Chapter 103

Phoebe had hacked into a prominent account known for its insider scoops. It was an account secretly backed by Jenkins Entertainment. Ninety percent of the stories it shared were accurate. That was why it was famous for entertainment exposés. Since they claimed they never shared fake news, many people believed them. Naturally, it focused on scandals from other entertainment firms, leaving Jenkins Entertainment’s own figures untouched.

A year ago, this same account had published the infamous story accusing Gwen of being a homewrecker, with so-called undeniable evidence. Phoebe had an idea for a major counterstrike. She had a perfect tool now. She would use Jenkins Entertainment’s own well-known account to expose their inner secrets, putting Jenkins Entertainment in a bind. Her source turned against them; they’d have little room to maneuver. They would be utterly frustrated.

Besides taking over this account, Phoebe also tracked the trolls’ posts back to their company’s main server. She screenshotted all the records of Jenkins Entertainment’s attempts to smear Gwen, including the payment transactions and the records of their attacks. After that, she returned to watch the livestream.

Brenda asked, “Should we release the evidence? Things are getting really intense online. The trolls and haters are pushing for Gwen to be kicked off the show.”

“People keep bringing up Gwen’s rumors, and they’re piling pressure on Adriana to act. If it keeps escalating, do you think Adriana might cave?”

Phoebe watched the live broadcast, which was now focusing on the current segment in the mountains. Gwen was isolated. The other celebrities did not talk to her much. Yet Gwen’s positive, cheerful demeanor didn’t falter. Her smile remained warm and resilient, radiating optimism.

Phoebe replied calmly, “Not yet. Let’s wait. Gwen’s hard work will eventually speak for itself. Viewers will see her effort and realize how over-the-top the haters are. We’ll reveal the truth then.”

Hearing this, Brenda also thought of Gwen’s recent efforts. Brenda nodded, understanding Phoebe’s strategy. “Yes. You’ve got the patience for it.”

Phoebe chuckled. “I’ve been around in this industry long enough to know how it works.”

They continued to watch the stream, with Brian and his team standing by, waiting for Phoebe’s signal. After a while, Adriana reached out to Phoebe. Initially, Adriana had intended for Phoebe to launch a counterattack right away. However, Phoebe convinced her to endure the pressure a bit longer. Adriana agreed, allowing Gwen to continue in the live stream and ensuring she had additional screen time.

The theme for this episode was “daredevil challenges,” pushing the guests to confront their fears. They arrived at an adventure park, which featured bungee jumping, a cliffside pathway, and a glass bridge suspended between two mountain peaks. Adriana had given all the guests a heads-up a few days prior, letting them know it was okay to skip challenges if they were too intimidating. Completing a task could also count for the whole team if only one member achieved it.

At the glass bridge, each group was divided into teams of three. Gwen was grouped with two regulars, a man and a woman. The female guest, who was represented by Jenkins Entertainment, seemed determined to isolate Gwen, causing her teammate to do the same. While climbing the mountain path, the female guest accidentally “sprained” her ankle, whining as her ankle visibly swelled beneath her cropped pants. She hobbled to the bridge, faltered, her foot with tear-filled eyes, and said she’d tried her best but couldn’t go any further. Meanwhile, the other six guests persevered and reached the other side, despite some dealing with acrophobia.

Chapter 103

Though previously scared of heights, Gwen had trained hard over the past few days. She calmly crossed the bridge with her male teammate, showing a serene confidence. Then it was on to the cliffside pathway. The other two groups of six, filled with fear yet encouraging themselves, cautiously made their way across with the help of the guide. Gwen’s male teammate crossed the bridge with the guide, leaving her behind without waiting. Gwen had long grown accustomed to such treatment. She kept a steady face. After securing her harness with a staff member’s help, she followed along. Her composed attitude won the approval of many viewers.

On the other hand, her fans felt a mix of pride and sadness. Gwen used to be a respected star. She never had to deal with the cold shoulder of a second-rate celebrity. However, Gwen was stronger than ever, and she was proving it.

Then came the final challenge, the cliffside bungee jump. The guests in the other groups went first. Standing on the bungee jump platform, looking down made their legs feel weak, and they lacked the courage to jump. Almost all of them chose to give up, unable to overcome their fear. Even those who weren’t afraid of heights found the jump too daunting. Only one male guest, an extreme sports enthusiast, managed to take the plunge. However, he still screamed on the way down.

Gwen’s male teammate stepped onto the platform, hesitated, and gave up. Now, it was Gwen’s turn. Gwen took a deep breath. “I’ll give it a shot.” She approached the edge, closing her eyes briefly, letting memories of the past year play out in her mind. She remembered how Phoebe and Brenda had supported her through her fears, even coming here to bungee jump with her to help her overcome her anxieties. With their encouragement, she had managed to take that first leap.

As Phoebe had once told her, it didn’t matter if others gave up on her, but she should never give up on herself. No matter how rough the road ahead might seem, everything would turn out okay if she just kept moving forward. With the unwavering support and warmth Phoebe and Brenda had shown her, Gwen felt determined not to let them down.

Opening her eyes, she smiled without any hint of distress, hesitation, or fake bravado. She took a deep breath and leaped forward with a confident smile. Gwen called out, “Go!” With a scream, the director’s team and a few guests paused, taken aback by the scene.

Despite all the negativity aimed at her, Gwen hadn’t given up. She kept smiling as she faced life. It was impossible not to feel something at that moment. Viewers watching the livestream felt a wave of emotions too. Many expected her to curse out a “jerk” or say something to draw sympathy. Instead, she only cheered herself on with a simple “Go!” She wasn’t giving up. She was smiling her way through it all.

For some watching, her words struck a deeply personal chord, reminding them of their own challenges. Some felt their eyes wet, and many of Gwen’s fans openly wept. Her fanbase flooded the chat with messages like: [Go, Gwen!] Others, including different fan groups and onlookers, joined in, sending their support.

Porlar’s eyes held a hint of pride. “I knew she’d pull it off.” Life would never fail those who worked hard, remained sincere, and stayed kind. Even after Gwen was ultimately forced out of the entertainment industry, Phoebe knew she’d take on any new role with the same positive, resilient spirit. More than anything, Phoebe admired Gwen’s dedication to life and work; she sent a quick message to the operations team. “It’s time. Let’s go.”