Chapter 88

Guinevere stepped forward and whispered, “Samuel, I am truly sorry!”

“Come now, we are family, Samuel; surely you can overlook this small mistake by Guinevere!” Sophia interjected.

Samuel replied, “Very well, let this be a lesson for the future.” He couldn't really stay angry at Guinevere.

Seeing Samuel’s leniency, Guinevere attempted a hasty exit. “Wait! Guinevere, the wager hasn’t been settled yet!” Isabel called out, knowing Guinevere intended to avoid consequences.

“Isabel, your father has decided to let this go; why can’t you just let it be? You need to be generous; take a hint from your father!” William said.

Isabel scoffed. “Are they trying to lecture me on morals? They have none themselves! They can’t control me.”

“William, your words might mean something to my father, a man of honor, but they don’t matter to me. I didn’t force Guinevere into that wager. Grandma was there; she can back me up on that!”

Guinevere, visibly upset at the humiliation, rushed to Sophia’s side. Isabel continued, “Even if Guinevere has apologized to my father, she still has to kneel and slap herself ten times while admitting her wrongdoing!”

“Isabel, you should know when to let go. Since everyone is okay and we’re all family, there’s no need for this slapping thing. Besides, Guinevere has already said she’s sorry!” Sophia said.

Isabel had expected Sophia to defend Guinevere, given their close relationship. Isabel felt ignored, especially considering her estrangement from the family. Isabel stepped closer to Sophia and said softly, “Grandma, you saw it yourself. Guinevere was the one who wanted to cause trouble today. We were just minding our own business when she came at us, creating this problem. Has she ever shown us any kindness?”

“Also, the wager involves more than just you. The management team is vital to our company’s success. If they see that means nothing, what authority will you have left? They will ignore your orders, and that cannot be allowed!”

Sophia’s expression tightened; she hadn’t anticipated being cornered by Isabel. The management staff were watching. Protecting Guinevere wouldn’t end well. Isabel clearly had a strategic mind.

“Grandma… I don’t want this, please help me,” Guinevere cried, begging Sophia.

Sophia pushed her away. “Guinevere, as a member of the Galvez family, you must keep your word and take responsibility for your actions. You are an adult now. Besides, it was indeed your error. You led me into this mess without getting the truth first. You might as well slap yourself. If you don’t follow through with your wager today, I will impose family rules!”

Guinevere’s face paled. Her usually lenient grandmother wasn’t intervening. “Grandma!” she cried pitifully.

“I give you one last warning: if you do not slap your own face, I will enforce family rules!” Sophia said firmly.

Knowing Sophia’s “family rules” meant severe punishment, Guinevere reluctantly knelt and slapped her own face. The sting was undeniable. “I was wrong!” she proclaimed with each slap, the management staff murmuring amongst themselves.

After ten hard slaps, Guinevere’s cheeks were bright red. She ran away, humiliated.

William watched his daughter’s sorrow, anger simmering. However, knowing their own fault, he restrained himself. He glared at Samuel and Isabel, snorted in disapproval, and left.

Samuel, watching everyone disperse, returned to his office. “Isabel, if not for you, who knows what disasters could have happened today! This certainly had Guinevere’s name written all over it.”

“I know William well; even if he wanted to push me out, he wouldn’t mess with the company’s valuable assets. Guinevere really has no sense of decency; how could she act so poorly?” Samuel said.

“Dad, don’t worry. I’m still in the process of hiring security; those I brought in last night came from elsewhere and will eventually leave. But I will keep a few to watch over important areas. You can relax.”

“It’s been a long night for you, so hurry home to rest!” Samuel said with deep concern.

When Isabel got home, she napped briefly before sketching designs for Joy Entertainment’s clothing. She sent the designs, which were well-received. The recording for Idols Reloaded was scheduled for the following month, and Isabel would be part of the styling team. Joy Entertainment covered her expenses during this period.

At the recording site, the staff urged Isabel to select outfits quickly. Seeing the team’s energy, she chose youthful, campus-style clothing that matched their performance. As the group changed and applied makeup, Lucas glared at Isabel, who ignored him. They waited outside while the judges reviewed performers individually.

“Isabel, I’m so excited! I’ve seen so many stars today, especially those judges. One of them is a singer I really admire…” Amara exclaimed, excitedly, remembering photos were prohibited. “By the way, among the Joy Entertainment team, who do you think has the most potential?”

“I don’t think any of them have potential,” Isabel replied coolly.

“Oh, you don’t think anyone is good? I think Lucas is really charming. He has the best looks in the group—so youthful,” Amara said, growing more excited.

Isabel smirked quietly. From backstage, she watched the performances via livestream. Lucas and his teammates, in matching blue and white outfits, received enthusiastic applause. Joy Entertainment certainly knew how to make an impression.

“Hello everyone! We are from Joy Entertainment, and our group is called Sweet Mango!” the young men introduced themselves.

“Please introduce yourselves!” a judge prompted.

Bramwell, a young man next to Lucas, stepped forward. “Hello, my name is Bramwell, and I would like to show you my personal talent.” He then acted like a cat, his antics eliciting cheers.

“He’s actually acting cute! I have goosebumps! I never expected an introduction like that!” Amara said, surprised. Even Isabel was surprised by the playful nature of modern entertainment.

Lucas stepped forward and bowed sharply. “Good day, honored judges! I am Lucas, but you can call me sweetheart, because I am known for my sweetness in the group.”

“Ugh,” Amara muttered. “Oh my, is there really not even one normal person among them? I thought Lucas was okay before, only to find out he is just as effeminate!”

Isabel smiled quietly. Lucas then began a suggestive dance routine that bordered on inappropriate.