"You still have the nerve to issue that announcement? It doesn't even have an official seal. Do you think it will work?"
"I liked you, but I'm very disappointed by this! Unfollowed!"
"Actors are all the same! They're different on TV than in real life! You should totally flop!"
Seeing the negative online reaction, Hattie was impatient. "What do we do, Gwenda? The announcement was useless. Everyone's even angrier now."
Gwenda remained calm. "Don't worry. Contact this person for me. He has evidence to prove Karter's innocence." She handed Hattie the man's information, who immediately left to contact him.
Soon after, Gwenda called Laurinda. "Laurinda, it's time for you to act again"
Meanwhile, at Karter's house, Eloise was strategizing with him.
After hearing her suggestion, Karter frowned. "Can Evans be trusted? What if I miss the chance to clarify things by waiting? Also, how did those reporters know where I live? Did she send them?"
"Karter, you need to calm down," Eloise said solemnly from the couch.
"Calm down? We're in a crisis!" Karter paced anxiously. "Eloise, I signed with M Studios because I trusted you, but Gwenda Evans is incompetent! You have to fix this!"
"Karter Hogan!" Eloise's tone sharpened. "This happened because you ignored Gwenda's advice about the show! She told you to distance yourself from the female guests. Why didn't you listen?"
Karter was speechless. He hadn't known Gwenda's warning would prove true. "So, I just wait for her to handle it? Is she even experienced in this?" He still doubted her.
Eloise was about to respond when a commotion erupted outside. Their assistant rushed in. "Karter, there are paparazzi outside!"
Karter was stunned. Eloise was surprised. "Gwenda's surprisingly perceptive."
"How did she know?" Karter asked incredulously.
"It doesn't matter. Follow her instructions and stay inside. Don't go anywhere," Eloise said, rising. "Leave it to us."
Karter watched her leave, muttering, "This Gwenda Evans how is she so powerful?"
Outside, paparazzi swarmed Eloise.
"Miss Graham, as Karter's agent, what do you have to say about this?" "You were at Karter's home early this morning. Were you discussing countermeasures?" "Will you apologize to Joyce?" "Please respond!"
The questions bombarded Eloise. Remaining calm, she walked steadily, smiling faintly. "Excuse me, may I pass?"
"Miss Graham, won't you apologize?" "Are you unapologetic about Karter's actions?" "Don't you feel guilty?"
The questions grew more aggressive. Eloise smiled faintly. "This has been addressed on our official Twitter. I won't comment further. Thank you. Please let me pass." She pushed through the reporters and went to the parking lot.
They chased her until her car drove away. Five minutes later, a video of her statement circulated online. Netizens and Joyce's fans were even more outraged, believing Karter and his company hadn't acknowledged their mistake.
The situation worsened. Joyce, however, was pleased with the online reaction. As an unknown artist, her popularity paled in comparison to Karter's. The scandal had unexpectedly boosted her fame.
"Joyce, stop looking at your phone. I've received several endorsement requests and variety show invitations. Come choose," her agent, Yaritza, said, beaming.
Joyce smiled. "See? I told you! You refused to help me earlier. Now you see the success!"
Yaritza laughed. "How was I to know? I would have done it sooner! Still, you're clever."
"Of course!" Joyce preened. "My popularity surged thanks to Karter. If I use this well, my value will double."
"Karter's manager is tough. Should we be cautious? What if they retaliate?" Yaritza worried.
Joyce rolled her eyes. "Yaritza, someone as timid as you won't get far. If you want to succeed, seize the opportunity."
"But"
"It's fine. I know what I'm doing. Don't worry." Joyce, blinded by success, forgot to think clearly. Yaritza, seeing this, decided to say nothing. The odds seemed in their favor.
Karter faced online abuse all day. Just when it seemed hopeless, a verified Twitter account posted: "Are you ready for a show at midnight?"