Seeing the others' unresponsiveness, Samson knew they had accepted his offer. There was no way they would refuse such a seemingly harmless and beneficial deal. Even though Evangeline had given them food, she had also beaten them. Their friendship was tenuous and easily broken.

Samson smiled and said, "It's a deal, then." He added, "As long as you're willing to help, we're friends. Besides the benefits I promised, I'll also take good care of you in the future. I've always been good to my friends."

The others remained silent, and Samson took this as acquiescence.

Jolene thought, Every time Evangeline gives food, I'll perform for her, even more than once. It's an equal exchange; I don't owe her anything, so it's not betrayal.

Travis thought, Evangeline's small favor isn't worth sacrificing my career and offending the Callagher family. Besides, her help wasn't a big deal—I've already repaid her, and I can always give her money later.

Kendrick thought, Evangeline hit and beat me. We're not on good terms, and she gave me food only because she couldn't finish it herself. She treated us like clowns, demanding performances in exchange. She's looked down on us from the start, so we shouldn't flatter ourselves about her 'good treatment' and offend the Gallaghers for her. Even if Samson gives me nothing, I won't speak up for Evangeline.

Even if they had qualms, they said little. Ultimately, self-interest trumped conscience.

The live-room audience commented: “[Holy crap, why are they silent? Are they tempted by Samson's offer? Wake up, guys! Netizens have forgiven your past mistakes because of your talent. If you help the Gallaghers backstab Evangeline, you'll be screwed!]”

Another wrote: “[Travis, wake up! The Gallaghers are doomed. You'll gain nothing and only get into trouble. I love your voice—I don't want to miss hearing you sing again!]”

Another added: “[Kendrick, you've won so many awards at a young age. You can achieve global popularity on your own. Don't seek quick success by betraying your conscience for empty promises!]”

One lamented: “[What a pity. They had a way out, but their desires led them to ruin.]”

A viewer expressed frustration: “[Such ingrates should be banned.]”

Another viewer added: “[Poor Evangeline for helping these ingrates.]”

The five waited quietly for half an hour before the cruise ship docked. Their faces were alight with excitement. After the staff disembarked, they eagerly rushed forward.

After leaving the cruise ship, Dallas set up the camera to film the guests. Being professional celebrities, the five immediately straightened up upon seeing the camera. "Mr. Fowler, why did it take you so long? We nearly died here" Meghan said, her voice soft yet tinged with bitterness and grievance. She appeared tenacious and tough, a delicate yet unyielding flower. If there were no hidden cameras, they could have been fooled by her.

Dallas chuckled, "Sorry. It was our production team's negligence. We all passed out. When we woke up after two days, the boat had drifted to an unknown location." He added, "After finding our way back and receiving treatment, we returned immediately."

Samson frowned. "Wasn't it just a few of you poisoned? Why did everyone pass out?"

Dallas explained, "A staff member accidentally mixed the poisoned staff's blood into the drinking water. Those unpoisoned also became poisoned after drinking, so everyone passed out. Fortunately, the poison, while strong, wasn't fatal."

Meghan sighed in relief. "I'm glad you're all fine. Although we suffered for six days, as long as you're safe, our suffering means nothing. We won't blame you."

Dallas assessed them, feigning surprise. "Why are you all injured and miserable? Meghan, you lost a tooth? What happened?"

Meghan covered her face and sobbed, her body trembling.

Samson put his arm around her and patted her shoulder.

Dallas, pretending concern, asked, "Oh, you suffered a lot? Why are you crying? Tell me what happened?"

After crying, Meghan wiped her tears. Her voice, now more pitiful, said, "You know Evangeline's always been against me. Before you left, she scolded and kicked me." She continued, "After you left, without cameras, she got worse, humiliating me. My wounds are from Evangeline; she knocked out my tooth. She also beat Sam and others. Sam almost died…"

Meghan trembled again, fear evident in her eyes.

Dallas looked surprised. "How could Evangeline do such a thing?"

Meghan bit her lip. "I didn't want to expose her, but she went too far, maniacally trying to kill Sam. I couldn't bear it anymore." She continued, "I could forgive her hurting me, but not hurting Sam and trying to kill him."

Meghan threw herself into Samson's arms. "Sam, I'm still scared thinking about you almost dying!" She exclaimed, "I wanted to get along with Evangeline, but she's so vicious and cruel. I don't want to be sisters with her anymore."

Samson patted her back. "Don't cry. I'm fine, okay?"

Dallas and the staff had mixed feelings. After watching Meghan cry, Dallas looked at Jolene, Travis, and Kendrick. "Were your wounds from Evangeline, too?"

The three nodded, "Yes." The injuries were indeed from Evangeline.

Dallas asked, "Was what Meghan said true? Did Evangeline try to kill Samson?"

(While Samson faced life-threatening situations because of Evangeline, he provoked her first, resulting in self-defense on her part. It wasn't an attempted murder. It was self-inflicted.)

The three, remembering Meghan and Samson's warnings and promises, remained silent.

Dallas pressed Jolene, "Jolene, is Meghan telling the truth?"

Jolene nodded, "Yes."

Dallas asked Travis, "Travis?"

Travis nodded grimly, "Yes, Meghan is telling the truth."

Dallas asked Kendrick, "Kendrick, did you see Evangeline try to murder Samson?"

Kendrick nodded, "Yes. We all saw it."

Dallas thought, These three are doomed. He quickly masked his expression and asked, "What exactly happened? Tell me and the audience."

Jolene and the others looked at each other. Dallas said, "Jolene, go ahead."

Jolene said, "Evangeline was by the river. Samson went to borrow something, but she refused and kicked him into the river. He was hurt and almost drowned."

Dallas asked, "Why did she kick him? Did Samson do something? I don't think someone would be so malicious for no reason…"

Jolene glanced at Meghan, who gave a warning look. Jolene averted her gaze. "No, he didn't. Samson was always friendly to Evangeline, wanting peace, but she treated everyone badly, beating us if we tried to talk to her."

Meghan smiled quietly.

Dallas asked Travis, "Travis, is that the truth?"

Travis frowned. "Didn't Jolene answer you? Why are you still asking me?"

Dallas said seriously, "This involves the law. As a director, I have an obligation to find out what happened and seek justice."

Travis nodded. "Yes, what Jolene said was true."

Dallas asked Kendrick, "Kendrick, anything to add?"

Kendrick replied, "Jolene has made it clear. What she said was true. We all saw it."