Chapter 2

I frowned.

I barely looked older than Yvette. But the host was well aware of my actual age.

However, when I glanced at the host, she had a look like he was just watching a show unfold. The host and Yvette exchanged a knowing look.

As expected, as long as the views kept coming, the host chose to stay silent. Besides, Yvette was the one who brought the host on board.

Once the host spoke up, that pretty much sealed the deal. She said, "Guys, let's not talk about this anymore. Whatever Ms. Ward did, that's her own business. Let's get back to today's event, okay?"

[Her own business? So you guys are basically admitting Diana got with Mr. Garrison.]

The host quickly waved her hands. "No way. I never said that."

[Seriously. You guys are the organizers who invited Diana as a guest. Don't you know what kind of person she is? I thought we finally had another gorgeous lady in the scene besides Yvette, but turns out she's just sleeping her way to the top.]

When Yvette saw the comment, her gaze dimmed for a split second. But it was gone in a flash.

When she spoke again, her voice was shaky, almost on the verge of tears. "Guys, I really didn't mean it. Don't go making wild guesses about Diana. Seriously, it's awful to make up nasty rumors about girls."

[If she doesn't want us spreading nasty rumors, then maybe she shouldn't be sleeping her way up, especially with guys much older than her. That's just awful. Mr. Garrison could literally be her father.]

[Figures. You've got to have some serious moves if you want to get anywhere in the entertainment industry.]

[At least Yvette plays it straight and earned her spot as the leading lady fair and square.]

"Come on, don't say stuff like that," Yvette jumped in, her eyes getting teary. "I really was just talking without thinking. You guys are speculating with zero evidence. It's so unfair to Diana."

[Oh my god, Yvette is such an angel.]

[Even with all those accusations, she's still defending Diana's dignity.]

[I'm going to be a Yvette fan for life.]

[Count me in. I'm a fan now.]

Yvette had a resigned look on her face.

Then, she turned to me. "Diana, my fans are just kids, so please don't take it to heart. I'll talk to them later, promise."

"Are you done putting on a show?" I kept smiling at Yvette.

Yvette was taken aback for a moment. "Diana, what are you even saying?"

I smiled, "Yvette, this little act of yours? Please, I've seen people in the industry play this game since forever. If you really didn't want your fans to get the wrong idea, why'd you start by dropping all those specific details?

"You get to say whatever you want, and the other person just gets played for a fool, afraid your fans will come after them if they say anything. Bet you've pulled this stunt more times than you can count. Works every single time, doesn't it?"

Yvette's face went pale.

I leaned in closer and continued, "Let's say that you're telling the truth. But still, who do you think you are? What makes you think you get to comment on our Garrison family's business?"

Yvette quickly covered her mouth.

I towered over her and demanded, "This is your last chance. Set the record straight, right here, in front of everyone watching. If you do, you'll get to walk away with a little dignity left."

The host frowned as she said, "Come on, Ms. Ward, what do you want Yvette to clear up? She was just talking about what she saw."

I scoffed, "Just an actress like you thinks you have the right to talk about the Garrison family?"

Yvette's tears started streaming down her face. She looked so delicate and pitiful.

"You're going too far." After saying that, she took out her phone and dialed a number.

A moment later, a familiar voice rang out from the speaker. "Honey? What's wrong? Missing me already?"

I froze.

The live chat was blowing up. [Damn, whose voice is that? Wait, isn't that Xander?]

Yvette's tears started streaming down her face as she sobbed, "Xander, someone's picking on me."