Chapter 27

"Since you've already eaten, we won't bother you," Sophia interjected, trying to smooth things over. After all, a direct confrontation would affect both groups.

Finnian, however, stared intently at Odalys, feeling indescribable pain as he watched her eat. He strode forward and stood beside her, only to hear her mutter, "You're blocking my light."

He was taken aback. The next moment, Odalys sniffed and asked, confused, "Didn't you take a bath? You smell."

Finnian lowered his head, sniffed himself, and realized he did indeed smell. He wasn't sure if he'd stepped in something outside; the odor persisted.

"Did you, by any chance, have an accident in your pants?" Freya teased.

Finnian's face turned livid. He glared at Freya, who was clearly trying to embarrass him, her eyebrow arched. His hands clenched into fists.

"I was just catching fish; probably stepped in something," Finnian said awkwardly, turning to leave.

Seeing the leftover soup and bone scraps, the other members of his group left, disgruntled.

"Let's gather some wild vegetables now and get up early to hunt tomorrow," Sophia suggested. (The previous sentence, "After all, the last thing wanted in the woods was wild vegetables," is nonsensical and has been removed.) "And we can look for mushrooms—add them to the soup or grill them—both are great," Sophia continued.

As everyone had enjoyed barbecue before and knew the excellent taste of grilled mushrooms, her words seemed to spark everyone's creativity.

"What's that up ahead?" Lucian exclaimed, barely after Sophia finished speaking. He rarely spoke, so his sudden outburst surprised everyone; all eyes turned to him. He pointed into the shadows, saying, "It's glowing faintly and moving."

"No way," Finnian said cautiously.

Everyone knew wild beasts could be in the woods, but, as this was a variety show, the production team was expected to have cleared the area. That's why they hadn't worried about accidents since entering the woods. But they seemed to have forgotten that Freya had been entangled by a snake upon entering—perhaps because it hadn't happened to them.

"Could it be a wild boar?" Startled, Lucian instinctively took a few steps back. If they encountered a fierce beast there, escape would be difficult.

"Impossible! How could there be such a thing in the woods?" Sophia said with a smile. With that, she strode forward and saw a pitch-black creature approaching. Her smile froze; she took a few steps back in disbelief.

19:03 Mon, Jan 6 GB.

Chapter 27 (Continued)

"It's really a wild boar! What now?" She was terrified. Her legs nearly gave way; she swayed, too afraid to move.

"Sophia, come back!" Atlas ran forward and grabbed her arm to pull her away, but Sophia shook her head, smiling. "It's just a wild boar. Do we really have to be afraid of that?"

"Isn't Odalys amazing? She can even catch fish from the sea. Surely, we can't handle this wild boar, but it's not too much to ask for her help killing it, right?" she said with a chuckle, a cunning glint in her eyes.

If the wild boar killed Odalys, the high-value accidental insurance Henry bought for her could be claimed. Sophia had checked; they could get at least $70 million.

So what if the Bennett family acknowledges her? I'll never let her take my place, she cursed inwardly. Only Odalys's death would bring her peace. She had recurring nightmares of Odalys expelling her from the house, using the Bennett family's influence to oppress her, leaving her homeless, and ultimately, running her over with her car. The fear consumed her, twisting her mind.

"Yes, the crew members are also over there," Lucian echoed quickly.

Only the photographer kept stepping back. He frowned at Sophia, clearly unimpressed. Throughout the journey, he'd followed Group A, witnessing the entire process, but some scenes remained uncaptured. Now, hearing her plan to lure the boar toward another female artist, he was shocked and quickly adjusted his camera to focus on Sophia.

*[Damn, what does she mean? Does she think Odalys can kill a wild boar? Or is she deliberately leading the boar to Freya, trying to kill her?]

[I’m so pissed! That bitch! Odalys is with Stellan, and if the wild boar is lured over, he won’t be able to escape!] *

Stellan and Freya's fans were furious. They didn't expect Sophia to be so shameless. But Sophia's fans, seemingly brainwashed, immediately praised her.

*[Sophia is smart, knowing that the capable should take the lead! Hasn’t Odalys been stealing the spotlight all along? Well, give her the wild boar, then.]

[Atlas is so sweet, still protecting Sophia at this moment! If only I could be his wife!] *

Opinions varied. Stellan and Freya's fans attacked Sophia's fans. Finnian's fans were more rational, sensing something amiss, and remained neutral.

Meanwhile, Sophia turned and sprinted toward Odalys, in front of the camera. The two caves weren't far apart, just facing different directions.

In Group E's cave, Odalys got up while Freya and Selah cleaned up the trash. Stellan looked around and said, "I'll go gather some branches. It's better to block the cave entrance at night."

"I'll go with you," Odalys nodded.

Nights were dangerous in the woods; they needed to guard against wild animals, snakes, and reptiles. Even with anti-snake spray, vigilance was essential.

19:03 Mon, Jan 6 GB.

Chapter 27 (Continued)

As they were about to leave, Odalys turned sharply. Startled, the photographer took two steps back, pushing the camera forward to Odalys's face, which had drastically changed. "Freya, Selah, get out of the way!" she shouted.

Freya and Selah were tidying up garbage, about to take it out. Hearing Odalys's words, they looked up in astonishment. They couldn't react in time.

Odalys strode forward, grabbing their arms and pulling them behind her. Not far away, the crew members saw a dark shadow charging toward them.

A massive wild boar appeared, with Sophia running breathlessly in front. Spotting Odalys, Sophia abruptly turned and sidestepped. She was heading straight for Odalys, but her sudden halt and sidestep sent the boar charging directly into Odalys.

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