Chapter 85: My Emotions Are Like a Pie Chart

Mirabelle is shocked by Hendrick's proposal. Danielle calmly asks if he's serious, questioning what would happen if he loses. Hendrick surprisingly replies that he'll give up if he loses, but if he wins, he'll propose and increase the publicity, furthering his own transformation. He adds that he genuinely wants to marry Mirabelle. Alexander thinks, "It's hard to judge. In the entertainment industry, marriages of convenience are common."

At the time, an actor's popularity heavily depended on current trends. Marriage significantly diminished an actor's popularity and resources, unless Hendrick had already decided to abandon chasing trends.

Hendrick's audacity in seeking Mirabelle's ex-boyfriend, Maverick's, blessing is hilarious. Maverick, however, loses his composure, mocking Mirabelle as vain and opportunistic, accusing her of being with numerous wealthy men before Hendrick. He's furious she found someone, barely avoiding physical violence.

This reminds Alexander of his investigation: Maverick had worked tirelessly to support Mirabelle, even suffering injuries from overwork. Then, a wealthy man pursued her, leaving Maverick resentful after she abandoned him while he was injured.

Hendrick, surprisingly, isn't angry, simply stating Mirabelle is great. This infuriates Maverick even more. He demands Mirabelle kneel, apologize, and drink a bottle of wine for him to collaborate. Alexander thinks, "Tyrannical CEO?" Humiliated, Mirabelle runs off.

Maverick, annoyed by Danielle's scolding, leaves, spraining Danielle's ankle in the process. Hendrick stays to care for Danielle, ignoring her pleas to find Maverick. Alexander wonders, "What is he thinking?"

Isabella hears a commotion outside. Maverick's furious voice demands Mirabelle face him. Mirabelle weakly pushes against him, but his strength is overwhelming. He pins her arms above her head; she's helpless, reduced to tears. The scene, though cliché, is emotionally powerful, a rollercoaster of embarrassment, shame, and surprising excitement.

Alexander thinks, "You described it well, but don't do it next time."

Maverick, momentarily stunned, harshly accuses Mirabelle of trying to seduce him. She softly pleads with him to let her go, her voice causing Isabella to instinctively rub her ear against Alexander's chest for comfort. Mirabelle's resistance is futile against Maverick's strength.

Maverick questions her intention to marry Hendrick, implying she's settling for less because of her age and dwindling options. Mirabelle tearfully insists she loves Hendrick. Maverick's rage explodes; he punches a wall. Isabella wonders, "Does it not hurt?" He seems to suggest that if she can love Hendrick, she could love him.

Alexander observes this mirrors Maverick's lingering feelings for Mirabelle despite his harsh words. Maverick watches Mirabelle's tearful silence, a flicker of emotion in his eyes. He says she can never repay him, and scoffs at the idea of him helping with her proposal, suggesting he marry Danielle instead, offering Mirabelle a supporting role and asking for their blessing. Mirabelle is devastated, barely whispering that he doesn't want her anymore.

Isabella and Alexander are confused. Maverick demands clarification, and Mirabelle denies saying anything. Alexander thinks this denial is unbelievable.

Maverick, believing her, loses control, kissing her forcefully. Isabella hesitates to intervene, but observes Mirabelle's resistance weakening until she's clinging to Maverick's neck, passionately kissing him. A hand covers Isabella's eyes.

The narrator comments on the irony of their actions given Hendrick's proposal and Maverick's impending marriage to Danielle, suggesting they've rekindled an old flame, noting that Maverick’s declaration is likely inflammatory, without basis.