Reborn as Mr.CEO's Fat Wife-Chapter 976: The Final Vote Result

Mary Scott had endured no small amount of mockery over her poverty. After her scandals broke, even her former landlord, who had once evicted her, mocked her online, though the post didn’t attract much attention.

But just because no one noticed didn’t mean people didn’t know she was poor.

And poor she might be, but her unabashed honesty about it left many feeling a twinge of "admiration."

Whether on-site or in the livestream, Mary’s attitude elicited pity and even laughter. In an industry where every female celebrity flaunted haute couture and luxury—where even broke newcomers tried hard to fake sophistication—here came someone this straightforward. She openly admitted she didn’t want to leave showbiz simply because she was broke.

Someone in the comments couldn’t resist typing, "Well, at least it’s an honest reason."

Mary wasn’t affected by the audience’s reaction and calmly continued, "Second, I’m unwilling to accept this outcome."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Unwilling?

Unwilling about what? The fame and fortune of the entertainment industry?

Admittedly, once you’ve lingered long enough in this dazzling world, who would willingly return to ordinary life? Still, this remark didn’t sit as well with the audience as her first.

The voting continued, and the votes for her public expulsion from the industry still outnumbered those for her to stay.

Feeling the weight of the crowd’s collective gaze, Mary pressed on at her own steady rhythm. "When I first entered the industry, I played countless roles. Only one teen drama brought me any recognition. Although the reaction at the time was decent, deep down, I knew my acting skills were lacking. In these recent years, while I haven’t landed any significant roles, I’ve poured my heart into every small part I’ve played. About a month ago, I received a script for a second female lead. I see this as a perfect opportunity to showcase what I’ve learned over the years. If I leave now, I may never get another chance. So yes, I’m unwilling."

She finished speaking and smiled faintly at the crowd, a trace of bitterness lurking in her eyes.

The audience suddenly recalled the viral post from not long ago, which revealed that Mary had played over a thousand small roles in recent years. Now, having finally resurfaced with the opportunity to play a second female lead, who wouldn’t feel regret in her place?

Mary paused for a moment before continuing, "Third, because of my husband."

At the mention of David Locke, a slight curve lifted Mary’s lips, and backstage, David raised a brow as well.

The reporters at the scene were practically shoving microphones in her face, but with security maintaining order, they could only listen as Mary carried on, "Ever since this incident happened, my husband has quietly supported and encouraged me. If I could stay, I think it would make him very happy."

Pausing momentarily, Mary added, "Now I feel like I’ve turned this press conference into a vote-rally. You don’t mind, do you? Not that it would matter if you did."

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Just then, a reporter stood up. "It sounds like Director Locke and Miss Scott have a good relationship. But the internet has long been buzzing with rumors of discord and even divorce. Could you elaborate?"

"Since this reporter brought it up, let me formally address it. David Locke may be a renowned director, and I may be an actress, but at the core, we are ordinary, flawed people. As humans, we have conflicts and disagreements. In our highly scrutinized industry, even minor issues can become magnified. Honestly, I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve faced recently. They’ve allowed me to better understand my own heart and to feel the depth of his love for me." From the moment she mentioned David, a soft smile lingered on Mary’s face, and the affection in her eyes was impossible to hide.

Not just the reporters—it even felt like netizens behind their screens had gotten an unexpected dose of witnessing PDA.

By now, the press conference was nearing its conclusion. Yet on the large display, the votes to expel Mary from the industry still outnumbered those for her to stay by thirteen hundred votes.

Not too much and not too little. Mary glanced at the numbers, then turned back to the press. "We’ll count down three minutes. If the votes don’t flip, I’ll accept the result."

Mary’s statement left everyone holding their breath.

...

In a hospital room.

Charlotte Leigh stared at the livestream on her phone. Watching the poised and radiant Mary Scott confidently deliver her final words, she then joined the rest of the world in fixing her gaze on the voting display, awaiting the final result.

The vote counter on screen flashed continuously as the votes for Mary to stay rapidly climbed. The nerve-wracking sight made Charlotte’s tension reach a breaking point.

She never imagined Mary would pull such a move.

Even more unexpectedly, the purpose of Mary’s earlier press conference wasn’t to clear her name by stepping on Charlotte, but to announce her exit from the industry. If Jason Emerson’s people hadn’t targeted Mary’s little brother, even going as far as trying to corner him in the hospital and forcing him to say those words that improved public perception of Mary, she’d have already announced her departure.

Instead of this sudden turn of events, which, if successful, would render all of Charlotte’s prior efforts futile—worse yet, it would make her look like the very force that aided Mary’s comeback.

Just thinking about it made Charlotte want to cough up blood.

She couldn’t let Mary succeed.

Grinding her teeth, Charlotte dialed Duke Blue, who was abroad.

Though Duke had cut ties with many in the country, he hadn’t severed his connection with Charlotte—his personal ATM. Every so often, he’d come crawling back for money.

Charlotte, already mired in debt and scandal, didn’t care about the leverage Duke held over her anymore and ignored his threats. But now, she saw a use for him.

The phone rang for a while before being answered. Duke’s mocking voice came through, "Well, well, has the gorgeous Miss Leigh finally decided to line my pockets?"

Charlotte didn’t outright refuse. "Maybe. But you’ll have to do me a favor—or rather, do yourself one."

Duke, well-acquainted with Charlotte’s character, immediately knew she wouldn’t reach out without a reason. His tone shifted. "This about Mary Scott, isn’t it?"

Though he was overseas, Duke had been keeping an eye on domestic news. He was already aware of Mary’s press conference and had even been watching the livestream.

Charlotte didn’t hold back. "It’s about her. So you should know what needs to be done."

"What’s in it for me?" Duke, extravagant in his spending, especially abroad, was burning through the money Charlotte had given him. Naturally, he was looking for new income streams.

"One million. Not a penny more." Charlotte gritted her teeth.

Understanding Charlotte’s current predicament, Duke knew he couldn’t squeeze her for more. "Deal. Wire the money first."

"Fine. Hurry up—there’s only a minute left." Charlotte urged him.

Although Duke knew time was tight, he wasn’t anxious. He had already prepared for this the moment he saw Mary’s livestream and decided to capitalize on the situation. Now, with a million on the table, why not?

After hanging up, Duke gave the order. Then, as soon as he received Charlotte’s transfer, he whistled cheerfully, waiting for Mary to announce her withdrawal in a minute.

At the press conference, the votes for Mary to stay were climbing higher, closing in on surpassing those for her expulsion. Suddenly, the previously stagnant expulsion count began soaring at an alarming rate.

This abnormality left everyone stunned, Mary included. She suspected foul play but also understood that, by choosing this route, she had to brace for its risks.

Even if the results were fishy, she couldn’t contest them now.

Backstage, Alfred Scott muttered a curse. "Something’s definitely off!" freewёbnoνel.com

David Locke remained silent, his brows furrowed deeply as he stared at the screen. He knew that, regardless of the outcome, Mary was prepared to face it.

He shut his eyes briefly, refusing to acknowledge Alfred’s complaints.

Alfred grew more frustrated. "Brother-in-law! Aren’t you worried? These numbers don’t add up!"

David nodded. "I know."

Alfred, speechless, glared at him. "..." You know, and you’re still this calm?

No matter how exasperated Alfred got, David remained stoic, his focus unwavering from the screen.

Watching the votes for Mary’s expulsion surpass the "stay" votes by more than three thousand, everyone on-site—journalists, viewers, even Mary herself—seemed to accept that she’d likely fallen into her own trap today.

On the other side of the screen, Charlotte, finally relieved from her earlier anxiety, laughed as her mood drastically improved. Since learning that Alfred’s health scare was a false alarm and watching Mary’s unexpected rise in fortunes, she’d been seething. Now the tables were set right.

However, Mary’s serene appearance on camera—seemingly unaffected by the last-minute surge against her—dampened Charlotte’s satisfaction. Frustrated, she shot Duke a message, ensuring he left no room for Mary to turn things around.

Message sent, Charlotte glanced at the timer and vote count. Finally relaxed, she leaned back, waiting for the last few seconds to tick away.

At the press conference, Mary glanced at the countdown and regretfully stood. "It seems you all still don’t like me. In that case, I’ll graciously accept..."

"Look!" Before Mary could finish, a tense reporter pointed behind her.

Confused, Mary turned to see the voter tally. Despite the rapid rise in "expulsion" votes, the "stay" votes had just surged past them by a mere three votes—right as the clock ran out.

The room exhaled as one, with some even audibly sighing in relief. Mary herself was momentarily stunned. "How did this...?"

She couldn’t comprehend how she’d pulled ahead at the very last second.

What Mary couldn’t figure out, the livestream audience quickly pieced together: the cast of "Detectives and Wilderness" had banded together to drum up support for her in the final moments.

Though the show featured either rookies or washed-up stars, their collective fan bases were not to be underestimated. One in particular stood out—Brian Joule, whose massive following joined the fray, instantly tipping the scales.

Those who’d suspected Mary of fraud understood the truth thanks to the livestream comments and were left marveling at Mary’s relationships in the industry.

One comment asked curiously, "She’s only filmed two episodes with them, but they seem to really like her. If her character were poor, would they rally behind her like this? Even the crew shared posts to support her!"

This revelation left everyone nodding in agreement.

Regardless, Mary had scraped through at the last second. Most of the on-site media and those watching the livestream silently heaved a sigh of relief.

Oddly enough, people realized they didn’t want Mary to leave showbiz after all, surprising even themselves. As their feelings softened, their opinions of Mary shifted once again.

Yet not everyone was pleased.

Particularly one journalist—already known to be part of Helena Marion’s studio—who stood abruptly upon seeing the reversal. "Miss Scott, I suspect you cheated!"

Mary’s moment of reprieve hadn’t even lasted a full minute before she was called out. Her brows furrowed lightly as she turned to Mia Anderson.

Mia, unsettled, worried whether David Locke had secretly intervened despite knowing nothing for certain. Confronted by Mary’s calm and resolute gaze, Mia could only grit her teeth and call for an audit.

Three minutes later, the auditors concluded their work and announced, "After reviewing the data, there were indeed irregularities with the votes."

The room erupted in shock as everyone looked to Mary on stage.

Having left a strong impression earlier, Mary’s credibility now teetered. Could it be true that she tampered with the votes? Her previous bold statements might turn out to be a laughingstock.

Mary’s lips pressed into a tight line. Her expression was calm and resolute. "Then please clear the votes."

Her voice was firm, her demeanor steady. Though a flicker of panic crossed her heart, she quickly regained her composure and met the crowd’s gazes firmly.

Some were unsure whether this was an act or genuine confidence.

Regardless, if anyone tampered with the votes, whether on Mary’s behalf or not, her press conference would be for nothing.

Meanwhile, a panicked Charlotte finally pieced together what had happened. It had to be the cast of "Detectives and Wilderness" swinging the vote—but how?

"Clear the votes! She definitely cheated! Once they discover it was rigged, her attempt to clear her name will be a complete joke! Not only will it fail to change her situation, it’ll expose her hypocrisy!" Charlotte ranted, exhilarated by the thought. The future seemed set in her mind.

Back at the press conference, the atmosphere was tense. Livestream comments were in an uproar, torn between supporting and distrusting Mary, as the votes were painstakingly re-examined.

The big screen displayed flashing numbers that finally stabilized.

The journalist who had been primed to pounce froze after glancing at the screen. Hesitating for a moment, he mumbled, "Wait... what is this...?"

The heated debate in the comments came to an abrupt halt. After a brief silence, someone let out a chuckle tinged with disbelief.

Mary turned to check the screen and saw that the "stay" vote tally hadn’t changed, while over ten thousand votes were deducted from the "expel" column—all those added during the final minute were removed.

The auditors formally announced their findings and stepped offstage after affirming their neutrality.

Mia, who had been on edge the entire time, finally allowed herself a moment of relief. Tearfully, she turned to Mary. "Mary, you’re safe to stay!"

Mary pursed her lips. "I hope so."

Her words were followed by a radiant smile, warm as spring rain melting away the cold.

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