Chapter 136

Sophia panicked. She wasn't sure if Stellan had soiled her underwear. If so, it suggested an interest in her, but that seemed unlikely. If not him, then… her mind flashed to Rafael from the previous night. A wave of disgust washed over her, remembering his touch. For the sake of pride, she’d endured it, but the feeling was revolting. She immediately discarded her underwear; even clean, she couldn't wear them again.

She lay on the bed until a delicious smell drifted in. Though not as fragrant as Odalys’s cooking, it was still appealing. Sophia went outside to find Francis and Finnian eating. They’d already finished.

"You…" Sophia began, surprised they hadn't invited her. She couldn't bring herself to ask.

"We found our own food," Finnian said sarcastically, his irritation evident. "You're probably dieting." He couldn't understand why he'd ever enjoyed her company. Only after Odalys had stabbed his hand did he realize his misjudgment.

Sophia's eyes filled with hurt and confusion. "Finnian, are you still angry? Odalys hurt your hand! Why are you blaming me? What did I do wrong? Why is everyone misunderstanding me?"

Francis remained silent, unwilling to get involved, though he found being on the same team as Sophia unlucky.

"You know exactly what you did," Finnian said coldly. "Odalys hurt me to save my life. Keep your distance. Don't come near me again."

Sophia reeled from the shock. She couldn't believe his heartless words. What had Odalys done to manipulate him? Frustrated, she felt helpless.

"Do you feel the same?" she asked Francis.

After finishing his food, Francis leaned back, crossed his arms, and said, "I'm not getting involved, but finding food is part of our variety show. You're too stubborn—you won't search for food, and you won't leave in the rain. What's the point? The audience doesn't only care about you. The production team pays us; we're expected to go out, rain or shine. It's our duty. Finnian's right. Group B is more united. They all go out together, even in the rain. Their cooking atmosphere is great." He got up to wash the dishes.

Finnian ignored Sophia, also washing his plate, despite his injury.

"Oh my God, have you all been brainwashed by Odalys? What did I do wrong?" Sophia cried, feeling lost and helpless. She didn't understand; she didn't know how to fix things. "I can handle being alone," she said, running out.

Francis watched her go but didn't follow. Finnian ignored her departure.

Atlas soon returned, mud-covered and empty-handed. Surprised to find Sophia gone, he asked, "Where is Sophia?"

Francis, looking up at the striking night sky, replied indifferently, "She ran out."

Atlas flared up. "How could you let her go out alone in the dark? You didn't even follow her? What if something happens? Can you take responsibility?"

His accusations left them silent. Francis, blunt and accustomed to frankness, retorted, "She's not a child! Am I her father? If someone her age gets into trouble here, it's on her. If you're so worried, go look for her yourself. Don't blame us if something happens."

Atlas shrank back under Francis's height and intensity. "We're all on the same team. Why make a big deal?" he muttered, walking away.

Finnian, thoughtful, then asked, "She's been gone a while. Where could she have gone?"

The cameraman, equally interested, suggested checking. Francis and Finnian exchanged glances, intrigued, and left, followed by the cameraman.

Chapter 136

[Right, where could Sophia be so late!] [Typical princess behavior. Coming to a variety show, acting high and mighty, as if anyone’s supposed to pamper her.] [Used to think Atlas was okay, but now I see the Bennett family is full of troublemakers. Who does he think he is, questioning them so rudely!] [Wait… Earlier Sophia was walking to her room with her underwear, then came out with red eyes. Is there something else going on!] [Underwear! Hey, don’t tell me… Is that what I think it is?]

Online comments piled up, more interested in gossip than anything else. The camera shook as the cameraman followed Francis and Finnian. In the distance, they saw Group B strolling through the village, laughing and chatting.

[Oh, I want to know what they’re talking about.] [Switch to Group B! I want to hear what they’re saying!!]

Viewers flocked to Group B's livestream. Odalys, with a sly grin, hugged Freya tightly, lifting her into the air. Freya jumped in surprise.