112 Retribution at the Concert

Bella's heart pounded as the jeers of the crowd echoed in her ears. Standing in the wings of the stage, she felt trapped, her eyes fixed on the hostile audience. Their love for Maxwell, extending protectively towards Emma, was palpable, transforming into venomous disdain towards her. "Bella, are you ready?" Maxwell's voice, laced with cold disapproval, broke through her thoughts. "The crowd is waiting." She turned to face him, her voice trembling. "Maxwell, I... I didn't mean for things to get this out of hand." Maxwell's expression hardened. "You knew exactly what you were doing. Now you face the consequences." Onstage, the announcement of her contract breach sent shockwaves through Bella. Collapsing to her knees, she could hardly breathe under the weight of impending financial ruin. Backstage, her agent's disappointment was the final blow. "You've caused enough damage," he hissed, his hand striking her cheek with a force that sent her reeling. "You're on your own now.