Chapter 83

Lucy White took the laptop from the cameraman and walked to the corner of the cave. Her slender fingers flew across the keyboard, the blue glow of the screen reflecting on her delicate profile.

Lily Green's eyes flickered with curiosity, but before she could approach, Michael Johnson blocked her path.

"Don't disturb her," Michael said coldly.

Lily bit her lip. "I just wanted to see if I could help."

"You can't," he replied bluntly. "Staying away is the best help you can offer."

Her eyes reddened. "Michael, that night—I didn’t mean to leave you—"

"Shut up." He stepped closer, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Call me 'Michael' again, and I’ll make sure you never work in this industry again."

Lily stumbled back, stunned. This wasn’t how she’d imagined things would go.

"Get out," Michael ordered.

With one last resentful glance at Lucy’s back, Lily stomped away, fuming inwardly. That bitch Lucy—even after their breakup, she’s still got Michael wrapped around her finger!

Silence settled back into the cave. Michael sat across from Lucy, watching her intently.

She was always like this when she worked—lashes lowered, lips slightly pursed, radiating an effortless allure. It struck him then that he hadn’t truly looked at her in a long time.

When had that changed? Probably when his family started pressuring him to marry, and he’d pushed her away, treating her horribly in the process. Looking back now, it was beyond stupid.

With a soft click, Lucy shut the laptop.

"Done," she announced, meeting his complicated gaze. "What are you staring at?"

"You’re beautiful," he blurted out.

Lucy arched a brow. "Did you take the wrong pills today?"

In his memory, he’d never given her a single compliment—always mocking her first before offering help.

"I mean it," Michael said, unusually sincere. "You’ve always been beautiful."

She scoffed. "Doesn’t concern you."

Standing, she went to check the equipment with the cameraman, leaving Michael behind, his expression dimming.

"Ms. White, you’re amazing!" The young cameraman, Noah Adams, gushed in admiration. "You actually fixed the signal!"

Lucy grinned and ruffled his hair. "Piece of cake."

Noah flushed instantly, drawing envious looks from the rest of the crew.

The livestream resumed, and though only one camera was working, the audience was thrilled.

[Finally, it’s back!]

[Lucy looks gorgeous!]

[More shots of Ethan, please!]

[Michael’s so handsome today!]

Comments flooded the screen, everyone overjoyed to see their favorites again.