Chapter 96

"Didn't I tell you to arrange hot coffee for your fans? It's freezing out there, and they've been standing for hours supporting you. Don't you care about them at all?" Isabelle Laurent snapped the moment she arrived backstage.

Her sharp gaze swept over the scene—other celebrities' fans were bundled in blankets with warm drinks, while Sebastian Hart's loyal supporters shivered in the cold. As his manager, she couldn't stomach the neglect.

Sebastian's expression darkened at the public scolding. "Shouldn’t that be your job?"

"I delegated it to you because I was handling your other messes," Isabelle shot back, voice icy. "Today of all days, when you need their support, you forget? And this isn’t the first time I’ve reminded you!"

"One slip-up, and you act like it’s the end of the world?" Sebastian scoffed, irritation flaring.

"One slip-up?" Isabelle repeated, incredulous. Though she’d already decided to leave him as a client, his audacity still infuriated her.

"Fine, I’ll have my assistant get the coffee now. Happy?"

"I’m angry because you never listen—"

"Enough. I’ll order delivery. Faster. Satisfied?"

Isabelle’s lips thinned. "Don’t bother with your half-hearted efforts."

"I was going to fix it, and now you’re refusing? Are you trying to pick a fight?" Sebastian snapped.

Isabelle hadn’t intended to argue. She’d simply stepped in to fix his mistake—again—even smoothing things over with the fans on his behalf. Even if she planned to drop him, she wouldn’t abandon her professional duties.

Just then, Sebastian’s assistant returned, looking flustered.

"Where the hell were you?" Isabelle demanded.

The assistant blinked. "I—I was delivering a latte to Ms. Delacroix."

Silence. Every head in the room swiveled toward Sebastian.

Though he, Adrian Cross, and Seraphina Delacroix had been rehearsing together lately, rumors had already started swirling about Sebastian and Seraphina’s close working relationship. Adrian’s easygoing demeanor made the gossip seem baseless—until now.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, instead shooting Isabelle a look that clearly said, Fix this for me.

After all, she always cleaned up his messes.

This time, Isabelle only smirked and walked away, leaving him to flounder.

Sebastian suddenly grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the room. "We need to talk."

The moment they left, backstage erupted into whispers.

Good grief. When he’s arrogant, he’s shameless. When he’s embarrassed, he’s pathetic. Evelyn Sinclair’s mental commentary nearly made Julian and Genevieve choke on their drinks.

Honestly? Accurate.

Meanwhile, the Quirk family—seated in the audience—were furiously texting updates to those missing the drama. The only one absent was Nathan Blackwood, still buried in work.

Ugh, the audacity! Evelyn mentally sneered. Sebastian actually thought Isabelle was hard on him because she had feelings for him?

In a private room, Isabelle crossed her arms. "Are you deaf, or just delusional?"

Sebastian exhaled dramatically. "Look, I’ve talked to Adrian. He’s fine with it. He’ll even help manage the backlash."

Isabelle stared, momentarily speechless. Then, out of sheer disbelief, she asked, "Adrian agreed? His fans will tear you apart! Even if yours don’t care about you dating, they won’t tolerate you stealing his girlfriend. Are you trying to ruin your career?"

Sebastian gave her a pitying look. "Adrian’s willing to spin the narrative. The three of us are on board. What’s the issue?"

A sharp crack echoed through the hallway as Isabelle’s palm met his face. She stormed out, aura dark enough to freeze the staff in their tracks.

Oh, he got slapped, Evelyn mused, prompting Julian and Genevieve to perk up.

Serves him right! Evelyn’s thoughts continued. Does he think this is some medieval harem drama? Newsflash—you can’t have a wife at home and a mistress at work and expect everyone to play nice. He just spat on years of friendship. I bet Isabelle wishes she could go back and slap her past self for signing him.

Genevieve grimaced, typing furiously into the group chat.

Julian wasn’t surprised. The entertainment industry thrived on these twisted arrangements.

When Sebastian returned, his cheek was faintly red.

Guess he’s back to being shameless, Evelyn thought, amused.

Soon, Adrian and Seraphina joined them, the latter happily sipping her latte.

Evelyn kept digging. Nathan had been right—after striking a deal with Sebastian, Adrian had proposed a PR strategy: paint Isabelle as the villain who’d broken up Sebastian and Seraphina years ago. Now, with the "misunderstanding cleared," Adrian would "graciously step aside," and the reunited couple would get their happy ending.

Sebastian had some shame—he’d vetoed the idea, but only because he wanted a better way to exploit Isabelle.

Disgusting, Genevieve typed. He’s worse than trash.

Julian’s lips curled. It’s like demanding gratitude from the person you stabbed.

Why not blame Mr. Lynch? Evelyn wondered. Oh, right—because they’re cowards.

The Quirk family silently agreed: Human garbage.

As the live stream countdown began, the trio took the stage, ready to perform their twisted fairy tale.