Chapter 74

Jonah Pierce and the others were filled with regret. Had they known this would happen, they would’ve shamelessly stuck with Aria Bennett’s team.

Now, all they could do was stare longingly at the golden, crispy grilled fish and glistening sashimi, their stomachs growling in protest.

Damian Cross leisurely picked up a slice of sashimi, the corner of his lips quirking up. "Stop staring. It won’t be yours no matter how much you look."

[LOL Damian’s being such a tease!]

[Damian guarding his food is adorable!]

[Jonah and the others look like they’re about to drool.]

[I can practically smell it through the screen!]

[What are the haters gonna say now?]

In the corner, Nolan Reed’s gaze never left Aria.

The curve of her eyes when she smiled was exactly the same as before.

But now, that smile no longer belonged to him.

His chest tightened painfully, and he abruptly stood up, disappearing into the woods.

Serena Blake noticed and immediately followed.

Under the moonlight, Nolan leaned against a palm tree, lost in thought.

"Nolan…" Serena called softly, "Are you okay?"

He frowned. "Stop following me."

"I’m just worried about you," she said, taking a step closer. "Ever since that incident, you’ve been avoiding me."

Suddenly, she reached out to hug him. "Give me another chance, please?"

Nolan sidestepped her. "Have some self-respect."

Just then, a venomous snake slithered silently down from the branches above.

"Ah!" Serena shrieked, stumbling back before turning to flee.

Before Nolan could react, the snake’s flickering tongue was inches from his face.

At the last second, a flash of silver cut through the air.

A machete pinned the snake to the tree with deadly precision.

"Aria?" Nolan stared in disbelief as the figure emerged from the shadows.

She retrieved the blade, her tone indifferent. "You alright?"

The moonlight softened the angles of her profile.

Nolan suddenly grabbed her wrist, his voice trembling. "You still care about me, don’t you?"

His palm burned against her skin, his gaze so intense it could scorch.

Aria gently pulled free. "I’d do the same for anyone."

The words doused him like ice water.

He laughed bitterly, releasing her. "Right. You’ve always been kind like that…"

In the distance, the production crew called out—the bonfire feast was about to begin.

Aria turned to leave, only to hear a dull thud behind her.

Nolan was on one knee, his face pale.

"What’s wrong?" She crouched beside him in alarm.

He gave a weak smile. "Nothing. Just… my legs gave out."

For a moment, he’d truly thought he was going to die.

Aria sighed and helped him up. "Can you walk?"

He leaned heavily into her support.

"Barely," he murmured. "Let me lean on you for a bit."

She glared. "Don’t push your luck."

But she didn’t push him away.

Their shadows stretched long under the moonlight, merging into one.

Neither noticed Serena’s clenched fists hidden in the bushes nearby.

Her nails dug deep into her palms, but she felt no pain—only the searing burn of jealousy.