Chapter 91: Over the Top

Danielle remained unfazed by Mirabelle's earlier intrusion. By the time she settled into the private room, she had already established a harmonious atmosphere. Isabella and the others arrived to quite a spectacle.

Only two seats remained when Hendrick arrived with Mirabelle—conveniently placed between Hendrick's manager and Maverick. Logically, Mirabelle should have sat next to Hendrick's manager to avoid misunderstandings, leaving Hendrick next to Maverick. However, as they approached, Mirabelle paused near Maverick, who was absorbed in his phone, his expression unreadable but his brow slightly furrowed. She then tripped over a chair leg and fell into the seat next to Maverick.

Flustered, Mirabelle tried to stand, but Hendrick stopped her. "Just sit here. Did you hurt yourself?"

"I'm fine," she reassured him, timidly glancing at Maverick. Her discomfort was evident.

Maverick remained impassive, while Danielle struggled to maintain her composure. Hendrick's manager, however, wore a highly expressive face, suggesting he knew something the others didn't. He shot a displeased look at Mirabelle. Isabella, Christopher, and Hayden, watching from across the table, were barely able to contain their amusement.

"How amusing! Brilliant," Christopher exclaimed. "Juggling an ex and a current partner—the ultimate tug-of-war! A triangle is the most stable shape, indeed."

Christopher wondered what Isabella meant by that cryptic comment. Even Hayden found the unfolding drama far more entertaining than the dinner itself, especially since the "troublemakers" were under someone else's management. He chuckled quietly to himself.

Danielle raised her glass, her smile bright. "For the next round, I ask you both to go easy on us," she said.

Everyone raised their glasses. Hayden forced a smile. "It's you who should go easy on us."

Hendrick's manager chuckled. "Hayden, you're being too modest. We just hope we won't end up as miserable as the previous group."

"That was an unexpected situation," Hayden replied. "Actually, we have our own issues, especially with a very green acting rookie. We'll need everyone's guidance and support." He nudged Isabella, who was engrossed in a lamb chop.

Finally, Isabella raised her glass, her tardiness unnoticed given her connection to the Quirk Group. Christopher, noticing food on her chin, offered her a napkin, a small gesture revealing his affection.

Danielle smiled. "Hayden has a great eye, instantly recognizing such impressive talent." Turning to Isabella, she added, "Ms. Jeannet, you're not only a person of good character, but you have incredible acting potential. It's a pity you entered the industry so late; you would have become popular much earlier. But even now, you've shot to fame with one hit—probably the fastest-rising newcomer since the show began."

Her praise felt genuine. Isabella smiled her thanks.

Danielle sighed with relief. She'd initially worried about Isabella but found her surprisingly approachable. At the table, the managers chatted animatedly. Hendrick spoke with Christopher; Mirabelle attempted conversation with Isabella; Maverick remained largely silent, seemingly uncomfortable in social settings—even Christopher was more outgoing.

Isabella's thoughts struck Christopher: I see. For years, Danielle has handled socializing, allowing Maverick to focus solely on acting and fans. He was surprised by Danielle's competence, understanding why Alexander and Hayden were interested in her. Success in entertainment required both acting skill and social grace. Hayden's background meant he didn't need to socialize, but for Maverick to be so well-protected, Danielle must have worked incredibly hard.

Isabella mused, It's like a mother raising an ungrateful, rebellious son.

Christopher almost choked on his drink, looking at the warm and welcoming Danielle, then at the sullen and withdrawn Maverick. It truly resembled a mother bringing her son to an adult gathering.

Isabella wondered if the awkwardness stemmed from Mirabelle, and Maverick was deliberately acting out. They observed that whenever Hendrick served Mirabelle, Maverick would serve Danielle food.

Good heavens, Christopher thought, is Danielle being used as a prop? A show of affection for Mirabelle? It's unconvincing, as if he's afraid she won't notice it's a performance. He chuckled. It was a one-on-one match between Hendrick and Maverick.

Danielle ignored Maverick's gestures.

Just as they were enjoying the spectacle, Maverick snatched a scallop Mirabelle had picked up.

"Ah!" Mirabelle yelped.

Everyone's attention was drawn. Danielle tried to maintain composure, but the silence was awkward. She forced a smile and asked, "What's wrong?"

Maverick, startled, tossed the scallop into the waste bucket.

You're not eating it, but you still snatch it away? Wasting food is shameful!

Hendrick laughed, addressing the embarrassed Mirabelle. "Silly girl, you forgot again! You're allergic to scallops."

Was that explanation any better than no explanation at all?

Mirabelle awkwardly thanked Maverick. No one pressed further.

But another scene quickly unfolded. Isabella, ever the observant gossip, noticed something.

One hand down, the other hand down, and holding it like that for so long? My radar is going off!

Christopher wondered what Isabella meant. Isabella, feigning a dropped fork, bent to retrieve it. Across the table, Maverick and Mirabelle sat with their heads down, oblivious to Isabella's subtle observation.

Then, Christopher saw Isabella trembling with excitement.

Hahaha, I knew it! Under the tablecloth, they're acting like they're with other people, but the only hand they're holding is each other's. Why must they be so over the top? Christopher was incredulous. Maverick grabbed her hand forcefully, but Mirabelle offered no resistance? How did it become interlocking fingers? This force He was speechless, deeming them both terrible people.

Do they think this is heart-throbbing? Wait—if the protagonists did this in the shows I watched What the fck! What was I thinking back then? Was I corrupted? He panicked. Did I act in something like that? Oh no, that's a dark chapter of my past!*

Isabella considered knocking over the table to reveal their secret, but Christopher thought it unnecessary.