Chapter 217

Aria Bennett changed into casual attire, put on a face mask, and took a taxi alone to the restaurant.

This upscale private dining spot was a regular haunt for Tristan Cole and his circle. The moment she stepped inside, the manager recognized her instantly.

"Miss Bennett!" The manager barely contained his excitement, though his voice trembled slightly.

Aria nodded politely. "Please lead the way."

The manager personally escorted her to the private room, then immediately pulled out his phone to tweet: OMG just saw Aria in person! Even more stunning than on screen! So graceful and sweet—my heart can't take it!

Inside the room, four young men rose to their feet in unison.

"Miles Mercer. Heard so much about you."

"Ezra Vaughn. Finally meeting the real deal."

"Sean Marsh. Big fan."

"Alistair Webb. Pleasure."

Aria removed her mask, her bare face glowing softly under the lights. She took her seat with effortless poise. "Likewise. It's nice to meet you all."

When it came time to order, they insisted she take charge. Without hesitation, Aria selected several signature dishes.

"So, you know your way around weapons?" Ezra suddenly asked.

Aria arched a brow. "A little. Why?"

"There's a tactical simulation event tomorrow. Interested in joining?"

She set down her teacup. "Why me?"

Ezra exchanged glances with the others before confessing, "We're putting together a team for the International Tactical Simulation Championship. We need a female member."

"After seeing your performance on Island Crucible, we think you'd be perfect."

Aria tapped her fingers lightly against the table. "Details."

"It's a globally livestreamed 6D holographic competition," Ezra lowered his voice. "The arena is real, but everything else is a virtual simulation."

"Live ammunition is involved, so weapon proficiency is a must."

A glint flashed in Aria's eyes. In her past life, she'd heard of this groundbreaking event—where the national team lost narrowly due to a last-minute substitution.

"Why me? I'm not the only female celebrity who knows weapons."

Ezra grimaced. "The rules require each team to have at least one woman. We tried recruiting from military families, but..."

"Either their stamina was lacking, or their reflexes were too slow," Miles cut in. "We can't afford dead weight."

The room fell silent.

Aria swirled her tea, her pensive reflection rippling in the cup.

"And you're so sure I won't hold you back?"