Incensed

Indeed, Anthony's repeated slanders had enraged Hugo. He couldn't calm down at all and his face turned red as he retorted, "They have me trapped, not allowing me to leave, and even possibly threatening everyone's safety. I simply wanted to leave in a friendly manner! Just because I didn't fulfill their wishes, they accuse me of being arrogant? That evening, I was even deprived of the right to have dinner and was captured with bruises all over my body. Was there no one to speak up for me?"

In reality, Anthony was completely twisting the truth. Hugo didn't sign autographs for fans, which could be considered as being arrogant. However, with over a hundred people surrounding him, he had no way to turn around and leaving was the reasonable course of action, especially considering the potential for accidents.

Not only did this anger Hugo, but it also wore down Joseph's remaining sanity. The journalists in front of him were simply too annoying! Although Joseph knew as Hugo's manager that he had to remain calm and prevent the situation from getting out of control, he was not just Hugo's manager; he was also his friend. Upon hearing Anthony's terrible and baseless slanders, Joseph's anger surged uncontrollably.

However, Anthony ignored Hugo's defense and instead pressed on, saying, "There are also rumors that "Sunburn'" was not your impromptu creation but a song prepared in advance by other composers. It was then presented on the show with Oprah's cooperation under your name."

"Shut up!" At this moment, Hugo's anger finally lost control. Despite constantly reminding himself not to act impulsively, with Joseph and Uma continually advising him, and knowing that he wasn't the impulsive type, there are limits to one's patience.

Anthony's previous two slanders were already terrible enough, and now he was even slandering Hugo's character. This, for Hugo, and indeed for any creator, was a tremendous insult. It violated their creative talent and intellectual work, and it was absolutely unacceptable.

Therefore, the tightly clenched fist of Hugo finally began to release its energy.

Hugo didn't back down this time; instead, he stepped forward and collided head-on with Anthony. Joseph's remaining sanity told him, "Stop Hugo." But his brain was burning completely. As Hugo's manager and friend, Joseph had always been aware of the changes Hugo had gone through in the past year. Now, Anthony's accusations were negating all of Hugo's efforts over the past year, not only reverting him to his previous state but also portraying him as a plagiarizing, despicable person. This was unforgivable.

Recalling the efforts Hugo had put in over the past year, the pain and weakness during drug rehabilitation, the hard work and focus before auditions, the seriousness and dedication at work, the positivity and optimism in life—Joseph witnessed it all. He knew how hard it had been for Hugo to reach this point today, and now it was all being completely denied by Anthony's slanders. Therefore, Joseph couldn't maintain his composure either. Unconsciously, Joseph's hands, initially trying to stop Hugo, relaxed and clenched into fists towards Anthony.

"Do you have any evidence? Can you prove that I plagiarized? I don't think you do, but I do!" Hugo suppressed his voice, like a wounded beast. He walked forward step by step, forcing Anthony to retreat. However, Anthony's camera was still firmly pressed against Hugo's chest, unwilling to show weakness. Hugo raised his voice and said, "I have 150 audience members who were present during the recording to testify for me. I have the entire show production team to testify for me. I have the original manuscript of my creation as evidence. What about you? You accuse me of plagiarism, do you have any evidence or witnesses?"

At this moment, Uma calmed down. She didn't know much about Hugo's creative work, and she didn't quite understand the source of his anger. But the Hugo standing before her was not the person she knew, the sunny, gentlemanly, and refined young man. He now resembled an enraged beast, emanating flames of anger from his entire body.

Uma stood behind Hugo, watching his advancing steps, and instinctively followed along step by step. She wanted to calm Hugo down, but in the face of Hugo's current state, she couldn't find the right words to say. Uma looked to Joseph for help, but he too was consumed by anger at this point. Uma stood behind Hugo, feeling helpless and powerless.

If anyone were to tell Hugo to calm down at this moment, he would definitely give them a punch. After a series of accumulated grievances, Hugo's anger had reached a breaking point, and the accusation of plagiarism directly crossed his bottom line. Whether it was being accused of being arrogant or of plagiarism, it was an absolute insult to Hugo as a person!

But faced with Hugo's fury, Anthony, although constantly retreating, didn't show any sign of backing down in his deep-set eyes. The camera in his hand even pressed forward a little more, firmly against Hugo's chin. His words showed no intention of weakness as he once again ignored Hugo's direct response and shouted with a volume no less than Hugo's, "There are rumors that Uma is with you just to use you, to gain more acting opportunities using you as a stepping stone..."

"How dare you!" Faced with Anthony's repeated provocations, Hugo almost gritted his teeth as he spoke those words! Compared to some random person popping up out of nowhere, Hugo would unconditionally trust the people by his side. He wouldn't doubt Uma because of someone's baseless accusations. Love requires trust, and when trust is gone, love disappears.

Uma, standing behind Hugo, could no longer maintain her composure. She took a quick step forward, standing at Hugo's left side. Her beautiful face twisted as she faced Anthony's accusations. How could she sit idly by? She glared fiercely at Anthony and said, "Rumors? Where did you hear these rumors? Do you dare to bring those people forward to confront us?"

Hugo, with his remaining sanity, stopped Uma and then stared unwaveringly at Anthony, as if a bald vulture had set its sights on its prey. "No, there's no need for a confrontation. Since when do we need outsiders to judge our personal matters? Do my personal feelings need validation from others? Do they know better than me what has happened to me, what has happened between us? How foolish! How dare you make baseless slander!"

Hugo's words stunned Uma. She stood still and looked at Hugo, anger calming down within his words. She earnestly looked at the man in front of her, as if this was the first time she truly understood Hugo after several months of dating. The complete trust Hugo had in her was too heavy, so heavy that Uma was left dumbfounded, unable to react effectively.

This was no romantic pledge or oath, but it was not any sweet words that came fiercely. Uma had no way to respond effectively and could only remain silent, her eyes locked tightly on Hugo's face, motionless. However, her gaze was too complex, filled with countless indescribable emotions.

"Hahaha, are you sure? Are you sure?" Anthony burst into laughter, mocking Hugo's innocence and foolishness.

"Yes, I'm sure!" But Hugo remained unwavering. He didn't look at Uma because his brain couldn't process any more at this moment. He could only use all his energy to deal with the annoying journalist in front of him. "I don't need to explain to you, but I can tell you that if you continue to slander me, I will make you know what I am truly capable of!"

"So you didn't believe deep down in your heart that winning the award tonight was an absolute certainty? You didn't act arrogantly and ignore the enthusiasm of your fans? You didn't plagiarize..." Despite Hugo's determination, Anthony didn't give up. The camera in his hand charged towards Hugo's chin, not just his chest this time, and forcefully pushed upward.

Anthony tried to destroy the last shred of Hugo's sanity, and he succeeded.

Hugo only felt the hard camera casing hitting his chin, the collision of flesh and bone causing sharp pain. Each impact challenged Hugo's bottom line. He advanced a little closer, using his height advantage to press down on Anthony, his once-sunny eyes now filled with the fury of a raging storm. The clear amber color gradually deepened, turning into a dark brown, as if ready to erupt like a tempestuous sea. The immense pressure made one tremble in fear.

But Anthony didn't stop. He knew Hugo had reached a breaking point, and all he needed to do was add fuel to the fire. "You are being arrogant! You have plagiarized! You shameless and pitiful bastard, you worthless egomaniac who only knows how to claim credit for others' achievements, you pathetic creature who is used as a stepping stone by women..."

"Slap!" The struggle through words proved futile. The rational string in Hugo's mind finally snapped. He grabbed the camera in Anthony's hand, stopping him from continually pressing against his chin. Then, with a forceful exertion, every muscle in his body tensed as he overpowered Anthony, snatching the camera away and swinging his arm. The sound of the camera colliding with the wall echoed, accompanied by a crisp burst that resonated with the camera's lament.

Hugo seized Anthony's collar, bending forward, his eyes fixed fiercely on him as he spoke with emphasis, "I told you, you're not allowed to insult me!"

"Plagiarism!" Anthony, undeterred by the threat, shouted back.

Bang! Hugo's anger broke free from the restraints of reason and exploded. Joseph, also consumed by fury, couldn't fulfill his duties as a manager. He was Hugo's friend, and faced with a despicable person continuously insulting his friend, no one could remain calm. Joseph remembered that he had a responsibility and obligation to protect Hugo, so he raised his fist.

Then Uma witnessed a flurry of fists flying, and the entire scene descended into chaos.