Chapter 8 Caught at the Scene
Lennon’s words gave Michelle a bad feeling.
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“Mr. Lennon, I didn’t mean for this to happen, and I only wanted to reveal the truth, not mislead everyone,” she defended herself earnestly. Meanwhile, Isabelle had already hailed a taxi, clearly impatient. She called out to Lennon, “Are we going or not? I’m exhausted; why waste time talking to her?”
Lennon wanted to scold her impulsiveness but Isabelle had already slid into the taxi, urging him to hurry or she’d leave without him.
“I’m not wasting time; wait for me, Isabelle!” He quickly ran to the taxi, but not before turning back to Michelle, “Ms. Michelle, I hope you guide your followers to view this matter correctly. If online rumors cause Isabelle harm, our company reserves the right to take legal action.”
Isabelle glanced at Lennon, who quickly signaled the taxi driver to leave.
Michelle stomped her foot as they drove away. “Everyone, I’m sorry, I couldn’t find out anything; I’m useless,” she apologized to her live viewers.
“Just now, Isabelle’s manager mentioned waiting for an official statement, so let’s wait. And please don’t spread false information; the manager mentioned legal consequences.”
Michelle appeared slightly aggrieved, which only made her followers more sympathetic.
“Michelle, don’t cry, you’re just too naive. That manager was obviously just making threats. How serious can a celebrity’s legal action be?”
“Am I the only one who thinks Isabelle is too arrogant?”
“You’re not alone. I quite like Isabelle’s haughty demeanor for some reason.”
The viewer who expressed affection for Isabelle was once again kicked out of the live stream.
She took a screenshot of her ejection and her previous comments, posting them online. She quickly found a group of Michelle’s detractors and others who also liked Isabelle.
They saw Isabelle as a thug, telling everyone to wait for the official statement and stating that Isabelle had not pushed the old lady.
A debate erupted between Michelle’s fans, Tiana’s fans, and Isabelle’s fans. Although fewer in number, Isabelle’s fans were surprisingly fierce, reflecting their personalities.
Isabelle, unaware of these developments, was taken by Lennon to a hotel where he booked a room for her.
“Stay here and rest tonight.”
“My luggage is still at the police station,” Isabelle said, lying down on the bed, too tired to move.
“It’s too late now; we’ll get it tomorrow morning,” Lennon yawned, exhausted by the day’s events.
“My pajamas are in there,” Isabelle complained, tugging at her pleated skirt, uncomfortable for sleeping.
“You…” Lennon was about to scold her for being demanding.
But seeing Isabelle looking at him with big, pale eyes, clearly unwell from earlier, he relented. “Alright, alright, I’ll go get it for you. You rest!”
“Thank you, Lennon, you’re a good man!” Isabelle cheered up instantly.
Once Lennon left, Isabelle went to freshen up but soon heard noises from the next room.
A woman’s scream‘ Isabelle’s face changed. Is someone being forced?
Without thinking, she opened her balcony door and jumped to the next one, which was also open.
3:54 PM
Chapter 8 Caught at the Scene
She didn’t barge in but heard voices inside.
“Throw him out; I never want to see him again,” a deep male voice commanded.
“Yes, boss!” another man responded.
“Cody Collins, I meant to be your antidote, and you reject me! Cody, is it because I’m a man that you disdain me?”
Isabelle was confused.
“What do you mean ‘because I’m a man you disdain me‘? Wasn’t that a woman’s scream?”
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Driven by curiosity, she peeked her head out and saw a man in a skirt lying on the ground, his wig partly dislodged from a scuffle.
A burly man in a black suit, likely a bodyguard, stood beside him.
She couldn’t see the one named Cody, probably on the bed.
“Take him to Teralia. He might enjoy the lifestyle there better.”
“Yes!” the bodyguard replied, confirming Isabelle’s suspicions.
“Cody, you can’t do this, who will provide your antidote if I leave? I know you dislike touching women!” If you really don’t want to sleep with me, I could use my mouth…”
Isabelle burst out laughing. This man is desperate!
“Who’s there?” both the bodyguard and Cody called out.
It was too late for Isabelle to flee.
“Who are you, hiding here?”
The bodyguard quickly blocked Isabelle’s escape. Isabelle wanted to fight back, but her body was weak from a recent fever and not as strong as in her previous life.
Worried about escalating the situation, she raised her hands, “It’s a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding. Sorry, I heard a woman screaming next door and thought… I didn’t realize he was a man. Sorry for the intrusion.”
Isabelle awkwardly smiled.
She then saw the man leaning against the headboard of the bed, his handsome face flushed, adding a touch of allure.
No wonder the man on the floor was willing to go to such lengths for love!
“What an eventful night!” the man on the bed chuckled, pulling up a corner of his mouth.
“Toby Baxter, throw him out for now and check on the lady next door.”
“Boss, could she be someone the organizers sent?” Toby, the bodyguard, eyed Isabelle.
She was attractive and well–built; to say she was just ‘next door‘ seemed less likely than her being in the room all along.
“Go check, and tie him up.”
Isabelle, not one to be easily caught, protested as Cody instructed the bodyguard to restrain her, “I told you, I’m from next door. You can ask the front desk!”
“Don’t throw me into Teralia; I’m a famous actress. It would cause trouble if I disappeared!”
Isabelle braced herself, ready to fight back if touched.
“If you really touch me, I’ll scream. The window is open, and someone will hear. If necessary, I’ll claim you assaulted me!”
“A female celebrity?” Cody scoffed. “The organizers really know how to pick them.”
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Chapter 8 Caught at the Scene
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“What’s your name?”
Isabelle frowned, regretting her impulse to help and even more so her decision to stay and watch the unfolding drama.
“Isabelle, you can search me online; I’m quite popular these days!”
Isabelle stated confidently, standing her ground.
