Chapter 11

Cinnaandeh Dhar Odalys was growing distant from him; she had even drawn a line. His rationality—compromised by his earlier actions—was overwhelmed. Even if he knew he was wrong, thinking about Sophia was impossible. He felt possessed.

"You guys do that. I'm going out for some fresh air," Finnian said, rising and leaving.

Sophia saw his anger, a playful glint appearing on his handsome face. He clapped his hands. "I'll go for a walk too, and see what I can find," he said.

Sophia froze, watching Finnian leave and then Francis's disregard for her. She felt a surge of anger. They were completely ignoring her.

"What's wrong with those two? Why are they throwing a tantrum?" Atlas cursed, shocked. He touched her head gently. "Don't worry, I'm here for you," he murmured.

"Atlas, you're the best." Sophia hugged his arm, leaning her head on his shoulder. She felt his love but remained dissatisfied. Finnian's hateful gaze panicked her.

She'd clearly given him a love spell, but he seemed to be resisting it, sensing something was wrong. If he resisted strongly enough, he could break it.

"No! I can't let him break it. Otherwise, how am I going to charm him?" she whispered.

Henry was right; the Lark family's land could help the Bennetts make a comeback. Now that she controlled Finnian, she wanted his devotion and to use him to infiltrate the Lark family. Even though they'd cut off his resources, he was still a Lark. Wealthy families valued blood ties; his lineage was enough. This thought made her anxious.

"This won't do. We have to cast another talisman on him," she whispered, biting her lip. The love spell would make him love her deeply, but if he subconsciously resisted, another talisman was needed to manipulate his subconscious. She clenched her fists.

"Why did you pinch me?" Atlas groaned in pain.

Sophia was stunned, quickly lowering her head. Her fingertips had dug into his palm; blood seeped out. She recoiled, terrified.

"Atlas, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you," she cried, tears welling up.

Atlas, despite the pain, saw her distress and smiled. "Silly girl, I'm a man. It's nothing. Let's go see if there's anything to eat."

"Okay," Sophia replied obediently.

She checked her phone; she had a signal but no internet access. They could call each other but not contact the outside world—just like last time. She was unaware of the online uproar.

One person commented: "[Why is she wearing such a loose V-neck top around a group of men? Is she trying to seduce them?]"

Another: "[Wow! Sophia's side profile is amazing! I'm in love!]"

Another: "[Wait, am I the only one who feels Sophia's appearance has changed? It's different, but I can't place it.]"

Another: "[It's not just Sophia. Finnian's face looks weird too. He's handsome, but something's off.]"

Another: "[Don't spread nonsense! Sophia's the daughter of the Bennett Group! You're just jealous!]"

Another: "[I can't take it anymore! Didn't she deliberately provoke Lucian to hurt Odalys last time? It's only been days! Have you forgotten already?!]"

Another: "[That's right. Lucian's still in jail. Maybe she paid to avoid arrest.]"

The live stream arguments escalated. Fans even dug up a picture of Sophia being carried by Atlas, her legs positioned in a way some found suggestive.

One commenter: "[Looking at this picture, she almost looks like a prostitute. Look at her legs! Who would do that?!]"

Another: "[That's right! Her chest is practically on Atlas's arm. She's probably been a prostitute before.]"

Netizens created videos and screenshots, trending the topic. Headlines screamed: "Shocking! What is Sophia doing with her legs?!" "What is Sophia's relationship with the other men?!" "Why is she wearing a V-neck and bending down to talk to men? Does she think her breasts are big?!"

Sophia's fans fought back but were criticized and banned. The Bennett Group's situation worsened. The show had just started, and Sophia was trending again. She'd ignored advice, leading her team in the rain and causing a car accident that injured everyone. Group B, not competing, arrived first. Sophia was mocked online for malicious intent.

Group A remained unaware. Sophia focused on Finnian, needing a chance to give him the final talisman when the photographer wasn't around.

"Atlas, let's find Finnian. We've worked together; we might understand each other better," Sophia said, pulling Atlas along. He had no choice but to comply.

The photographer noticed her top had slipped, revealing her shoulders. It was nearly night; the temperature had dropped. Everyone put on their jackets except Sophia.

"Isn't she cold?" a staff member muttered. Others looked at each other, hesitant to speak.

"It's getting dark. It's unsafe to go into the forest. Let's see if villagers will give us food," Sophia suggested loudly.

Francis and Finnian ignored her, but Sophia skipped ahead, excitedly approaching the courtyard. She winked at the camera. "Let's see if the cute villagers will help us," she whispered.

SEND GIFT