Chapter 227

Finn Wallace and the others exchanged glances, their eyes alight with excitement.

Their previous teammates had been top-tier, but Lucy White's performance surpassed even that.

After training, the group showered and changed before heading out for dinner.

Julian Chase dismissed his friends and shamelessly tagged along with Lucy's team.

In the private dining room, Xavier Boone, as team captain, stood first and extended his hand to Lucy.

"Welcome aboard," he said with admiration. "From today onward, we're partners in this."

Lucy shook his hand, a faint smile on her lips. "I'll give it my all."

"What's your schedule like?" Xavier asked. "We'll need time to build synergy."

She thought for a moment. "I can spare a day in three days. After that, I have filming out of town, but I'll wrap up my scenes and return as soon as possible."

She understood the importance of teamwork.

Xavier nodded in understanding. Finding someone like Lucy was already a stroke of luck—they didn’t want to pressure her.

The atmosphere grew lively as the meal progressed.

Julian asked curiously, "Is the actual competition like what we did today?"

"Much more complex," Asher York chuckled. "We'll be given a virtual world scenario with objectives to complete."

Finn added, "Rumor has it this year's is a hell-mode challenge using cutting-edge holographic tech."

"Global livestream—guaranteed to be spectacular." He winked at Julian. "Make sure to cheer for us."

Julian grinned. "I'll be watching every second." He glanced subtly at Lucy, already resolved to follow the entire event.

When exchanging contacts after dinner, Julian insisted on driving Lucy home.

In the car, he asked casually, "Need help with that online mess?"

Lucy shook her head. "It's nothing I can't handle."

"We're just acquaintances. No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Chase."

Julian smirked. "I thought we were at least friends." He sighed dramatically. "So cold. It hurts."

Lucy arched a brow. His shamelessness was truly something else.

Then she abruptly changed the subject. "Do you know Jessica Chase?"

Julian's expression didn’t falter. "My sister."

"She dislikes me," Lucy stated bluntly. "We have history."

"I know," he admitted. "She resents you because of Ethan Smith."

"But she's her, and I'm me." He turned to Lucy. "I won’t deny I had ulterior motives at first, but now I genuinely want to be your friend."

He paused. "Jessica’s been sent to Africa. The Chase family won’t interfere in your affairs."

Lucy studied his face, gauging his sincerity.

"Acquaintances, then," she finally said.

Julian's eyes gleamed. "Friends."

Just then, Lucy's phone rang. The caller ID—"Michael Johnson"—made her frown slightly.

"What is it?" she answered.

Michael's urgent voice came through. "Lucy! Grace and Noah are in trouble!"