Chapter 77

The premiere episode of "The Art of Performance" had taken the entertainment world by storm, with viewership numbers skyrocketing beyond expectations.

When Evelyn Sinclair and Julian Blackwood took the stage with their team to thank the audience, the applause was deafening. Richard and Margaret Blackwood waved enthusiastically from their seats, their faces glowing with pride.

Judging by the electrifying atmosphere in the theater, it was clear that netizens were already buzzing with reactions.

The broadcast cut to the waiting area, where the host was interviewing other guests about their thoughts on the performances.

Each guest offered a half-hearted critique before hastily excusing themselves, their poorly concealed excitement giving them away. If not for their barely suppressed grins, the audience might have believed they were rushing to the restroom.

One comment flashed across the screen: "OMG! They're totally sneaking backstage to gossip!"

Another chimed in: "Excuse me, but as a VVVIP viewer, I demand to see everything! Take us backstage NOW!"

A third added: "Team Rising Stars left earlier, and Team Elite just wrapped up. The backstage drama must be chef's kiss right now."

Yet another fan pleaded: "Let us in! We want the tea!"

The host, visibly distracted, continued her interviews while stealing glances at the live comments. She wished she could ditch her duties and join the backstage frenzy. Damn professionalism.

With all the guests mysteriously vanishing, she had no choice but to turn to the panel of acting coaches from the prestigious drama academy. But even they seemed preoccupied, constantly refreshing their Twitter feeds.

The play—and the ensuing scandal—had dominated the top ten trending topics. Every update sent shockwaves through social media, making it impossible for even the most powerful PR teams to contain the fallout.

At this point, only the most delusional fans were still defending their idols. The rest of the world had already pieced together the truth.

Strip away the façade of "true love," and the story was nothing more than a cheating husband and his mistress conspiring against his loyal wife.

Just as the public had once shipped the couple, they were now on a mission to expose the scumbag and his homewrecker.

Backstage, Harrison Montgomery looked utterly lost, drowning in self-doubt. His manager, Maxwell Thornton, however, was scrambling to salvage what little remained of Harrison’s reputation.

After all, concrete evidence was scarce. The play had merely amplified the whispers.

Maxwell’s strategy was simple: have Harrison deny everything and claim Natalie Whitaker was merely lashing out in heartbreak. If they stuck to the script, Harrison could still walk away unscathed.

Maxwell refused to believe Evelyn and Julian’s performance was genuine. To him, it was all an elaborate setup—a carefully orchestrated smear campaign.

In the cutthroat world of showbiz, the oldest trick in the book was mixing truth with lies. And he was convinced Natalie had done exactly that.

Harrison, however, seemed oblivious to the chaos around him. His mind was stuck on Evelyn’s scathing words. Have I really hurt Natalie that badly? I just… strayed for a moment. How did things spiral so out of control?

Evelyn nearly laughed out loud. Oh, please.

Julian shot Maxwell a withering glare. "A setup? You’re the ones who’ve been manipulating the narrative."

Maxwell stiffened, as if someone had just yanked his tie too tight.

The bystanders bit their lips to keep from laughing.

"Do you really think you’ve won?" Maxwell sneered. "You have no proof. Don’t forget—Natalie is still Harrison’s wife. Married couples fight, but they always make up. If she had real dirt on him, she would’ve exposed it by now. Face it—you’re just her pawns. Once they reconcile, you’ll be the ones left looking like villains."

What a load of crap. Evelyn smirked. He can’t even reach Natalie, yet he’s trying to gaslight us? Too bad for him… the wheels are already in motion.

The Blackwoods exchanged knowing glances. What wheels?

The others, however, looked uneasy.

He has a point… If Julian and Evelyn are helping Natalie, why hasn’t she given them anything concrete? Is this just a messy lovers’ quarrel? Ugh.

Harrison’s eyes suddenly lit up, his cheeks flushing with renewed confidence.

She still loves me. She’s just hurt. This is all a test—a way to force me to beg for forgiveness. I knew she wouldn’t actually destroy me.

It was unclear if Harrison was truly this delusional or just desperate, but his self-deception gave him the courage to stride toward Julian and Evelyn.

"Natalie and I will work things out," he declared. "She’ll clear my name. So I suggest you two stop meddling in our marriage."

Evelyn barely suppressed an eye roll.

After everything you’ve done, you still expect her to save you? Oh, just wait. Your little fantasy won’t last long.