Chapter 186

On the night of the king cobra attack, Jessie was absent, but Preston had already informed her of the events. Aware of Abby's nature, Jessie had deliberately spoken as she did. Abby had it coming.

Meanwhile, a drone flew overhead. "Welcome everyone to Angel Island! For the next few days, we'll be filming here. There are no rules, no tasks—just top-notch accommodations and all the food and drink you desire. Enjoy your island getaway!"

The drone paused. "Now, can you finally start a real romance?"

The live chat buzzed with comments:

[What's up with the production team being so nice to the guests all of a sudden?] [Apparently, there were many complaints that Jason's show didn't seem like a dating show at all. Some even said he doesn't understand romance and that a single guy like him can't produce a decent love show. Jason got frustrated and gave in to the pressure.] [You can tell Jason's really frustrated. There are eight guests, sixteen possible couples, yet not a single pair worth shipping.]

Cynthia spoke up, "If there aren't any tasks, can we go back to our rooms to sleep?"

The drone tilted, then steadied itself. "No way! Unless you can invite your partner to join you."

Cynthia silently mouthed something at the drone.

[What did Cynthia say?] [No idea, but it seems like she was cursing.] [Has Jason gone crazy? Should we even be watching this?] [I'm worried that if there's no successful pairing soon, Jason might actually push the guests onto the bed]

Suddenly, Ethan looked around and asked, "Where's Alex? Why isn't he here?"

The drone ascended slightly. "Alex has left the show due to health issues." Surprise rippled through the group.

[What happened to our dear Alex? He was perfectly fine yesterday.] [We won't be able to see our charming Alex. I really shipped Alexina.] [The show said guests could only leave if their life was in danger. I hope nothing serious happened to Alex.] [It's clearly because yesterday he paired up with Nina and angered Mr. Bennett. Anyone can see that Alex and Cynthia were part of their game.] [Everyone in Betrico's high society knows that Nina is Mr. Bennett's special person.]

The butler arrived, gave a brief island tour introduction, and distributed maps. He then escorted them to the castle villa, assigned rooms, and prepared a lavish breakfast.

The guests, having already eaten, were resting in their rooms. Cynthia lay on her bed, studying her map. The island appeared circular from above, but the map was crescent-shaped. 'Could the remaining part still be unexplored?' she wondered.

The map marked numerous entertainment spots: golf courses, race tracks, zoos, a grand theater, bars, restaurants, and more.

Cynthia had already visited the bar the previous night. The image of the strikingly handsome, tongueless young men lingered in her memory, sending chills down her spine.

She couldn't shake the feeling that the island was unusual, and its owner even more mysterious.

Soon, there was a knock. Jessie, finding Cynthia's door ajar, entered after a symbolic knock.

"Cyn, let's go horseback riding." The show's rules stated that guests couldn't remain in their rooms for more than half an hour, except during naptime. Cynthia got up. "Alright, let's have some fun."

The location was a high-end equestrian club. A professional racetrack stretched to the horizon, complete with specialized tracks and grandstands. Rows of luxurious stables housed hundreds of purebred racehorses.

Most of the guests were present. Abby and Nina, already in riding attire, looked energetic and stylish. Abby, having shaken off her earlier lethargy, approached Nina with a smile. "Nina, how about we pick out a horse together?"

Nina subtly avoided her. "You go ahead, I'll wait for Sarah and Cynthia."

Abby sensed she was being excluded, even by her former closest friend, Nina. She blamed Cynthia.

Noticing the drone was with a group of men, off-stream, Abby began to sow discord. "Nina, you treat Cynthia like a sister, but she's always betraying you behind your back. You know that, right?"

Nina frowned. "Don't talk nonsense, Cynthia has been pretty nice to me." Nina still possessed good judgment. While jealous of Cynthia's relationship with Jonathan, she hadn't been harmed by Cynthia and wouldn't blame her for Jonathan's rejection.

Abby persisted. "Nice to you? She knows you like Mr. Bennett, yet she's always trying to seduce him, deliberately sabotaging your relationship. Don't be fooled by someone so two-faced."

Nina remained unconvinced. "Cynthia isn't that kind of person." She knew of Jonathan and Cynthia's past relationship, but they had broken up. Lately, Cynthia had distanced herself from Jonathan, but he seemed unable to let go, subtly pursuing her, while she appeared weary.

"I have proof," Abby declared, producing a phone containing a video of Cynthia and Jonathan kissing on the balcony the previous night.

The video showed Cynthia and Jonathan passionately kissing. Cynthia's enthusiastic participation was evident.

Nina watched in disbelief. This wasn't the Jonathan and Cynthia she knew, especially Jonathan, usually aloof and indifferent. He seemed a different person entirely.

Abby sneered, "See? Cynthia's two-faced. She acts like an untouchable saint, pretending not to care about Mr. Bennett, but behind the scenes, she's stealing your spotlight, Nina. You're too naive; you've been played."

Nina trembled. She checked the video's timestamp—almost five minutes after she'd confessed her feelings. While she'd been heartbroken, they were kissing. Yet, Mr. Bennett had later spent time with her at the bar.

Overwhelmed, Nina snatched the phone and rushed toward the men's changing room. Abby watched with a smirk, anticipating a storm.

Abby had found the phone that morning at the restaurant, left on her breakfast table. Upon discovering the video, she realized the producers were setting up Cynthia and pocketed the phone. Jonathan, Preston, and Ethan were exiting the locker room.

Nina approached them, cheeks flushed, and silently played the video for all to see.