Chapter 92: Best Debater

Christopher stood, addressing Mirabelle and the others. "Here's to an exciting face-off!" He quickly downed his wine without waiting for a response. The others were forced to react swiftly; any delay would be disrespectful.

Hendrick immediately raised his glass and stood. The two beside him, initially oblivious, scrambled to their feet, their movements clumsy and panicked. Their haste in separating interlocked fingers, combined with their flustered expressions, clearly indicated something was amiss. Hayden, across the table, chuckled. "Christopher, your timing is impeccable!"

Christopher smiled at the ensuing chaos. Even Hendrick seemed surprised, suggesting he hadn't anticipated such bold behavior in his presence. Christopher noticed a flash of jealousy in Hendrick's eyes, though its target remained unclear.

Danielle, meanwhile, looked utterly miserable. The public display must have been mortifying. Christopher sighed. "Life is hard," he mused, "but being Maverick's manager is the hardest."

Maverick and Mirabelle paled. Had they enjoyed the thrill, only to regret it now? Christopher added, "Maverick, listen to your mother. Don't get involved with unsuitable people!"

Hayden, noticing the suppressed laughter from those beside him, smiled and deflected attention. "Christopher, you're drinking too fast! I didn't even get to clink glasses." Christopher, shoulders trembling, apologized, raising his glass again. Isabella stood, offering a somewhat strained, "Let's do ittogether"

Finally, Maverick and Mirabelle, overcoming their embarrassment, raised their glasses. Shortly after they sat down, Danielle excused herself, ostensibly to choose a wine, and beckoned Maverick outside.

Isabella, suspecting a reprimand, was intrigued but couldn't follow discreetly. Instead, she waited, then used the restroom as a pretext to leave. She spotted Mirabelle lurking near the balcony. Following, she found Mirabelle hiding behind a large plant.

Soon, she heard Maverick and Danielle arguing. Isabella found a private room to eavesdrop.

"Maverick, I'm done. If you want to deny it, fine. But if you continue blurring professional and personal lives, causing scandals, and jeopardizing this image change, I'll be disappointed."

"What are you talking about?"

"Plain speech. Do we need to review what you did downstairs? In front of her boyfriend? I had no idea your morals were so corrupt!"

"She's my"

"Ex-girlfriend! Are you stupid? Would you post that online?"

"Danielle, enough! It was an accident."

"Shut up!" Danielle's fury was palpable.

Maverick chuckled defiantly. "What right do you have to criticize me? You're just as guilty of mixing personal and professional matters!"

"What did you say?"

"We agreed to change the script, yet you keep interfering! Why the constant tweaking? It's all because"

"Because you want to spend half the time hugging, holding, and kissing Mirabelle? Have you no shame?"

"It's necessary for the plot! Cutting it removes the meaning of their love!"

"A professional actor can portray undying love with a glance! Must they have a tongue war for you to believe it? You weren't this insistent on TV shows!"

"Who said it had to be like that?"

"Exactly! If I hadn't stopped you, that's what you would've done!"

Isabella almost laughed. Dealing with a stubborn fool! she thought. This man, known for devoted male leads, has a horde of fans. If they knew If his fans knew he was using his career for personal gain, Team Young Agam would've tackled the romance genre long ago.

Maverick was silent. Isabella imagined him blushing with frustration. Finally, Danielle sighed. "Maverick, we've been through so much together. Be honest. Do you truly want to be with Mirabelle?"

Maverick replied almost instinctively, "How could that be? She left me; I despise her I like you. I want to build a home with you."

"Heh, Maverick, you're something else. Those shameless words"

Isabella noticed Mirabelle, who had been eavesdropping, accidentally bumped the door, interrupting them. Flustered, Mirabelle cried, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to I heard you calling my name I thought" Her eyes reddened. "I'm sorry. There's nothing between Maverick and me. He despises me; he likes you. Please don't misunderstand. If you despise me, I'll withdraw."

Maverick froze. "We didn't ask you to quit." He glared at Danielle, blaming her for the commotion.

Danielle, amused, said, "I've been rebuking Maverick—when did I ever say I despised you? Stop creating drama, Ms. Diaz!"

Mirabelle, speechless from the reprimand, was caught off guard. Maverick rebuked, "Danielle Blackwell!"

Danielle retorted, "I can hear you. You two are deaf, indulging in your illusions. I'm done with the pretense. Things can't get worse."

Isabella was excited. Could it be?

Danielle snapped, "Maverick, where did you get the idea I'm into you? Have I ever shown romantic interest? In my eyes, you're just an artist under my management. I wish I could see Maverick's face now!"

Maverick's stunned expression was priceless. Mirabelle quickly interjected, "Danielle, it's my fault. You've been so devoted to Maverick. Everyone sees your sacrifices."

Maverick breathed a sigh of relief. But Danielle wasn't finished.

"I wasn't talking about you, but you're jumping in? Have you acted so much you need a sentimental second female lead? Even if I'm not that person, you insist on molding me into the role. Then you pretend to be magnanimous by pushing it onto me. Apart from the idiot male lead, no one appreciates your performance. Or do you only want to act for the idiot?"

She continued, "Being desired, feeling like the center of attention feels good, doesn't it? Reveling in your ex-boyfriend still pining for you Or are you unsure who's the better choice now? Hendrick doesn't seem stable, while Maverick might have a future"

Isabella thought, Wow, she hit the bullseye! Danielle is formidable, the best debater!