Chapter 1739

chapter1739

Thelma was particularly fair. While her features might not stand out individually, together they created an alluring mix of innocence and sensuality.

She had the kind of appearance men would be deeply attracted to and women would often envy.

Coupled with her perfect proportions and her graceful neck-she looked like a trained dancer who had been practicing since childhood.

Thelma lifted her head, her expression calm as she looked at Sienna and said, "I was just lucky."

She didn't entertain Sienna any further and returned to slicing vegetables. She had already decided to leave the entertainment industry, so there was no need to worry about public perception anymore.

What the audience thought no longer concerned her. She understood Sienna's intentions—to subtly highlight her humble background and, secondly, to get her help with starting the fire.

When Thelma dismissed her with just one sentence, Sienna's smile froze momentarily.

Looking at Charles, who also seemed uninterested in talking to her, Sienna realized that insisting on more conversation would only embarrass herself further. "I'm so envious. Hopefully, I'll get lucky soon and manage to light the fire."

Another half hour passed, and the production team, unable to bear watching the other two groups struggle, finally stepped in to help them.

Meanwhile, Charles and Thelma were quietly efficient, only exchanging necessary words.

"Should the potatoes be shredded or sliced?"

"Shredded."

"Cut the chicken thighs into chunks."

"I'll make a cold dish."

"Alright."

They worked seamlessly together, complementing each other.

While the other groups were struggling to make even one dish, Charles and Thelma had already prepared three dishes.

One dish was set aside for the competition. Then, they started to eat the other two dishes they were famished after a day of hiking and cooking.

"This is delicious!" Charles praised after taking a bite of the cold dish Thelma had prepared.

Thelma responded in kind, "Your stir-fried shredded potato with green peppers is incredible!"

The mouthwatering aroma

practically jumped off the screen

Even the production staff nearby couldn't help but feel their stomachs rumble.

Since they had extra food, Charles and Thelma plated two portions and shared them with the crew.

As expected, Charles and Thelma's team won the task-their dishes were

flavorful, visually appealing, and well-cooked.

The other two groups were lucky to have edible food at all.

Later that night, when the filming wrapped up, Harvey texted to the family group chat. "Thelma is such an impressive, hard worker."

A few minutes later, he added, "Charles, look out for her on the show; she's had a tough time."

Seeing the words "tough time", Charles recalled the information his manager sent him earlier.

Thelma had faced persistent suppression since entering the industry.

Thinking about how she couldn't attend college because of family issues, he couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort.

Since Harvey had specifically asked him to look out for her, he would.

...

That evening, Skylar stayed with Vivian until she fell asleep. Once Vivian was

sound asleep, Skylar quietly left the room.

Joe was in the study, in the middle of a video conference.

So, Skylar didn't disturb him and instead returned to the bedroom, picking up her phone to reply to some messages.

Natalie had been visiting international schools these past two days.

?

After reviewing the options, Skylar did some additional online research and provided some suggestions, though she was still worried about Natalie's situation.

She seemed to be preparing for a divorce.

Given the Powell family's background, if Natalie were to

unlikely they would easily relinghet

proceed with a divorce, it was

custody of the children.

Skylar massaged her temples.

At that moment, Joe, having finished his meeting, entered the room.

"All done?" she asked.