Chapter 179

The online discussion reached fever pitch when someone unearthed disturbing details from the "River Banquet" premiere ceremony.

Tiffany Merouin's spontaneous remark now seemed chilling upon reflection.

"Did Scarlett Ashcroft slap Julian Lombardi?"

Back then, netizens speculated about Scarlett and Julian's relationship.

Now the truth was out.

A scumbag like him deserved worse than a beating.

Thankfully, Scarlett had wisely left Lowell Entertainment—that soul-crushing corporation.

Fans flooded the comments: "Fly high, Queen Scarlett! We've got your back!"

Julian Lombardi and Vanessa Kalmien's silence fueled the fire.

Within hours, Julian's fan clubs dissolved en masse.

Vanessa's "straight-shooter" persona from reality shows imploded overnight.

Their acting careers were effectively over.

Brands scrambled to terminate contracts.

The "River Banquet" production team faced relentless backlash.

"Were you blind during casting?"

"Is Lowell Entertainment a breeding ground for scum?"

"Heard many artists are switching to Pearl Group."

"Thank Sophia Laurent for exposing Lowell Entertainment's true colors."

Richard Lowell nearly fainted upon seeing the news.

"Empress" character stills and audition tapes garnered universal praise.

Meanwhile, "River Banquet" lost both male leads consecutively.

The entire internet predicted its flop.

Richard trembled with rage, snarling through clenched teeth: "Sophia! Laurent!"

This daughter was his nemesis from birth.

On set, he hurled documents across the floor.

The only solution—recast the male lead.

"River Banquet's" reputation plummeted.

"Empress" buzz soared.

Richard watched his marketing efforts backfire spectacularly.

All his promotion had benefited "Empress" instead.

He swallowed the bitter pill.

As Richard fumed, Derek Langley exhaled in quiet relief...