Chapter 14

Lucy White settled into the bamboo chair, her fingers lightly tapping the table as she made small talk with the other three guests.

The wooden door creaked open. Everyone looked up to see Olivia Davis gliding in on stiletto heels. The rising star, famous for her role in the period drama Phoenix Perch, wore a champagne-colored dress that made her skin glow like snow.

"Hello, everyone," Olivia said with a sweet smile, her gaze lingering on Lucy for a beat too long.

Just as the atmosphere warmed, another movement came from the entrance. Michael Johnson strode in with one hand in his pocket, his black leather jacket amplifying his rebellious aura. His eyes immediately locked onto Lucy, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Close behind him, Lily Green followed, carefully lifting the hem of her mint-green gown. A pearl hairpin adorned her hair, completing her innocent, flower-like image.

"Miss White," Lily suddenly spoke, her voice dripping with sweetness, "why don’t we switch seats? You and Mr. Johnson seem… familiar."

The room fell silent. The cameras instantly caught the tension in Michael’s clenched jaw.

Lucy chuckled, twirling a strand of her hair. "Better not. Last time I shared a frame with him, his fans accused me of riding his fame." She tilted her head, feigning distress. "I’d rather not trend for the wrong reasons again."

Daniel Miller nearly choked on his water.

Michael’s expression darkened, his knuckles turning white. Lily froze, clearly unprepared for Lucy’s bluntness.

The live comments exploded:

[She has no shame!]

[Our idol doesn’t even want her near him!]

[Is she playing hard to get now?]

Lucy’s fans fired back:

[The hypocrisy is unreal.]

[What’s wrong with keeping her distance?]

[Just enjoy the show, haters!]

"Ahem," Robert Lee quickly intervened, "I heard the last guest is a surprise?"

As if on cue, the door swung open again. A tall figure stood silhouetted against the light, drawing sharp gasps from the room.

The comments section froze—then erupted:

[HOLY—ETHAN SMITH?!]

[The producers went all out!]

[This lineup is insane!!!]

Lucy’s pupils contracted. Ethan Smith? What’s he doing here?