Chapter 66

"Wow!" Jonah Pierce dramatically covered his mouth. "Damian Cross just called someone out—so cool!"

The atmosphere instantly turned awkward. Serena Blake's face flushed with embarrassment, but she forced a composed smile. The other guests tactfully averted their eyes, pretending not to notice her discomfort.

Caleb Monroe cleared his throat, changing the subject. "Director, why did you bring us to the airport? Planning something big?"

The director winked mysteriously. "You guessed it! This time, we're going for something thrilling—"

"Abroad?" Audrey Lane's eyes lit up.

"Exactly!" The director clapped. "A newly discovered uninhabited island in Southeast Asia—one week of survival challenge!"

"What?!" Wesley Hart nearly jumped from his seat. "Are you serious? None of us even know how to start a fire!"

The director was prepared. "Don't worry, we've hired a professional mercenary team for full security."

The camera panned over the guests' reactions: Jonah slumped in his chair, looking defeated; Caleb stroked his chin thoughtfully; Audrey nervously twisted her fingers; Wesley stared in disbelief.

"Damian, what do you think?" the director asked cautiously.

Damian Cross leaned back lazily in his seat. "Sounds fun."

The director exhaled in relief, then turned to Nolan Reed. The top-tier celebrity was staring intently at—

"Aria?" The director followed his gaze to Aria Bennett.

Aria toyed with the bracelet on her wrist, a faint smile on her lips. "Island Crucible? Perfect."

Nolan immediately chimed in, "I'm in too."

Serena, left out, dug her nails into her palm. She forced a smile. "Sounds exciting."

[Live comments exploded]

[Whoa! A livestream survival show? The director's going all out!]

[Damian actually agreed? He usually hates these grueling shows!]

[Aria seems so calm—does she actually know survival skills?]

[Pfft, talk is cheap. Let’s see if she cries later.]

On the plane, Aria found herself seated next to Damian.

"Thanks for earlier," she murmured.

Damian turned slightly, catching the faint scent of gardenias in her hair. "I just told the truth." He paused. "Ever considered acting?"

Aria raised a brow. "Of course."

"There's a lead role in a period drama that suits you." Damian pulled out an embossed business card. "The director's a friend."

Aria took it, her fingers brushing his palm. Both froze for a second.

"I'll think about it seriously," she said, tucking the card away—unaware of Nolan’s dark glare from behind.

The plane cut through the clouds, heading toward an unknown adventure. Little did they know, this seemingly ordinary survival challenge was about to uncover a shocking secret...