Chapter 99

Morning sunlight filtered through the leaves as Lucy White tiptoed into the cave.

"Time to wake up," she whispered.

Ethan Smith was already packed and waiting by the rock wall. The other guests stirred awake, stretching and yawning. The production crew bustled around, adjusting equipment before restoring the livestream feeds.

"I remember a stream nearby," Lucy said, glancing around. "Who wants to freshen up?"

"Me!"

"Take me with you!"

"Wait for me, Lucy!"

Nearly everyone raised their hands—except Lily Green, who stayed rooted in place.

"I’ll stay and keep Daniel company," she forced a smile. "Just bring me some water."

Last night’s failure weighed on her. She never expected Ian’s men to be so useless. At least he got away…

The thought sent a chill down her spine.

"No need," Daniel Miller said flatly, shifting away.

Lily’s smile froze.

[LOL Daniel’s savage!]

[What’s Lily plotting now?]

[Stay away from our Daniel!]

Fans flooded the live comments, oblivious to the faint wisp of white mist drifting from Lily’s body.

By the stream, the group marveled at Lucy’s sense of direction.

"How do you remember all these paths?" Ryan Clark asked, awestruck.

"Seriously, I’m already lost," Noah Adams groaned, rubbing his temples.

Lucy chuckled. "Maybe I just have good spatial memory."

She led them to bird nests and wild berries before guiding everyone back effortlessly.

"Lucy’s basically a human GPS!"

"I’m officially a Lucy fan from now on!"

"Same here!"

The trainees clamored with admiration until Ryan blurted out, cheeks pink, "Can we call you Lucy-bear?"

"Of course," Lucy’s eyes crinkled. "That’s what my fans call me."

[AHHH Lucy-bear’s smile is lethal!]

[Wifey look at me!]

[Lucy-bear, mommy loves you!]

The comments exploded as mom-fans and girlfriend-fans vied for attention.

Michael Johnson watched the screen, a sour pang in his chest. Then an idea struck—maybe… he could become a fan too?

The thought made his pulse quicken. Maybe this was the best way to reconnect with her.

Ethan stood nearby, a faint smile playing on his lips. He didn’t need to be a fan—he had a far more exclusive role.

Outside the cave, Lily listened to the laughter, nails digging into her palms.

Her reflection in the water revealed her dwindling luck.

"This can’t go on," she muttered through gritted teeth.

Lucy noticed Lily’s tension, her lips curving slightly.

The real game had only just begun.