Chapter 140

Backstage, Isabelle Laurent stood protectively beside Seraphina Delacroix, her expression one of quiet pride. She had finally found a rising star worth investing in, and she wasn’t about to let anyone disrupt her protégé’s moment.

The online buzz was even more explosive than Isabelle had hoped—all thanks to Seraphina’s groundbreaking performance.

Meanwhile, the Blackwood family had arrived, their eyes lighting up at the sight of Evelyn Sinclair and Nathan Blackwood seated together.

Julian Blackwood leaned against the wall, exhaustion lining his features as he spoke to Nathan in hushed tones. He wasn’t blind—someone had clearly gotten to Nathan.

Nathan merely gave him a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry.”

Evelyn, on the other hand, was deep in whispered gossip with the Blackwood women, dissecting the latest online scandal.

Just then, the insufferable Gabriel Ramirez and his sidekick, Vincent Holloway, approached.

All eyes turned toward them, barely containing their amusement at the impending drama.

Look at that ghostly complexion—paler than a corpse left out in the sun. Gabriel must not have expected Seraphina’s performance to be this flawless. Talent always wins in the end.

The Blackwoods exchanged knowing glances—Gabriel did look like he’d seen a ghost.

But before he could reach Seraphina, Preston Whitmore and Donovan Sharpe intercepted him.

“Mr. Ramirez, we’ve been looking for you,” Preston said smoothly.

Gabriel stiffened, remembering what was coming. Steeling himself, he stepped forward. “I believe we should take the stage—”

The challenge had been issued. Seraphina had already turned the tables, and Gabriel had no choice but to engage.

If he backed out now, it would only make him look worse. His fists clenched—he wanted to tear that smug woman apart, but he had to play the game.

Donovan cut him off with a sharp smile. “Mr. Ramirez, you won’t be going on stage.”

Gabriel’s expression froze. “Excuse me? This is a competition.”

“Ms. Delacroix is clearly exhausted,” Preston said coolly. “She doesn’t need to perform again.”

Gabriel’s face darkened. He opened his mouth to argue, but Donovan was faster.

“We’ve already adjusted the show based on audience expectations. Besides, you were the one who refused to perform earlier. We can’t cater to your whims.”

The spectators nearly burst into laughter.

The audacity! They don’t owe you anything. Just because you’re ready now doesn’t mean they have to indulge you. And Preston and Donovan aren’t fools—they see right through your little power play.

The Blackwoods listened to Evelyn’s muttered complaints, struggling to keep their composure.

The scrutiny was too much. Gabriel’s face burned with humiliation. “What is this? Are you saying I won’t be appearing in any future broadcasts?”

He was bluffing, trying to force their hand.

Preston and Donovan stared at him, their expressions unreadable. Their silence spoke volumes—Go ahead. Walk away. See if we care.

Using withdrawal as a threat? Pathetic. He’ll realize soon enough that the audience has already turned against him. The backlash is coming, and it won’t be pretty.

The Blackwoods, initially just amused bystanders, grew curious. How had things escalated so quickly?

Gabriel had always maintained a polished facade. The public shouldn’t know about his dirty laundry yet.

But Evelyn was too busy reveling in his downfall to explain.

They pulled out their phones, searching for answers.

The truth was already spreading like wildfire.

One comment mocked: Oh, please. Don’t tell me you’re about to blame Seraphina for seducing your precious Gabriel, leading to your divorce. Hilarious! With her talent and looks, why would she ever settle for him? For his receding hairline? His mediocre career?

Another read: Gabriel was the one obsessed with Seraphina. What does that have to do with her?

A third sneered: You couldn’t keep your man in check, so you take it out on innocent women? Pathetic.

Then came the bombshell—someone had leaked the original script Seraphina was supposed to perform.

It was a poignant tale of love and loyalty, a story of sacrifice and devotion. A far cry from the scandalous narrative Gabriel and his wife, Claire Harrison, had tried to spin.

The leaked footage Claire had orchestrated painted Seraphina as a scheming mistress, manipulating Gabriel while tormenting his wife. But now, with the script exposed, the truth was undeniable.

Every detail matched—proving Claire had been part of the smear campaign all along.

Justice served. This is what happens when you try to ruin someone’s reputation.

Claire, watching the flood of insults, finally cracked. She never imagined she’d become the target of a cyber witch hunt. Even her family background was being dragged through the mud.

Pale and shaking, she reached for her phone to call Gabriel.

But the internet had already moved on—speculating why Gabriel hadn’t taken the stage.

One user theorized: Did he plan to propose to Seraphina after his divorce, got rejected, and decided to punish her?

Another scoffed: We’ve been outside the studio the whole time. No ambulance, no sign of him. “Too sick to perform”? Yeah, right.

A third chimed in: Ew. Old man, stay in your lane.

Claire could only watch, speechless, as the comments rolled in.

Meanwhile, Gabriel was still making a scene, demanding to perform.

Julian, scrolling through the chaos, smirked. “Mr. Ramirez, you might want to check the public opinion. Keeping you off stage is for your own good. Preston’s saving what’s left of your dignity.”

Gabriel froze, then frantically pulled out his phone.

His face went white.

The damage was done.