Chapter 124

The eliminated contestants stood with ashen faces, their eyes burning with resentment.

"Should've joined Lucy's team," someone muttered under their breath.

"Being stuck with Lily Green is the worst luck," another contestant hissed through gritted teeth.

The two who advanced exchanged glances, relief evident in their expressions.

"Next time, please don’t pair me with Lily again."

The livestream chat exploded.

[Is Lily Green cursed? Everyone around her flops!]

[Her entire team got eliminated except two. Pathetic.]

Lily’s fans immediately jumped to her defense.

[Blame your own lack of skill!]

[If it weren’t for Lily, they wouldn’t even rank third!]

Neutral viewers had enough.

[Vanessa Knight carried that performance.]

[Lucy’s whole team advanced—now that’s real talent.]

On stage, Lily dug her nails into her palms, staring at the rankings displayed on the screen. The words "Third Place" burned her vision.

But what truly unsettled her was the sudden, inexplicable chill creeping through her veins—as if something vital was slipping away...

Lucy noticed the shift in Lily’s aura and smirked inwardly.

"The backlash has begun."

After the live performance, Lucy’s team swarmed her, buzzing with excitement.

"Lucy, let’s celebrate!"

"Ethan, you should come too!"

Lucy chuckled and glanced at Ethan. "You in?"

His eyes softened. "Your call."

The contestants gaped—since when was the notoriously aloof Ethan Smith this agreeable?

Ryan Clark booked an upscale BBQ restaurant, reserving the entire place.

"Tonight, we drink till we drop!" Jason Wright raised his glass.

Lucy, cheeks flushed from alcohol, suddenly pushed her drink toward Ethan.

"Ethan, cheers!"

He arched a brow, took the glass, and downed it in one go.

The contestants stared in shock.

"Ethan actually drank?"

"Only Lucy could pull that off..."

By midnight, the group staggered out of the restaurant, still riding the high.

A cool breeze brushed past as Lucy swayed slightly, her head spinning.

"I'll take you home," Ethan murmured beside her.

She squinted at him. "Sure."

Inside the elevator, he stepped closer.

"You hold your liquor well," Lucy tilted her head up, meeting his dark gaze.

Ethan chuckled lowly. "Trying to get me drunk?"

"And if I did?" Her ears burned.

He leaned in, breath warm against her skin. "Then do whatever you want."

"Jerk!" She punched his arm, face scarlet.

The elevator doors slid open, and Lucy bolted out—only for Ethan to catch her wrist.

"Easy," he sighed. "Don’t trip."

In the car, Lucy kept nodding off. Ethan gently guided her head to his shoulder.

"Sleep. I’ll wake you when we arrive."

She hummed drowsily, nuzzling against him before drifting off.

Ethan watched her peaceful expression, his gaze impossibly tender.