Chapter 24

At exactly 5:30 a.m., Lucy White’s internal clock woke her. She slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb her roommate, Lily Green. Pushing open the window, she inhaled the crisp mountain air, still thick with morning mist, as a breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass brushed against her cheeks.

Ding. Her phone screen lit up with a message from Sophia Taylor: Richard Brown contacted three gossip accounts last night. They’re planning to drop dirt on you today.

A faint smile curved Lucy’s lips as her slender fingers typed a swift reply: Let them. It’ll set the stage for us. After sending it, she changed into workout clothes and headed downstairs.

In the kitchen, the production crew’s cameraman was already in position. Livestream viewers were startled when a slender figure suddenly appeared on screen.

[OMG! Is that Lucy? Her bare face is unreal!]

[I’m so jealous of her skin—it literally glows!]

[Who wakes up at 5:30 a.m.? This is next-level discipline!]

Lucy tied on an apron with practiced ease and began preparing breakfast. She peeled and chopped pumpkin, rinsed rice, her movements fluid and effortless. Humming softly, she kneaded dough, her fingers deftly shaping delicate buns that soon filled the steamer.

"Ms. White, you’re up early," the director remarked.

Lucy turned with a smile, morning light spilling through the window onto her face. "Old habit. The air’s best at this hour."

[I’M DEAD. That smile just killed me.]

[Is she an actual angel?]

[Okay, I suddenly see the hype about Lucy’s looks.]

While waiting for the steamer, Lucy wiped her hands and stepped outside for a jog—only to nearly collide with Ethan Smith, clad in workout gear, stretching by the door.

Their eyes met, and both froze for a heartbeat.

"Morning," Ethan said, his voice still rough with sleep.

Lucy nodded. "You run too?"

"Join me?" He gestured toward the path.

They fell into an easy rhythm, maintaining a comfortable distance as they jogged down the country lane. The mist gradually lifted, golden sunlight dappling their figures through the trees.

[This is too aesthetically pleasing.]

[Why do they look so good together?]

[Ethan’s gaze at Lucy is… interesting.]

By the time they returned, the other guests were stirring. Daniel Miller shuffled into the dining room, rubbing his eyes, then perked up at the aroma. "Wow, Lucy! You’re amazing!"

Robert Lee didn’t wait, snagging a steamed bun. "This is insane. Thin wrapper, juicy filling—perfect."

Olivia Davis sipped her pumpkin porridge, eyes closing in contentment. "Just the right sweetness. Comfort in a bowl."

Even the notoriously picky William Jones devoured three buns. "Lucy, you’re wasting your talent not opening a restaurant."

From the staircase, Lily watched the scene, her nails digging into her palms. Richard promised to release damaging rumors today—why hasn’t it happened yet?

"Lily, come eat!" Daniel called.

Instantly, Lily’s face brightened with a practiced smile. "Coming! Thanks, Lucy. You’re so sweet." She picked up a bun—then nearly gagged. Mushroom filling. Her least favorite.

Livestream viewers caught the slip:

[Lily’s mask just slipped.]

[That disgusted look was obvious.]

[Rude much? She worked hard on this.]

Lucy noted everything, her lips quirking imperceptibly. She’d known about Lily’s aversion from her social media—hence the extra mushrooms. Watching Lily force a smile, Lucy happily served herself another bowl of porridge.

As dawn fully broke, the day began in earnest. No one noticed how Ethan’s gaze kept drifting toward the busy, graceful figure in the kitchen.