Chapter 14

Aria Bennett 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 Audrey Lane gliding in on stiletto heels. The rising star, famous for her role in the period drama Crimson Phoenix, wore a champagne-colored dress that made her skin glow like snow.

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

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

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

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

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

Aria 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."

Jonah Pierce nearly choked on his water.

Nolan’s expression darkened, his knuckles turning white. Serena froze, clearly unprepared for Aria’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?]

Aria’s fans fired back:

[The hypocrisy is unreal.]

[What’s wrong with keeping her distance?]

[Just enjoy the show, haters!]

"Ahem," Caleb Monroe 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—DAMIAN CROSS?!]

[The producers went all out!]

[This lineup is insane!!!]

Aria’s pupils contracted. Damian Cross? What’s he doing here?