Echoes of Fame

Chapter 27: Ivy and Gab's Downfall

The industry was buzzing. After Babe's win on Love or Lie and his candid announcement about his relationship with Billy, public interest in his story surged. But amidst the praise and support, whispers about Ivy and Gab's behavior during the show started to surface.

It began with a small leak—screenshots of text messages showing Ivy and Gab's manipulative tactics, supposedly sent to a mutual contact. The messages revealed Ivy's scheming, her intention to paint Babe as fame-hungry and fake. Gab's responses, equally damning, suggested his willingness to "help" discredit Babe's reputation in exchange for Ivy's continued support.

Public Reaction: Fans reacted swiftly, voicing their disappointment and anger over the calculated malice in Ivy and Gab's words.

Fan Comment: "We've been supporting these two for years, only to find out they were trying to sabotage someone else. Disgusting."

Soon, the industry itself started to respond. Brands and collaborators who had worked with Ivy and Gab were quick to distance themselves. Sponsors began to pull their support, citing "discrepancies in professional conduct" as the reason for their severed ties. The media caught wind, amplifying the story and solidifying the blow to Ivy and Gab's careers.

Babe watched the news unfold with a calm he hadn't expected. It was strange to see Ivy and Gab—two people who had once been such a consuming source of pain—now scrambling to salvage their reputations.

System Notification: Rival Downfall. Satisfaction +50. Public Reputation Secure.

Bunny hopped beside him, eyes glinting. "Look at them fall, Babe! All their plans coming undone~bun!"

Babe smiled, more in relief than satisfaction. He hadn't needed to do anything. They'd undone themselves.

Not one to accept defeat easily, Ivy managed to arrange a private meeting with Babe. She arrived with her usual poise, but her eyes flashed with anger.

"So," she began, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "I suppose you think you've won."

Babe raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "This wasn't a competition, Ivy. It's just you facing the consequences of your actions."

Her expression hardened. "I was only trying to protect what's mine. Fame, reputation—it's not just given, Babe. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes."

He shook his head, unfazed. "I'm not interested in taking shortcuts. And if you really believed in yourself, you wouldn't have felt the need to tear down everyone around you."

Ivy's composure slipped, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Don't act so high and mighty. We both know the industry isn't that simple. I was just—"

"Just what, Ivy?" Babe interrupted, his tone calm but firm. "Using people? Manipulating everyone around you to feel superior? That's not strength—that's weakness."

Her face went pale, her bravado cracking. For a moment, Ivy looked lost, unable to mask the fear behind her anger. With a final, bitter glance, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing alone, finally free from her shadow.

System Notification: Rival Defeated. Peace of Mind Achieved.

As Ivy and Gab's reputations continued to spiral, Babe's fan base rallied around him even more. Messages of support poured in from fans, praising him for his authenticity and resilience.

Fan Post: "Babe has handled everything with so much grace. Meanwhile, Ivy and Gab's true colors finally showed."

Fan Comment: "After everything they tried to do to him, Babe still came out on top. So proud to be a fan!"

Babe took a moment to appreciate the messages, feeling a renewed sense of confidence in his journey. It wasn't just about proving Ivy and Gab wrong—it was about knowing he could face the worst and stay true to himself.

That evening, as Babe sat with Billy, he shared his thoughts. "It's strange," he said, his voice thoughtful. "I always thought seeing Ivy and Gab face consequences would feel satisfying. But now... I just feel relieved that it's finally over."

Billy nodded, his hand resting on Babe's shoulder. "Closure doesn't always come with fireworks. Sometimes, it's just the peace of knowing you don't have to carry that weight anymore."

Babe looked at him, a sense of calm washing over him. "You're right. I'm just... ready to move on."

Billy's gaze softened, and he gave Babe's hand a gentle squeeze. "And you've got everything you need to do that."

As they sat in quiet companionship, Babe felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The shadows of the past had faded, leaving him with a future that was entirely his own.