Chapter 21

Sophia smiled innocently and sweetly, turning toward the photographer and clearly seeking the camera's attention. "Let's stay here tonight," she said.

The photographer readily cooperated, zooming in for a close-up. Sophia deliberately turned her head, showcasing her beautiful profile, then slowly turned back. "Hurry up!" she cooed, waving her hand excitedly. She looked into the camera, blinking and smiling sweetly, and whispered, "Come, I'll take you to experience a naturally formed cave."

As she strode forward, the photographer hesitated, turning to Odalys. Everyone knew Odalys had discovered the cave and suggested staying there, only to be preempted by Sophia.

"There really is a cave! Looks like we have a place to stay tonight," Atlas said, walking briskly toward it. After pushing aside the wild grass, they found the cave somewhat dilapidated but livable with some tidying up.

"Should we invite the other group?" Finnian asked, thoughtfully observing Odalys's group, who seemed to be discussing something before departing. His eyes were inscrutable as he stared intently at Odalys. He still couldn't understand why she ignored his kindness after she had groveled before him. Is she fawning over Stellan now? he wondered. A chill flashed through Finnian's eyes. I need to remind Stellan about Odalys's fake marriage. Once he knows she's married, he won't get close to her again, he thought. Even after her husband died, I still have ways to get her back.

"Huh? Invite them? Aren't we divided into two groups? If we all stay together, how do we divide the work?" Sophia murmured softly. She bit her lip and said pitifully, "Maybe we should just let them have the cave? We can keep searching. It's such a big forest, and we might find another one."

Her accommodating nature deeply pained Atlas. He couldn't understand why Odalys would want to oust such a "sweet sister." From the moment Odalys arrived, she had been trying to get rid of Sophia, even resorting to framing her. If not for Odalys's manipulation, Sophia wouldn't have fallen on the film set, almost breaking her leg. He'd been holding a grudge, waiting for Odalys's contract to be confirmed before dealing with her. It was almost time. In two weeks, once she signed, he'd make her pay.

"Forget it. It's not convenient with so many people, and we're all injured. Let's tidy up and rest first," Atlas said in a deep voice.

"Exactly, we're two different groups. If we get mixed up, how will we shoot later!" Lucian added.

Atlas, pleased, patted Lucian's shoulder. "Would you mind cleaning it up a bit? Thanks."

"No problem," Lucian said cheerfully, though the mess overwhelmed him.

Meanwhile, Sophia slumped to the side, and Atlas quickly comforted her. "Atlas, I was just tired, but I feel better now. Let's tidy up together! We still need to find some food afterward," she said, suppressing her displeasure and smiling sweetly.

Lucian worked very close to her. Catching her scent, he felt energized and moved even closer, occasionally bumping hands with her on purpose. Sophia glanced at him contemplatively, but Lucian avoided her gaze.

(Live Chat Excerpts)

[What does Sophia mean! Is she looking for a good cave to get? Did Group A just let her in like that?] [Am I the only one who thinks Sophia is disgusting? What's her deal?!] [Sophia is so sweet! She must be overly protected at home, so she cares so much about others.] [Why do I feel like Lucian is such a suck-up, always deliberately getting close to Sophia. It feels kinda creepy.]

The live chat exploded as everyone watched Sophia's group enter the cave. Although dark inside, it would be safer than outside if the wind picked up. But Group B didn't stay. Odalys merely glanced at them and left.

"Odalys, are we really giving the cave to them?" Freya asked, upset.

Selah also glared at the group, murmuring, "They're too much. How can they be so unreasonable?"

"What do you think?" Odalys asked Stellan. He was calm, giving Sophia's group an indifferent glance before regaining his composure. The others leaned in to hear his response.

"This cave is quite dangerous; it's too close to the shore. If the wind picks up and seawater surges in, it would be troublesome. Besides, a snake was spotted nearby. This area doesn't seem suitable for camp," Stellan said softly.

"Exactly. Some caves seem safe but are actually traps to lure prey," Odalys added quietly.

The sentence sent a chill down Freya's spine. "What prey's trap?" Her heart raced.

Seeing Freya's eager expression, Odalys chuckled. "You'll find out tonight."

Suspense hung in the air. Even Selah and Stellan were intrigued. The photographers, unaware of their conversation, captured them huddled together.

"Let's go," Odalys said, stepping forward and clearing branches and weeds with her dagger. The photographers looked at her gratefully.

After walking a while, Odalys stopped. "Are we staying here tonight?" Selah asked.

Odalys sat on a rock, pointed with her dagger, and said, "That's where we'll stay." The group saw only two tall trees surrounded by weeds.

"Are you sure?" Stellan asked doubtfully.