Chapter 157

Sophia walked slowly, almost as if she wanted them to stop her, but no one spoke. When she reached the door, she glanced back at the group. They were still chatting quietly, laughter echoing from their video.

"They're planning to isolate us," Sophia gritted her teeth, muttering. "Are we being bullied in the entertainment industry?" She intentionally deepened her tone for the cameras. "In today's world, people are sensitive to isolation and bullying. I don't believe Odalys and the others won't be bombarded online"

[What's this? She's the one causing all the trouble, but now she's shifting the blame to others.] [This is unbelievable. Sophia is such a bitch.] [Actually, I think Sophia has a point. They're all part of the same group. Why are they isolating Sophia and Atlas? Does that mean Sophia doesn't deserve food just because she can't find any?] [Now that I think about it, Sophia and Atlas are kind of pitiful.]

Many watching the footage felt sympathetic. It wasn't really about isolation or bullying; it was more about Sophia wanting to get by without lifting a finger. She didn't want to search for food but expected to be served. When no one catered to her, she complained.

"It's still early. You can go out and search for fifteen more minutes," the cameraman kindly reminded her.

But Sophia wasn't having it. She stomped her foot in frustration. "You want us to go out and search for food? The sun is blazing! What if I get sunburned?" she snapped. The cameraman was taken aback and didn't respond.

Arias remained silent, his energy drained. For some reason, after arguing with Sophia, he felt he couldn't regain his spirit. Being isolated wasn't the problem; it was the emptiness he felt inside.

"Atlas, say something?" Sophia urged, noticing his silence. She quickly walked over, trying to act cute, but Atlas instinctively took a step back. Sophia's hand froze mid-air. She stared at him, disbelieving. "You're disgusted by me?"

"Knock it off," Atlas snapped before he could stop himself. "You stole the snake eggs this morning, and you almost scared everyone to death. Now you're still making a fuss. What do you want?"

Tears welled up in Sophia's eyes. She staggered backward, unable to believe what she'd heard. "Even you're yelling at me?" her voice trembled. "Do you think I wanted to steal the eggs? I wanted to get you guys supplies! But now that things went wrong, you're blaming it all on me!"

"What if the eggs were chicken eggs? Wouldn't you have eaten them together? Then why is it my fault now?" she whispered, her voice heavy with hurt.

She'd never been treated so coldly. She regretted dragging Odalys onto this variety show. She hadn't gotten the attention she expected. Instead of being admired, she was targeted by everyone, largely because Odalys kept showing off, making Sophia the subject of comparison.

"Forget it. I don't want to argue anymore," Atlas said, turning and walking away.

Sophia sat down, staring blankly at his retreating figure. She buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed. "I can't let this go on," she murmured. "There are only a few days left. I need to grab the spotlight."

I can't leave the entertainment industry, Sophia thought. It's the easiest way to make money, and it's the only place people notice me. It's the only way I'll ever marry into a wealthy family. I can't live this poor life. If I don't stay, where else can I go? The Bennett Group's business is in trouble. If the company goes under, what am I going to do? The entertainment industry is the easiest way to meet wealthy people—even the smallest investor is a millionaire!

With these thoughts racing, she forced a smile. Although her fists were clenched, she turned gracefully and walked toward the next door. Everyone had already finished eating.

"Sorry for disturbing you all today. Thank you for letting us use your fire," Francis said politely, packing up bones and stretching lazily.

"We're all here for the show, no need to be so formal," Stellan waved dismissively. They weren't exactly friendly, but courtesy was still expected.

They noticed Sophia standing nearby. They exchanged a brief look.

"I was too emotional earlier, and I came to apologize. Also, for what happened this morning, it was my ignorance that almost dragged everyone into trouble. I'm really sorry," Sophia said softly.

She didn't truly believe she was wrong, but she couldn't afford to make enemies in the industry. These people could be valuable contacts.

"Instead of apologizing, you'd be better off going out and looking for food. It'll get dark soon," Francis said, pointing at the sun. Time was running out.

Sophia hadn't expected such bluntness. She'd thought they'd share food after her apology. But Stellan wasn't generous, and Freya was drinking under a tree. Selah and Odalys were chatting; Odalys seemed to be giving Selah a divination reading.

Neither seemed interested in engaging with Sophia. "Odalys," Sophia said, taking a step forward. Seeing Odalys holding Selah's hand, she forced a smile. "Are you doing a divination for her?"

"I heard you do divination, and I haven't had a chance to ask for a reading. How about doing one for me?" Sophia said, trying to be charming.

Freya stared at Sophia, trying to figure out her motives.

"Do you really want me to do a reading for you?" Odalys sneered.

Sophia, in a pink dress and high heels, stood elegantly composed. Heavy makeup hid her pale complexion. On a normal day, she would have looked fine, but this was a village. It wasn't that people couldn't dress up; it was that the ground was hard soil. Her high heels left small indents with each step. She looked glamorous but felt completely out of place. Most people were dressed casually, and mosquitoes were everywhere. Sophia's exposed arms were already covered in itchy bites, but she couldn't scratch them.

The scene felt awkward, and even Odalys fell silent.