Chapter 161: Putting On a Show of Remorse

Danielle agreed with Isabella that going to the hospital was the right course of action, though she wasn't sure how Isabella had reached that conclusion. Danielle was about to sign a contract with Scarlett, so ignoring the situation was impossible. She initially didn't want Christopher and Isabella to come, fearing paparazzi, but Isabella insisted, leaving Danielle no choice. Christopher naturally followed.

In the car, Danielle frantically contacted her network, trying to understand the situation. Even her closest contacts were baffled. The news stunned them, but Danielle soon found new negative information about Scarlett on the social media posts of her detractors.

"These people have no decency, photoshopping images like this. Aren't they afraid of being sued? It's the work of misguided, mindless haters," Danielle exclaimed, irritated. She didn't connect the two incidents, however. Scandalous gossip was common for celebrities. If she were already Scarlett's manager, she could have easily handled it. Isabella, hand trembling, examined the photos on her phone.

One photo showed Scarlett sprawled on a bed, seemingly asleep. Only a blanket covered her key areas, leaving numerous hickeys visible. The photo clearly depicted the aftermath of a sexual encounter. It had narrowly avoided being removed from the site, explaining its longevity. The photos gradually spread, but many users reported the blog, finding it absurd. Scarlett's kind and wholesome image made the photos unbelievable; she had never revealed so much of her body in her acting roles. They concluded the photos were fake, a smear campaign fueled by her current popularity.

Christopher, having seen the photos, furrowed his brow and looked at Isabella. He'd never seen her so upset; her face was thunderous, and he couldn't even read her thoughts, indicating intense anger. Combined with the previous insult, it seemed Scarlett's suicide attempt was connected to Javier.

Reviewing the photos, Christopher suspected Javier leaked them. He'd heard some men took intimate photos with their girlfriends, but the risks were obvious. Perhaps Scarlett was simply unlucky.

Upon seeing the photos and netizen reactions, Christopher found Scarlett's suicide attempt disproportionate. How had the situation escalated so drastically?

They quickly arrived at the hospital, located Scarlett's room, and encountered Sienna and Bartholomeo, whispering anxiously at the door. Isabella mentally scoffed, then spoke contemptuously: "If Javier is a monster, these two are far worse. If it weren't for them, Scarlett wouldn't have been driven to despair."

Christopher's curiosity intensified. His phone buzzed with messages from the family group chat; everyone knew they were at the hospital. They couldn't simply appear, but their curiosity demanded answers. They were ready to fight for justice if necessary.

Sienna and Bartholomeo noticed them but soured at the sight of Danielle.

"What are you here for?" Bartholomeo demanded rudely.

Danielle was blunt: "Scarlett will soon be my artist; I'm here to assist."

"Bullshit! Scarlett would never leave her agency!" Bartholomeo retorted angrily, aware of Scarlett's decision.

Sienna added sternly, "You need not interfere. Leave."

Isabella retorted coldly, "First, you forced your daughter into marriage, then prevented her friends from visiting. Don't I have a right to suspect you harmed Scarlett? If you don't let us see her, we'll call the police."

Isabella's threat was mostly intimidation, but Sienna and Bartholomeo weren't easily frightened. Danielle and Christopher thought it pointless.

However, Sienna and Bartholomeo paled, their eyes flickering nervously. Despite maintaining a stern facade, they didn't dare to turn them away.

"What nonsense! We're her closest relatives! How could we harm her?"

"Exactly! Don't think you can say whatever you want. We're the ones who'd call the police!"

Their blatant guilt changed Danielle's expression; she immediately reached for her phone. Thinking she was calling the police, Sienna and Bartholomeo panicked.

Sienna quickly said, "Go in if you want. She's unconscious anyway," stepping aside.

Isabella scoffed, leading the way. Danielle and Christopher followed. Only after the door closed did Danielle exclaim, "Could it be?"

Christopher glanced at Isabella. "They must have done something wrong."

Isabella's thoughts revealed Scarlett's desperation for financial help; she discovered her years of savings had been secretly transferred to her cousin. Scarlett should have had ten million; her mother and uncle thought they'd remain undetected. Unbeknownst to them, Javier had swindled Scarlett's money long ago. Scarlett, unaware her last lifeline was severed, turned to her family for help, only to face betrayal from her past love and her own kin. This dual betrayal caused her despair.

Christopher, understanding the truth, was infuriated. He despised parents who didn't love their children, fueled by his feelings for Luna, and vowed to make them pay. But what else had driven Scarlett to such extremes?

They saw Freya exiting the foyer.

"Ms. Pearson?" they exclaimed.

Freya nodded. "I heard a disturbance." She knew Sienna and Bartholomeo would cause trouble, so she came to assist. They likely didn't object to Freya's presence, hoping for a family connection.

Isabella's face fell; she quickly entered the room. Christopher saw murder in her eyes.

Isabella stopped, gazing at Javier, who held his phone, seemingly dazed by Scarlett's suicide. Danielle frowned, and Christopher thought Javier unintentionally leaked the photos. Then, he heard Isabella's mocking thoughts: "You shameless bastard, playing the guilt-stricken act now? When you swindled Scarlett, did you consider her suicide?"

Christopher's gaze sharpened, fixed on Javier.