt overwhelmed, unable to distinguish reality from fiction. They decided to let events unfold naturally, but were determined to capitalize on this unexpected turn. The next step was to have both teams take the stage and announce the results, based on a combination of teacher assessment and audience votes.

Before the scoring, both groups were given a chance to speak. The large screen displayed a live comment feed, mostly criticizing Team Young Again. Comments included:

• Netizen A: He's a scumbag for changing his heart and trampling on her.
• Netizen B: Men who think they've done nothing wrong are the most repulsive.
• Netizen C: He should divorce Jessica; she's better off alone!
• Netizen D: My girlfriend keeps tagging me in this; I'd rather kill myself than treat my wife like this!

However, thanks to Connor's last-minute intervention, some support for Team Young Again remained amidst the negativity. Some supportive comments included:

• Netizen E: There's no proof; stop making assumptions! I believe William and Jennie had no other choice.
• Netizen F: I bet Jessica is forcing William back. Why else would she hide?
• Netizen G: True love is innocent!

Team A-list spoke first, with Christopher and Isabella making pleasantries. Isabella watched the unfolding gossip; Christopher eavesdropped. Unbeknownst to them, the live comments were subtly introducing new information, gradually dominating the feed.

Team Young Again's turn arrived. Jennie appeared tearful, while William remained composed. When given the microphone, William simply stated, "The innocent have nothing to fear." An eerie silence followed; the audience checked their phones. William frowned, giving the microphone to Jennie. She tearfully apologized for causing trouble but stated she had no regrets. The comments section quickly filled with messages of support.

Isabella commented, "It's not about perception, it's about ignoring other people's attacks."

Christopher was surprised when a woman rushed onstage and slapped Jennie, yelling, "Shameless b*tch!" William supported Jennie. The audience was stunned; nobody intervened. William's surprised voice was heard: "Mom? How did you get here?" Keanu also appeared, kicking William and supporting Aliya, who was furious. He exclaimed, "William, you've hurt your wife for this mistress! We're disappointed!"

William was stunned. His parents, having been on a cruise with limited internet access, had just learned of the situation upon disembarking and rushed to the scene, hoping for his repentance. Their arrival exposed William and Jennie's actions. Keanu and Aliya, enraged, lost control. Aliya pulled Jennie's hair and slapped her twice.

William intervened, asking if Jessica had sent them. Aliya exclaimed, "You're still defending her? If we hadn't covered for you, Jessica would have left long ago!" She continued, "If we'd known you'd be so stubborn, we wouldn't have interfered!"

William, flustered, admitted to fabricating public opinion. Keanu urged William to look at the live comments, which had drastically changed.

Connor, upon receiving the news, dropped his phone in shock. He thought, "It's over." New comments emerged:

• Netizen H: Jessica posted photos from years ago using her old photographer's account!
• Netizen I: Photos of their childhood friendship! It was clearly a case of a man doting on a woman!
• Netizen J: Photos of Jessica as General Manager and her investment projects!
• Netizen K: I used to work at the company. If it weren't for Jessica, William wouldn't have succeeded.
• Netizen L: Jessica's going all out! Who said she felt guilty and was using Team A-list?
• Netizen M: Jessica should have done this sooner!
• Netizen N: We don't need to intervene anymore.

Jennie, checking the gossip, was shocked by the truth. She had exploited Jessica because she knew how important William was to her. She assumed Jessica wouldn't risk ruining their relationship. She was wrong.

William, seeing the damning evidence, initially denied Jessica's involvement. He sarcastically commented on a medical report Jessica had released.

• Netizen O: Mr. Sawyer, do you find tricking your fans amusing?

The report was only accessible to Jessica. William's face turned ashen. He felt no resentment, but fear, particularly at the comments supporting Jessica's divorce. He realized something was slipping away and called Jessica, but got no answer.

Keanu lamented their inability to reach her. William called their lawyer, who announced, "Congratulations, Mr. Sawyer, Ms. Elmore has signed the divorce papers."

William vehemently denied it, but the lawyer explained that Ms. Elmore had granted full authority for property division. William pleaded to destroy the agreement, but the lawyer stated that legal proceedings had already begun and couldn't be retracted.

William's fear and regret intensified. He tried to reassure himself it wasn't too late. The lawyer then revealed that Jessica had been ill and hospitalized for months, and was currently in surgery, unreachable for ten hours. After the surgery, the divorce would be finalized. Due to the surgery’s high risk, she'd also made arrangements… William froze. The lawyer added, "Didn't you know, Mr. Sawyer? Ms. Elmore has been ill."

The room fell silent, realizing the depth of Isabella and Christopher's earlier statements. The comments section exploded again:

• Netizen P: A diagnosis certificate and surgical consent form from XX Hospital! The surgery is today!

The chapter ends here.