Chapter 93: Pathetic Maverick

Danielle's outburst stunned both Maverick and Mirabelle. Mirabelle, momentarily forgetting her pitiful facade, contorted her expression. She quickly regained her composure, whimpering, "I know you never liked me before, but—"

"Why did you become like this, Danielle? I don't recognize you," Maverick exclaimed, shocked.

Danielle scoffed. Pointing at Mirabelle, she recounted past events: "Have you forgotten? You were instantly famous and had a chance to break into the film industry. I agreed to be your agent because I saw your potential as the male lead. But you let that opportunity slip away for her, making your path to stardom much harder."

Maverick's expression shifted; a flicker of panic crossed Mirabelle's face. From a distance, Isabella's thoughts supplied additional information: "Back then, Maverick, with his youthful looks and raw talent, was a top candidate for the male lead in an award-winning film. He was the standout performer."

Nearby, Christopher eavesdropped, hearing only Isabella's sighs. Isabella's thoughts continued: "When a fire broke out at home, Mirabelle didn't call the fire department. She kept calling Maverick until he answered." Christopher raised an eyebrow. Isabella mused, "She seemed seriously ill, believing herself a distressed heroine awaiting her hero. If she'd called the police, the firefighters would have—" Christopher was baffled, muttering, "What a lunatic!" The table turned to look at him. He awkwardly pointed at his phone, stammering, "I… I was checking my messages." He glanced at Hendrick, wondering how he could like such a woman. "Does he collect idols?"

Isabella's thoughts continued: "When Danielle learned the truth, she was furious. I wonder how she resisted slapping Mirabelle. Danielle said, 'Isn't it normal for others to dislike you? I suspect you do it on purpose.'" Mirabelle's ears burned; she shook her head, denying everything harder than before.

Isabella's inner monologue continued: "Holy crap. Mirabelle wasn't actually sick. Danielle was right all along. Mirabelle did it on purpose, scamming half a million by exploiting Maverick's love for her, preventing him from taking that pivotal role. Her accomplice was her later boyfriend. A well-kept secret! Even Danielle didn't know! Maverick was completely in the dark."

Christopher, shocked by this revelation, whispered to Hayden, "Do you remember who was behind Oscar?" Hayden replied, "Graham Group." Christopher asked, "Who was Mirabelle's ex?" Hayden answered, "The second young master of the Lynch family. What's the matter?" Christopher messaged Alexander, asking about a connection between the families.

Alexander replied: "There's no real relationship. The younger generations hung out years ago, but fell out due to disagreements. Even if Danielle and Maverick had tried, they couldn't discover what happened."

Christopher sympathized with Maverick's deception. Maverick interrupted, "The fire years ago… I was terrified, that's all. I'm a man; I wouldn't blame a woman immediately. Bringing up the past is pointless." Isabella thought, If the truth comes out, let's see if he can resist bringing it up. Danielle spat, "Is her leaving you the only thing you recall? Why, after a few encounters, are you ready to go back to her? You're pathetic!"

Danielle relentlessly mocked Maverick, attempting a harsh reality check. Maverick was tormented. He couldn't admit he couldn't let go of Mirabelle, yet he cared for her deeply. He felt love and resentment for Mirabelle, respect and guilt for Danielle. Despite his decision to marry Danielle, he couldn't resist Mirabelle. He was frustrated and blamed self-destruction.

Maverick said, pained, "I haven't forgotten her humiliation. Dani, don't be upset. Let's go home. I… I won't have anything to do with her…" But seeing Mirabelle pale and unsteady, he reached out to support her. She evaded his touch. Her gaze was filled with sorrow.

A young woman rushed in, supporting Mirabelle. Isabella, hiding in the private room, quickly shut the door.

(The final sentence is incomplete in the original text.)