Chapter 69

"Mandatory teams?" Nolan Reed's icy glare at the director could have frozen the entire set.

The live comments exploded:

[The director's stirring up drama!]

[Nolan, just walk out! This show isn't worth it!]

[Did the production team take bribes from that fake sweetheart Serena?]

Jonah Pierce subtly took a step back, wary of Nolan's infamous temper. Everyone knew the top-tier celebrity had no qualms about calling out even the investors.

To everyone's surprise, Nolan suddenly smirked. "Fine. I choose Audrey Lane."

"Huh?" Jonah blinked. This wasn’t the script he’d anticipated.

The director, fearing Nolan might change his mind, immediately declared, "It's settled! Jonah and Serena Blake will be a team."

Serena bit her lip hard, nails digging into her palms. She never expected Nolan to pick a rookie over her.

"Looking forward to working with you, Jonah," she forced a sweet smile, though internally, she cursed everyone present.

Jonah gave a strained chuckle, already dreading the inevitable chaos Serena would bring.

As the teams finalized, two instructors in tactical gear stepped forward.

"Tobias Kane," the stoic one introduced curtly.

"Cole Turner," the other added with a grin. "For the next seven days, you'll follow us through this uninhabited island."

While the others changed into their gear, Aria Bennett sat on a rock, sketching something intently.

"Drawing a talisman?" Damian Cross appeared behind her without warning.

Without looking up, Aria replied, "Cooling talisman. Want to try?"

The moment Damian took the slip of paper, his pupils contracted. The stifling heat instantly gave way to a refreshing coolness, even his tactical gear no longer clinging uncomfortably.

"Effective," he remarked casually, pocketing the talisman.

Jonah, now in his gear, caught the exchange.

"Aria, are these for sale?" He dramatically fanned himself. "This heat is unbearable!"

Aria tossed him one. "Keep it."

"Holy—!" Jonah swore the second he held it. "This is insane! It's like carrying an AC!"

Caleb Monroe skeptically edged closer. "Really that good?"

Three seconds later, the tough actor’s composure shattered. "Aria, this talisman... is next-level!"

The live feed flooded with disbelief:

[Scripted much?]

[The producers are shamelessly pushing Aria now?]

[Even Damian, Jonah, and Caleb are in on this act?]

Serena lingered at the fringe, watching Aria bask in the spotlight, her eyes darkening with resentment.

"Move out," Tobias’s stern voice cut through the chatter.

Aria folded her last talisman, her gaze lingering on the dense jungle ahead.

The real challenge had only just begun.