Chapter 21

"What's Aria Bennett up to now?" The live comments section was immediately flooded with trolls trying to stir up drama.

Even Damian Cross's fans began to waver—had they misjudged Aria all along?

The camera panned to show Aria sitting in the courtyard with a bundle of straw in her lap, her slender fingers weaving with astonishing dexterity. Damian sat beside her, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"What is this...?" he murmured.

Without looking up, Aria continued her swift movements. "A straw hat," she replied.

In just fifteen minutes, an exquisitely crafted straw hat took shape in her hands. She brushed off the loose strands and handed it to Damian. "The sun's too harsh, Mr. Cross."

Damian took the hat, examining it closely. This didn’t look hastily made—it was more refined than store-bought ones.

"You have this kind of skill?" he couldn’t help but praise.

Aria smiled faintly. "I enjoy little crafts in my free time."

[Damn! That’s insane skill!]

[Who called Aria just a pretty face? Come out and take the L!]

[That hat is gorgeous—I want one too!]

A second hat was soon finished. When the two stepped out wearing their handmade hats, they ran into Jonah Pierce and his group, all drenched in sweat.

"Where’d you get those hats?" Jonah’s eyes gleamed with envy.

Damian adjusted his brim with a smug grin. "Aria made them."

"You can do this too, Aria?" Audrey Lane gasped in amazement.

Aria nodded warmly. "After we finish today’s task, I’ll make some for all of you."

[LMAO Jonah’s expression is killing me!]

[Damian’s proud little smirk is adorable!]

[Aria’s so sweet—I’m officially a fan!]

The pair arrived at a farmhouse where the owner was struggling to package fresh flowers.

"Want to give it a try?" Aria glanced at Damian.

He nodded. "Perfect timing."

The farmer eyed them skeptically. "Have you done this before?"

Aria shook her head, but her hands moved with practiced ease. In moments, she transformed loose blooms into stunning bouquets, her speed astonishing.

"Young lady," the farmer suddenly asked, "do you recognize these flowers?"

The live comments exploded:

[Uh-oh, she’s about to get exposed.]

[No way anyone knows all these varieties.]

But Aria simply smiled, pointing to the bouquet in her hands. "These are gardenias—the most fragrant." Then she gestured to another. "And those are pansies, perfect for drying."

She identified every flower in the yard with flawless precision, not missing even the rarest ones.

The farmer gaped. "Young lady, come take a look at these..."