Chapter 82

Evelyn couldn't help but smirk. Since when did the distinguished Blackwood women become such avid spectators of drama?

The Blackwood ladies shot her exasperated looks but didn’t stop recording the chaos unfolding before them. This newfound love for gossip? Entirely Evelyn’s influence.

Besides, they each had their own exclusive group chats now, buzzing with the latest scandals.

When Julian and Evelyn had stirred up that explosive scene on the reality show, even high society couldn’t resist diving into the juicy details.

In the end, fearing things might escalate beyond control, Marcus swiftly intervened with security.

Harrison and Vanessa had gone at each other with no restraint, drawing blood. Even as they were dragged apart, their venomous curses echoed through the room.

Who would’ve guessed that just weeks ago, they’d been flaunting their love on national television?

Vanessa was escorted out. Maxwell tried reasoning with Harrison, only to be met with a brutal punch that left him missing teeth.

"This is your fault too! You’re the reason I messed up! You were supposed to be my most trusted ally—how could you betray me like this?"

Maxwell’s patience snapped. He’d believed Harrison could still salvage his career, despite the online backlash. After all, the internet had a short memory.

But his own reputation was now in tatters, his past misdeeds exposed. His only hope had been Harrison’s comeback—and now, the man had turned on him.

"Betray you? I’ve always had your best interests at heart! When Natalie was useful, I backed her. Now Vanessa’s the better option, so I supported her. How was I supposed to know you’d screw things up with Natalie?"

Harrison’s parents, Lawrence and Beatrice, finally spoke up. "We kept you as his manager because we believed you cared for him. But this? Natalie is his wife! If he was wrong, you should’ve guided him, not enabled him!"

"I did this because I care! He’s been pining for Vanessa, trapped in a marriage he never wanted. Love isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about who he truly wants!" Maxwell retorted, self-righteous to the core.

"But I love Natalie!" Harrison shouted, his voice breaking.

"You’re just in denial because you failed," Maxwell scoffed.

Harrison crumpled, sobbing uncontrollably, while Maxwell pressed on. "If our plan had worked, you and Vanessa could’ve been together openly, and your career would’ve soared. So no, I wasn’t wrong. And Natalie? There’s no love left—abandoning her isn’t wrong either."

Lawrence and Beatrice spat in disgust. "You’re fired!" They stormed out, dragging Harrison with them.

"Can he seriously not see how twisted his logic is?" the onlookers murmured.

Evelyn nearly laughed aloud.

Oh, this is rich. He thinks it’s fine to ditch Natalie because there’s ‘no love left’? Does he know his wife’s been sleeping with his assistant behind his back?

The Blackwoods gasped.

He’s always working, leaving her lonely. So naturally, she found comfort with his assistant—acting like a married couple whenever he’s away.

And now? She’s planning to drain his accounts and run off with said assistant. He was supposed to be gone all day, but thanks to getting fired, he’s heading home early. Wonder what he’ll walk in on.

But hey, since he believes in ‘true love above all,’ he should understand, right? Love doesn’t care about timing or morality, after all. Ha!

The Blackwoods exchanged glances. Evelyn, you’re downright diabolical.

After such entertainment, their moods were lifted—until they stepped outside and ran into a problem.

Evelyn’s fame had skyrocketed, and her half-hearted disguise did nothing to stop fans from swarming her for autographs and selfies. She barely managed to duck into a nearby boutique.

Time to call in the professionals. She dialed Marcus.

"Weren’t you just an artist before?" Marcus deadpanned after hearing her predicament.

Evelyn had been an obscure model once, unrecognizable without makeup. Now? Not so much.

"I’ll send Lillian. Also, heads up—" Marcus filled her in on the latest development. "Team Young Again dropped out, so now it’s four teams. Your next match? A direct face-off with Team Alpha Duo."

"Current boyfriend and ex-boyfriend?!" Evelyn’s voice shot up.

The Blackwood women perked up instantly.

Unlike the nauseatingly fake Team Young Again, this pairing promised real awkwardness.

Sebastian Hart, the brooding medieval heartthrob, was known for his icy demeanor—both on and off-screen. He’d built his career on being untouchable, never engaging in publicity stunts or fake relationships.

Adrian Cross, the charming teen drama star, was infamous for his scandals. Born into privilege, he flaunted his current relationship (though never officially confirmed) with Seraphina Delacroix, a rising actress.

Fans assumed Team Alpha Duo was just two heartthrobs paired for ratings. Little did they know—Adrian’s girlfriend was Sebastian’s ex.

Evelyn remembered the tension during their promo shoot. Sebastian had ignored Adrian entirely, while Adrian, grinning, kept trying to get closer.

Then, during the group photo, Adrian slung an arm around Sebastian’s neck, pulling him into a faux-intimate pose.

The result? A viral clip that spawned a niche fandom shipping the "ice and fire" duo.

Sebastian, however, looked like he’d rather chew glass than tolerate Adrian. He’d shaken him off immediately, not sparing a single glance.

Adrian’s manager had stepped in with a sheepish apology.

Oh. My. God.

Adrian wanted Seraphina to guest-star in their upcoming face-off!

Is he trying to create a warzone?!

Seraphina, unsurprisingly, refused.

But then—Adrian arranged a private meeting with Sebastian, asking him to convince her!

The Blackwoods were floored. Is Adrian insane?!

Logically, Sebastian should despise Seraphina. She’d dumped him when his career stalled. They shouldn’t even be on speaking terms, let alone sharing a stage.

Yet…

Evelyn checked the gossip feed. Sebastian hadn’t responded.

But he was en route to Starlight Club—where Adrian had set up their meeting.

Actions speak louder than words, huh? Does he actually want her there?

The Blackwoods were baffled. What kind of twisted love triangle is this?!

Meanwhile, Isabelle Laurent—Sebastian’s fiercely protective manager—had noticed his disappearance and was frantically searching for him. If she found them, she’d shut this down immediately.

I need to see this in person, Evelyn thought, itching with curiosity. Starlight Club… maybe…

"Hello? Are you listening?" Marcus’s voice snapped her back.

"Got it. Gotta go!" She hung up and turned to the Blackwoods with a sweet smile. "I have something to—"

"Let’s go somewhere fun!" Margaret cut in.

Sophia caught on instantly. "Since we’re all together, why not make it a night out?"

Genevieve flushed with excitement. "Everyone’s coming—no exceptions!"

Evelyn sighed.

"I heard Starlight Club’s exclusive. Let’s have Lillian take us there later…"

The vote was unanimous.

Meanwhile, Marcus’s phone buzzed. His face paled.

"Evelyn’s taking your family to Starlight Club."

Julian, lounging on the couch, frowned. "What’s that?"

"A high-end entertainment spot industry insiders love. I’ve got connections there to keep tabs on my artists. You’ve never gone, but…" Marcus hesitated. "It’s known for its… companionship services."

Julian’s eyebrow twitched. "Companionship?"

"Gorgeous men. Eight-pack abs. The works."

Julian’s jaw clenched.

Then Marcus’s phone buzzed again. His eye twitched. "Uh… your family just requested ten guys. Covering all… styles."

Julian’s expression darkened.

He immediately texted the Blackwood men’s group chat:

Julian: EMERGENCY. @Nathan, cancel your meeting. @Richard, stop fishing. @Theodore—keep studying! MOVE!