Chapter 82: Personally Creating a Battleground

Isabella mused, "Since when did the prestigious Quirk family ladies become such busybodies?"

The Quirk women shot Isabella an exasperated glance, but continued recording the fight. Isabella’s influence was clearly a factor. Besides, they now had their own group chat for gossip.

Christopher and Isabella's variety show antics had even high society buzzing. Evian, fearing a violent escalation, promptly intervened with security.

William and Jennie had fought viciously, drawing blood and exchanging vile curses as they left. Who could have guessed they’d recently been publicly displaying affection?

Jennie was driven away. Connor tried to reason with William, who responded with a punch, knocking out several of Connor's teeth.

"This is your fault too!" Connor raged. "Because of you, I made mistakes! You were my most trusted partner, how could you hurt me like this?"

Connor was losing his temper. He’d initially thought that while William faced online criticism, he hadn't crossed any lines and could still recover. Connor's own reputation was damaged; he'd offended many, and his ties to William were deep. William's success was his only hope.

Yet William attacked him, the only person who hadn't given up. How could this not enrage Connor?

"Hurt you?" William sneered. "I always considered your future. I supported Jessica when she benefited you, and Jennie now. Why couldn't you handle Jessica properly?"

William's silent parents finally intervened. "We saw your passion and familial treatment of William, that's why we let you be his agent. But to think this is how you view things! Jessica is his wife! If William erred, you should advise him, not indulge him!"

"Because I consider him family!" Connor retorted self-righteously. "He's suppressed his feelings for Jennie, bound by his moral obligations to Jessica. Love has no right or wrong, no order of precedence."

"But I love Jessica!" William cried.

"You're in denial, delusional from failure," Connor scoffed.

William seemed to fall into self-contradiction, breaking down in bitter tears.

Connor pressed on relentlessly. "If our plan worked, you and Jennie could be together openly, and your career would flourish. I'm not wrong. And there's no love left for Jessica, so abandoning her isn't wrong either."

Keanu and Aliya spat, "You're fired!" They left with William.

"Can he not see his own fault?" the onlookers murmured.

Isabella silently laughed inwardly. He'd justified abandoning Jessica because there was no love left—unaware his wife was having an affair with his assistant!

The Quirks were stunned.

William was always working, leaving his wife lonely and helpless. She fell for his assistant; they acted like a couple in his absence. Worse, she planned to abscond with his wealth and the assistant! He was supposed to be out all day, but his unexpected firing meant he'd be home early. Would he walk in on them?

Since he believes in true love's supremacy, he should understand his wife's perspective. After all, love isn't first-come, first-served, right? The Quirks thought, "Oh, Bella, you're so mean!"

Their spirits lifted after the spectacle, but a stroll brought a predicament. Isabella’s fame led to instant recognition, despite her poor disguise.

Surrounded by autograph seekers, she retreated to a shop and called Hayden.

"Weren't you a model before?" Hayden asked, incredulous. Isabella, previously unknown, was unaccustomed to fame without makeup.

"Thalia will fetch you. Team Young Again dropped out, leaving four teams. Your next match is against Team Duo Alpha," Hayden informed her, "current boyfriend and ex-boyfriend!"

Isabella's voice spiked. The observing trio perked up. Compared to Team Young Again's insincerity, this pairing’s awkwardness was highly anticipated.

Maverick Sutton, a medieval fantasy idol, was icy and domineering, dedicated to his career and single. Indrick Yost, a campus teen drama idol, was known for scandals, outgoing, and publicly affectionate (though not officially) with his girlfriend. Fans were either accepting or ignoring it.

Netizens cheered for their favorite idols, unaware Hendrick's girlfriend was Maverick's ex, Mirabelle Diaz.

Isabella recalled a promotional video shoot. Despite focusing on Team Young Again, she noticed tension between the two men. Maverick ignored Hendrick, who unabashedly tried to get closer. During the group photo, Hendrick put his arm around Maverick's neck.

Ice and fire. The video sparked a fan-based ship, but Maverick clearly felt disgusted. He immediately shook Hendrick off. Hendrick's agent apologized.

Hendrick remained cheerful, seemingly amused. He frequently left during recordings, minimizing contact with Maverick. But the face-off would force proximity.

"They'll be too busy fighting internally to clash with us. Maverick's manager, Danielle, is close to me. She wants peaceful co-existence. Focus on your acting, professionalism, and behavior. Salvage your reputation and attract more people," Hayden advised earnestly.

Isabella, reminiscing, scanned Maverick and Hendrick with the Gossip System. A bombshell appeared!

The Quirks gasped, exchanging wide-eyed glances. Isabella's cry of shock seemed to shake the earth.

Hendrick wanted Mirabelle as the special guest! The Quirks were stunned. Was he creating a battleground? Mirabelle refused. The Quirks lamented the missed opportunity. What strange fetish did Hendrick have? He planned a meeting with Maverick to persuade Mirabelle. The Quirks thought Hendrick was insane, and Maverick would refuse; Mirabelle had ruthlessly dumped him after his career failure.

Isabella continued her Gossip System check. Maverick hadn't responded… but he was driving to the Starlight Club, where Hendrick arranged the meeting! Was this a case of saying no but acting otherwise? Did he want Mirabelle to co-star?

The Quirks despaired. What love-hate drama were they staging? Who would pair with whom? A bloody confrontation seemed inevitable.

Danielle realized Maverick was missing and was searching frantically. She'd prevent this pairing. When would she find them?

Isabella, despite having the information, wanted to witness it firsthand. The Starlight Club… perhaps…

The Quirks waited, breathless.

"Did you hear me?" Hayden shouted.

"Yes. I have things to do. Goodbye," Isabella said, then smiled at the Quirks. "I have to—"

Selena objected, "Let's go have fun somewhere else!"

Evian agreed, "It's a rare night out, let's have fun all night!"

Rosalie added excitedly, "All of us, no one can miss it!"

Isabella was speechless.

"I heard of a high-class club… Thalia can take us later…"

The decision was unanimous.

Hayden received a message, his face changing. "Isabella's taking your family to the Starlight Club."

Christopher was surprised. "What place is that?"

Hayden was bewildered. "An exclusive club industry insiders frequent. I worried you'd get into trouble, so I befriended the staff, to be notified if my artists went there. But you're always a good boy…"

Christopher raised an eyebrow. "It's fine. Mom, Evie, and Rosie are with Isabella. They're probably singing and having fun."

Hayden's expression was complex. "It should be fine, but they offer companionship services…"

Christopher stared. "Handsome men?"

"Gorgeous, eight-pack abs…"

Christopher's brow twitched.

Hayden's phone vibrated. He looked down, his mouth twitching. "Um… your family requested ten handsome guys, all styles."

Christopher's face darkened. He messaged his family's group chat:

Christopher: Alert! Alert! @Alex, stop your meeting. @Dad, quit fishing. @Cal, you… keep doing your homework! Go, go, go!