Chapter 131

One Misfortune After Another

The unexpected twist during the live broadcast sent shockwaves through the audience, flooding the comments section with disbelief.

"What just happened?! I was waiting for Team Noble to perform, but Team A-List stole the spotlight with their stage play. Honestly, their 'confidant' theme reeks of hypocrisy!"

"Is Mr. Holloway really sick? Or is this some staged drama? The timing is way too convenient. Are they sabotaging Team A-List?"

"They must think we won’t notice their sloppy plot if they perform later. Newsflash—we see right through it!"

"Pathetic. The problematic artists ran away before the battle even started. Guess they couldn’t handle the heat."

"Maybe the minx got cold feet, afraid of being canceled, and dragged poor Mr. Holloway into her mess."

"They better show up on stage! What’s the point of sitting around like cowards?"

"Let’s see what kind of disaster Team Noble cooks up next."

"Forget them—I’m more interested in Team A-List’s performance. Their theme sounds scandalous!"

Meanwhile, Twitter was a different story due to the broadcast delay.

A skit titled "Confidant" suddenly trended, but since Team Noble hadn’t performed yet, the buzz was lukewarm at best.

Netizens had a rebellious streak. Subtle manipulation worked, but blatant, mindless hate often backfired. Some started questioning the unfair criticism, shifting toward a more balanced perspective.

The real comedy? The "Wives’ Brigade" all posted the same tweet simultaneously:

"Only those who earn their roles through talent deserve respect. Cheaters should leave the industry! You’re not welcome!"

Though they didn’t name names, their target was obvious.

If Team Noble had been performing, the tweet might’ve landed. But posting it before anyone took the stage? Awkward.

The Wives’ Brigade was baffled. Normally, they wouldn’t care about a tweet—someone probably suggested it in their group chat, and they all mindlessly posted.

Now, the replies were flooded with mockery:

"Maybe watch the live stream before tweeting? Wrong timing, ladies."

Panicked, they scrambled to find Victoria Hayes in the group chat.

But deleting the tweets was pointless—netizens had already screenshotted everything. They could only wait for Team Noble’s performance to salvage the situation.

Victoria was frantic, but her concern for Nathan Blackwood overshadowed everything. She called Daniel Prescott immediately.

"I don’t know what’s happening. Nathan said he wasn’t feeling well but refused to go to the hospital. He’s resting backstage. I think he’ll return once he recovers. But Seraphina Delacroix is losing it—she’s already trying to find a replacement!"

"That selfish witch! My husband is sick, and all she cares about is her stupid performance? She won’t even wait for him to recover? Heartless!"

Despite Nathan’s cruelty toward her, Victoria still worried about him. She couldn’t bear the thought of him being discarded when he needed help.

"Relax. I overheard two calls—no one’s willing to help her. It’s not just her scandal; no one wants to perform unprepared. She’s delusional if she thinks she’ll find a last-minute replacement."

Daniel wasn’t convinced about Nathan’s sudden illness. Something felt off.

After hanging up, he spotted a pale, trembling Seraphina approaching him.

"Can you… fill in for Nathan? You know the script. It’s fine if you forget lines—I’ll improvise. Please—"

"And what’s in it for me?" Daniel smirked, eyeing her up and down. "You beat me up last time. Now you want my help?"

Seraphina’s face darkened. During a late rehearsal, Daniel had tried to force himself on her, and she’d taught him a painful lesson.

Now, he stared at her vulnerable expression—like she needed a man’s protection. Hmph. She’s begging for it.

Unable to resist, he leaned in and whispered, "I’ll help… if you come to the restroom with me. Make it worth my while."

His hand shot out to grab her, but she sidestepped smoothly.

Daniel’s face twisted. "Your loss. Keep searching, then." He stormed off.

Seraphina slumped against the wall, her hope fading. Finding a replacement was impossible—especially with her reputation.

Team A-List fought for extra time… and I’m about to fail them.

A wave of despair hit her. Maybe I should just give in. If my career collapses, what will happen to Grandma?

Just as she teetered on the edge, chaos erupted backstage.

Dazed, she turned toward the noise—and froze.

A group of figures had arrived.

The crew scrambled, resetting props in a frenzy.

Isabelle Laurent barked orders, herding supporting actors into position.

The backstage staff was stunned. First, an actor faked illness to dodge the stage. Now, a horde of supporting actors appeared last-minute?

The audience had seen performers bail before—but never like this.

And as the actresses filed past, one thing became clear:

Every single one had been tangled in a sex scandal.

Just like Seraphina.