Chapter 166

Jonathan's expression shifted, a hint of barely concealed anger flickering in his eyes. "What are you trying to say?"

Preston knew he'd guessed correctly. He felt like he was on an emotional rollercoaster. "So, you really did break up. Since you're no longer together, you have no right to interfere with my pursuing her."

"Preston!" Jonathan exclaimed. Preston seemed to regain his composure. He smiled at Jonathan, a small dimple appearing on his left cheek, looking bright and cheerful.

"Uncle, I understand your concern, but if I don't mind her past marriage, why would I care that she used to date you? I missed her past, but I promise to be there for her future," Preston said.

Jonathan's anger flared. He stood abruptly and shouted, "Preston, do you realize your reckless behavior could put her in danger?"

"I don't understand. How does my liking Cynthia cause her harm?" Preston stood, his eyes filled with determination.

"Uncle, you know me. We share one thing—we don't give up until we achieve our goals. I won't let your objections hold me back. If anything, it will make me even more determined."

Preston realized there was no point in continuing the conversation. He stood and went to the tent.

Jonathan remained, a burning anger simmering within him. He knew Preston's character. On the surface, Preston was cheerful and warm, putting people at ease. But beneath that, lay a fierce stubbornness—once he set his mind to something, nothing could change it.

However, there were many things he couldn't share openly with Preston. Preston had never witnessed Whitney's cruelty and madness. In his view, despite her strictness, she was still a good mother.

Preston, raised by a single parent with little contact with his biological father, was rebellious, yet deeply loved Whitney.

Therefore, the family's dark side and Whitney's past were kept from him by mutual understanding. They simply hoped he would grow up bright and cheerful.

Jonathan sat in the darkness all night. That night, everyone wrestled with their own thoughts and plans.

In the morning, the drone arrived on time. Its enthusiastic, mechanical voice announced, "Another beautiful day has begun! Please follow me to the beach for breakfast."

The live room buzzed with activity as it opened.

[Wow, wow, wow, so many people! Did anyone else stay up all night like me?]

The production team finally showed some mercy by providing breakfast.

[She’s out, she’s out, our Cynthia looks so beautiful without makeup! Cynthia is stunning me.] [What’s with Nina’s red eyes? Did she cry? Who bullied our darling Nina?]

[Do we even need to ask? It must be because Jonathan didn’t vote for her, and she’s heartbroken.]

[What’s up with Abby? Why is her face swollen like that?]

Soon, all six gathered. Before them sat six lunch boxes. The drone circled overhead, cheekily announcing, "Inside the boxes are different breakfasts, but three are empty. Choose your breakfast box. No sharing is allowed, or the production team won’t provide lunch. Good luck!"

[It’s just a few seconds, and the show producers are at it again!]

[Six boxes, three are empty—half the people don’t have breakfast. What’s the point of this setup?]

[Pure madness! This feels like a prank show, not a dating show.]

[Director, we just want to see sweet romance, not you torturing the guests!]

[Jason, where do you live? My kitchen knives have a message for you!]

Controversy raged in the live room. The six guests, on the beach, seemed lost in their own thoughts, unconcerned with the show's bizarre antics. Each guest chose a box and opened it.

Jonathan found eggs and corn. Nina’s box contained a sandwich and mineral water. Alex’s had a rice ball and milk.

Cynthia, Preston, and Abby chose the empty boxes. Abby, having skipped dinner and been beaten by Cynthia, was at her limit. Desperate for food, she lost it upon seeing her empty box. She threw the box in frustration, breaking down in tears. The live room overflowed with sympathetic comments.

Preston, undeterred by his empty box, walked straight to Cynthia. Flashing a bright smile, he said, "Cynthia, look at that, we're so in sync, we chose the same box!"

Cynthia rolled her eyes, but Preston leaned in, whispering, "Cynthia, are you hungry? I've got something good. Do you dare to try it?"

Intrigued, Cynthia looked at him, curiosity evident. Preston took her hand. "Come with me."

Cynthia, momentarily stunned, brushed his hand away. "Preston, show me some respect." He chuckled. "I can't help it, I like you, Cynthia." His voice was playful. She sighed in resignation, following him.

Jonathan watched, his eyes brooding.

Preston led Cynthia to the center of the tent, where a bonfire burned, with a grill above it. A giant snake sizzled on the grill.

Preston said, "I figured the crew wouldn't provide breakfast, so I prepared something."

Cynthia stared in shock. "Did you roast this snake?"

"Yeah, didn't you ask me to take care of it yesterday?" Preston said, a touch of upset in his voice. "I spent two hours on it."

Cynthia looked at him with a hint of admiration. "Preston, when I asked you to take care of it, I meant to throw it in the woods, not skin, debone, and roast it!"

Preston paused. "I thought that's what you meant."

Cynthia sat. "Well, it's roasted, so let's eat it. Go get the leftover seasonings. Wild onions might improve it."

Chapter 166 (Continued)

In the live room: [OMG, that’s a snake! It looks like they’re grilling fish!]

[Cynthia’s chill vibe is unmatched.]

[But seriously, how did a snake show up last night? Did we miss something?]

[I can’t imagine little bro taking down a snake!]

Preston fetched the seasonings—a special mix Jonathan had made with herbs, wild onions, and coconut oil. The aroma was incredible.

Soon, it was ready. Cynthia tore off a piece and began eating with Preston.

Abby, dizzy with hunger, smelled something delicious. Seeing Preston and Cynthia enjoying the barbecue, she couldn’t identify the meat, but it smelled mouthwatering.

Overwhelmed by hunger, she approached Preston pitifully. "Preston, I didn't have dinner last night, and I'm starving. Could you spare me some?"

Preston generously gave her the largest piece. She devoured it eagerly.

Halfway through, she asked, "Preston, what kind of meat is this? It's so tasty."

Preston replied casually, "It's snake meat. From the king cobra that was in your tent yesterday."