Twisted Ties of Love
Chapter 476

Universal Fashion was so audacious to slander Izabella, simply because she didn't sign with any talent agency, with no influential background. The only entity that had any sort of connection to her was the Maple Group, a new enterprise, hardly a force to be reckoned with.

Vivian, on the other hand, seized the chance to announced her new endorsement deal with Universal Fashion. Her social media was flooded with congratulatory messages.

Her partnership with Universal Fashion was secure, and Vivian was ecstatic, as was her agent. Just a short while ago, Vivian had been the butt of jokes online, being called a box-office loser. And now, here she was, surprisingly, the first domestic brand spokesperson for Universal Fashion.

As her value as an artist increased, so did her agent's opportunities.

Her colleagues, all feigning sincerity, called to congratulate her and suggested she treat them to a meal.

Vivian, sitting at her dressing table, applying makeup, heard the news from her agent and let a smile play on her lips.

"Sure, why not? Make a list of everyone and pick a restaurant."

Just as her agent was about to select restaurants, a news notification popped up on her phone. She was about to ignore it when she saw the headline that left her frozen in her tracks. Universal Fashion insulting Downstar.

Downstar has been implementing new policies recently and can't afford any controversies. The agent, looking at Vivian in the mirror, decided not to alarm her just yet. The headline was sensational, but the content was usually inconsistent. However, as she read further, her face paled.

Vivian, having finished her makeup, turned around to see her agent still standing there. "Marry, why haven't you gone to choose the restaurant yet?"

"Vivian, check the top search on your phone."

"What about it? Is it about Izabella being criticized?" Vivian asked, a sneer on her face. Nonchalantly, she opened her phone, but sprang to her feet when she read the news. "How could this happen?"

The one being criticized was not Izabella but herself. She fumbled to read the news further. When she was done, she felt as if she'd been dunked in ice water, shivering from the cold.

How could Universal Fashion insult Downstar?

She had already officially announced her endorsement deal with Universal Fashion. If she were to terminate the contract, she'd be liable for a hefty penalty. And worse, she could be labeled as "anti-national", which would potentially ruin her career.

Izabella's post on Twitter was crisp and to the point.

Had Universal Fashion claimed that Izabella was shamelessly clinging to their brand?

Izabella then released the text messages from Universal Fashion proposing a collaboration with her, along with a recording of Secretary Hansen rejecting the offer on her behalf.

And the reason for the rejection was clearly stated in the recording. The brand had crossed Izabella's red line by insulting Downstar.

After the recording, Izabella provided more evidence to prevent any further accusations of falsehood.

The brand's spokesperson had publicly insulted Downstar a year ago on social media, causing a stir. Universal Fashion offered no explanation, and the spokesperson hadn't apologize till now.

Not just that, Casey had found out Universal Fashion's flagrant history, and the brand's chief designer had a fling with the spokesperson who insulted Downstar.

This designer had posted various seditious comments on social media, mocking Downstar's cultural policy and espousing inland separatist forces, which were not just being personally dumb or blunt. It was related to the political stand.

The chief designer and the brand's spokesperson had made such vile insulting words; how could administrators of Universal Fashion remain unaware? They just pretended to be oblivious, or maybe they had thought poorly of Downstar all along.

They looked down upon Downstar and insulted the citizens, and yet still intended to gain money in Downstar, which was ridiculously amusing.

Izabella's evidence was like depth charges, each more explosive than the last, instantly igniting the public's outrage.

On the issue of defending the country, there were no Internet trolls or contrarians. Everyone united to boycott Universal Fashion.

Vivian's misfortune was that she had just announced her endorsement deal with Universal Fashion when Izabella revealed why she had refused to collaborate with them.

The stark contrast between the two triggered conspiracy theories among the public, who quickly pieced together the entire situation.

Vivian had hinted at Izabella's collaboration with a luxury brand at her announcement event, prompting the public to guess. Once they guessed it was Universal Fashion, they started hiring Internet trolls, posing as Izabella's fans, all to discredit Izabella when Universal Fashion announced their real spokesperson was Vivian.

Universal Fashion, upset with Izabella's rejection, was itching to teach her a lesson.

But they didn't expect the tables to turn so dramatically.

If Vivian hadn't been so greedy, she wouldn't have ended up in such a predicament. It was her greed that led to her downfall.

Downstar's sovereignty is inviolable. Izabella's final tweet was a stern statement.

- Firmly oppose any attempt to smear or slander the country and human rights in any form.

Reporters saw the latest news and intercepted Izabella's car on the road.

The driver had no choice but to slow down and stop. Izabella, without any sign of impatience, calmly rolled down the window and removed her sunglasses.

The cacophony of voices poured in.

"Miss Salotti, had you foreseen that something like this would happen today?"

"Miss Salotti, regarding Universal Fashion's insult and slander against Downstar and you, is there anything you would like to say to them?"

Amidst the flurry of questions, Izabella clearly heard this one. She beckoned the reporter who had asked the question over, took the microphone, and announced, "Those who insult Downstar, no matter how far, will be punished!"

After her words, her gaze casually swept over the crowd. It seemed unassuming, but those who met her eyes understood the overpowering aura she exuded.

"Everyone, dismissed. Please continue to follow the broadcast of Blood Ties. It airs next Monday. Don't miss it. I will take my leave for today."

The crowd involuntarily dispersed, and Izabella, with a smile on her face, slowly closed the car window and instructed her driver to leave.

Izabella had intended to spare Vivian's blushes in the first place, especially with the airing of Blood Ties approaching. It was not good to cause a rift in their relationship considering Vivian was her ex-colleague. However, the more she backed down, the more others assumed she was easy prey.

On Vivian's Twitter feed, her fans were celebrating just moments ago. Now, it was silent, with no one daring to utter a word in her defense.

As for those fake fan accounts, Izabella already had them exposed. They were hired by Vivian.

Izabella didn't bother to deal with these trivial matters on her own Twitter. She passed the information to a reporter she was on good terms with and let her publish it.

Vivian closed her Twitter account. The endorsement deal with Universal Fashion that was announced in the morning was canceled in the afternoon.

While others had at least gained some benefits before getting defeated, Vivian had to concede defeat before even getting some advantages. Not only did she lose the opportunity, but she also had to endure a series of condemnation.

Whether Vivian was going to be blacklisted was yet unknown.

The incident with Universal Fashion made national news. Their stores were closed, online shops were blocked, and they were permanently blacklisted by Downstar.

After Universal Fashion lost the business channel of Downstar, their shares plummeted. They lost thirty million in just one day and even more on the second day.

With Universal Fashion's downfall, their rival, OVO, reaped the benefits. They quickly established a partnership with the Maple Group, allowing Izabella to cooperate with them.

"Who's the Ghost" had a significant impact abroad. After its release, Izabella and Casey gained many international fans.

After partnering with Izabella, OVO quickly tasted the benefits, breaking their all-time sales record on the very same day.

With the airing of Blood Ties approaching, Vivian quickly terminated her contract with Universal Fashion. Although her reputation took a hit, it didn't affect the show's broadcast. After all, she only played a supporting role, a wicked angelic bitch. Now that the audience knew what kind of person Vivian truly was, it made it even easier for them to relate to her character in the show.

Vivian lost a considerable amount of money, and her company had to shoulder some of the losses. Those above her were very dissatisfied with her. They had spent money to publicize her awareness, but her movie was a flop. She got the role in Blood Ties through connections, yet her character setting flopped as well.

Vivian was infamous now, thanks to the national news. But this kind of fame was worse than having none. She was widely criticized, and essentially a failure.

The only solution was suggested by her agent.

Apologize in person. As long as Izabella forgave Vivian and mentioned her in future events, this incident could be swept under the rug.

Maintained a respectful manner, displayed sincerity, and didn't just talk the talk, arranged for a gift as well.

Vivian couldn't contact Izabella directly, so she asked Brad to relay the message, successfully persuading him by citing the need not to affect the TV series. Brad merely relayed her message in a few words. Whether or not Vivian's apology would be accepted was up to Izabella.

They thought Izabella wouldn't bother meeting Vivian, but to their surprise, she agreed.

Vivian reserved a private room at a restaurant, and Izabella came with Brad.

Izabella's presence was purely out of respect for Brad.

Upon arrival, Vivian's agent signaled her to be sincere in her apology.

Vivian had mentally prepared herself. She acted as if nothing had happened and greeted Izabella like an old friend. Her acting was even better than when she was on set. "Izabella, what would you like to eat? Feel free to order anything from the menu."

Izabella didn't even glance at the menu. Her gaze landed on Vivian's heavily powdered face, "Just say what you want to say. I just dropped by. I'll get going once I've heard you out." Vivian's face paled. She subconsciously looked at Brad, who was sitting next to Izabella. Brad didn't give her any reassurance. For a moment, Vivian didn't know what to do. Finally, her agent nudged her. "Miss Salotti, the purpose of inviting you here today is to apologize to you. You're always broad-minded. We hope that you can forgive Vivian. This is a small token of our sincerity."

A jewelry box was presented to her. Izabella recognized the brand, which was worth at least a hundred thousand.

"But I don't think I'm that kind of person you said. I heard your apology, and I have the right not to accept it. When you were openly and secretly targeting me, Vivian, you should have thought of this day." "If you don't accept my apology, then why are you here?!" Vivian couldn't control her temper and indignantly confronted Izabella.

Leaning against the chair, Izabella lifted her eyes to look at Vivian standing in front of her. Her aura was regal.

"I came to see your impotent rage. If you can't even keep your temper in check, you should quit the entertainment circle sooner rather than later."

"What gives you the right to say that?! Izabella, you're doing this on purpose! What do you mean I targeted you? It's clear that you've been targeting me! From the movie premiere to Universal Fashion! Why did you choose to expose Universal Fashion's insult to Downstar on the day I announced my collaboration with them?!"

The agent standing nearby wanted to intervene, but it was too late. All she could do was standing idly by and watch Vivian yell her lungs out. Just as Izabella had said, if she couldn't keep her cool over this, she might as well pack her things and leave this circle for good.

"Vivian, everyone can see what's going on here. Nobody's a fool. I turned a blind eye when you badmouthed me to the other actors on set. I let it slide when you asked the agency to use a marketing account to disparage me at the release of the movie you starred in. I even ignored your snide remarks at our last announcement event," Izabella spoke calmly, idly twirling a ring on her index finger.

"I was being generous for not fighting back, but don't mistake my kindness for weakness. If you still see me as the Izabella who was once the laughing stock of all the internet users."

Izabella paused, suddenly standing up and moving towards Vivian like a predator closing in on its prey. She grabbed Vivian by the shoulders, her voice low and threatening, "You won't even know why you'd be utterly discredited!"

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