Chapter 147: Another Wave

Abigail found Jonathan too slick, and his backstabbing was no different from the treachery of her former friends. "No, thank you," she politely declined his offered meal. Jonathan left with his box.

Abigail dismissed it as a minor incident. However, that afternoon, after filming, Sean called. She answered, hearing his displeased voice: "What's going on between you and that actor?"

"What's wrong?" Abigail asked. Before she could finish, Anthony's voice cut in: "Abby, look at me."

Abigail turned to see Anthony and Luke approaching. Before Sean could continue, she said, "I'm busy. I'll call you back," and hung up without waiting for a reply.

"Luke, why are you here?" Abigail asked Anthony and Luke, maintaining a respectful demeanor.

Anthony, feeling overlooked, said, "I called to you first, but you only noticed Luke?"

Luke chuckled at Anthony's possessiveness. "Jealous?"

Awkwardly, Abigail forced a smile. "He's joking."

Anthony smiled but remained silent. Luke then suggested, "Shall we continue this at a restaurant?"

"Sure, my treat!" Abigail offered warmly.

The three went to a restaurant outside Millstone. Anthony said solemnly, "There's negative online buzz about you. I knew things wouldn't end when Sean reacted that way."

"I figured," Abigail replied, unconcerned. "What are the comments saying?"

"Check when we get there," Anthony advised. Abigail nodded.

Once seated, Luke explained, "Anthony told me there are doubts about your designs among the crew. I've come as a special advisor."

"Did Mr. Booker send you?" Abigail asked, smiling.

Luke laughed. "I admire Lewis's script. It's profound and could fill a gap in historical TV dramas. As a history scholar, I feel a responsibility to preserve our culture." Abigail was touched but speechless.

Anthony ordered their food, then said warmly, "Let's work together to make this production the best it can be." Abigail readily agreed. She knew Anthony had brought in Luke to support her. She had previously dismissed Laura's criticisms due to her age and assistant status.

Abigail was grateful to Anthony. Even without Luke's help, the show's quality would eventually speak for itself. While waiting, Lewis was summoned. Luke, Anthony, and Lewis immediately began discussing history.

Abigail used this opportunity to check Instagram. A bizarre trend caught her eye: "Discussing How Abigail's Looks Suit Anything and Anyone." Confused, she clicked. The post featured a photo of Jonathan talking to her that afternoon. However, the caption was inflammatory:

"Abigail's looks rival Laura's, and her chemistry with Jonathan is off the charts! Who has the best chemistry with Abigail? Sean, Anthony, or Jonathan?"

The comments were overwhelmingly negative:

"Is Miss Quinn hiding her relationships? Using her cousin in a fake relationship is bad enough, but now she's involved with both Jonathan and Anthony? Any man who talks to her is lumped in. I hate her!"

"What is L. Moon doing? Using an assistant to stir up controversy? This 'versatile chemistry' is ridiculous. Is she buying trends? I'm so angry!" (This comment was repeated.)

"She's not even in entertainment, yet she trends more than those who are. Is this assistant desperate for attention? I was blinded by her relationship with Sean. Now she's comparing herself to Laura. Can't she see how unworthy she is? Poor Jonathan, stuck with this dirt."

"Suddenly, I think all the Laura dramas were because of Abigail. She used her cousin and senior's connections, neglected her studies, and stirs up fake relationships. She's thirsty for men. She's so annoying!"

All the comments were hateful. Abigail quietly closed the app.

Anthony sensed her distress. "What will you do about Instagram?"

"Do you know who's behind this?" Abigail clutched her phone.

"The entertainment industry uses this tactic. They buy negative marketing against those they dislike. Netizens, separated by the internet, vent their anger on the victim," Anthony reassured her.

As he finished, Sean appeared at the entrance. "Mind if I join?"