Chapter 179

Preston was bored. Cynthia didn't even look at him. He quietly put his shirt back on.

As everyone gathered for the chicken cacciatore, the rich broth gleamed with a variety of ingredients. The chicken was incredibly tender, melting in your mouth, and the shrimp added a delightful aroma.

Jessie, true to her word, took her allergy medication and began eating. Midway through, tears streamed down her face. She tugged at Jonathan's sleeve, her voice emotional. "Can you cook for me for the rest of my life?"

Jonathan, unmoved, shrugged her off. "Jessie, just eat, okay? No talking."

Jessie buried her face in her food. The rest of the group praised the dish.

After a few bites, Ethan complimented, "Jonathan, this is the best dish I've ever tasted."

Alex added, "The flavors are perfect. Where did you learn to cook like this, Mr. Bennett?"

Jonathan shrugged. "I'm self-taught."

Feeling left out, Preston asked between bites, "But I thought you weren't into cooking?"

Preston had always looked up to Jonathan. He followed his uncle's interests. Since his uncle hadn't been interested in cooking, Preston hadn't seen the point in learning. Yet, here his uncle was, cooking like a professional.

Jonathan replied nonchalantly, "I picked it up after reading something."

"What did you read?" Preston pressed.

"None of your business," Jonathan dismissed.

Preston received no further response.

The live chat exploded with speculation:

[Could it be, "To win someone's heart, you must first capture their stomach"?] [Let's get rid of these love-struck people.] [Anyone could be love-struck. With Mr. Bennett's status, countless women would cook for him. So he must have done it for a man!] [Kick this one out too.] [Honestly, Mr. Bennett now looks even more charming.] [Isn't anyone finding it strange what Preston said? Is it possible that Preston knew Mr. Bennett before?]

Meanwhile, Cynthia enjoyed her meal. Jonathan's cooking rivaled that of a five-star chef. The best dishes she'd ever tasted were made by Rachel and, of course, Jonathan.

Abby, having regained her appetite, looked down at her empty bowl. It was the smallest bowl, and she'd barely started before it was gone. She glanced at Nina's bowl. "Nina, why aren't you eating?"

Nina shook her head. "I'm not hungry."

Before Abby could respond, Jessie reached over, took Nina's bowl, and poured its contents into her own. "Nina, I'll finish it for you."

Abby was surprised. "You guys", Nina said, leaving first. "I'm going back to the tent to rest." Jonathan didn't look at her, but he did frown slightly.

After dinner, it was late. It was time for the heart votes. But before voting, the program asked everyone to rank the day's dishes.

Jonathan's chicken cacciatore was a hit, earning him first place. Preston and Abby's grilled eel, however, didn't fare so well. Abby had gotten sick after grilling it, and nobody wanted to try it.

The production team didn't rush the rewards or punishments. They asked everyone to vote sincerely.

A drone announced the results. "Today, only one pair matched successfully—Alex and Nina. Now, head to Angel Island for your romantic date!"

Everyone was surprised. Nina's feelings were obvious, but Jonathan's were a mystery, and no one dared to ask.

The helicopter landed, and Jonathan approached Nina. "Nina, come with me," he said.

Nina brightened slightly and followed him away from the cameras. Jonathan's gaze was cold. "I told you from the start, Alex is probably one of Whitney's people. Why get involved with him? You could have voted for anyone else."

Nina felt Jonathan's coldness; his voice wasn't as gentle as before. Her voice shook. "Is it okay to vote for anyone else? Anyone but you, right?"

Tears welled up as she finally confronted the tension. Jonathan looked at her intently. "It doesn't have to be me."

Nina's heart sank, tears streaming down her face. Without a word, she stepped back and ran towards the helicopter.

Alex was already waiting. Nina boarded, and Alex followed.

Jonathan watched them leave, feeling helpless and worried.

After Jonathan returned, the director announced the prizes and penalties for the cooking contest.

The last-place penalty was a three-mile beach run. Preston didn't mind; he was used to running before bed. For Abby, however, it was a nightmare.

In the past few days, she'd barely eaten, but today she'd finally had an appetite. She didn't get far before collapsing.

Jessie eagerly called out to the drone, "What about the prizes for Jonathan and Cynthia?" But before she could finish, the sound of a distant helicopter interrupted her.

The drone spun around, its speaker crackling with excitement. "First place wins a romantic date on Angel Island! Shocking, right? It's thrilling!"

Cynthia was speechless. Being alone with Jonathan wasn't ideal, but she boarded the helicopter with him anyway.

Angel Island was near Devil Island; the helicopter arrived in ten minutes. A castle-like villa came into view. A butler greeted them, describing the island's amenities.

The island was a private retreat, courtesy of a reclusive billionaire who provided it for the show.

It boasted horse tracks, golf courses, a wildlife sanctuary, and more. There were bars, restaurants, and even a grand theater, all staffed by hundreds ready to entertain at a moment's notice. Many people were on the island, mostly staff, serving the billionaire and her occasional guests. The theater alone employed hundreds just to perform for her visits.

After the tour, the butler led them into the massive villa. Cynthia looked around, wide-eyed. "Are Alex and Nina staying here tonight too?"