All members of the Gallagher family wore grim expressions.

"Why us? Why Evangeline?" Edward grumbled.

"Mom, Dad, she gave 30% of our business to our rivals! We can't ignore this," Jasper interjected.

George rubbed his forehead. "She hasn't returned our calls. Arthur's men are protecting her. What now?"

Meghan chewed her lip and glanced at Edward. "Eddie, she's under contract with your label. You're her boss. Can't you make her listen?"

"I can give her work, that's about it," Edward said.

Then, Samson exclaimed, "That's it! We might not get the shares back, and we can't pressure her with Arthur involved. But work—there's a way to get even through that!"

They all leaned in.

Samson had a plan. "Hey, isn't Meghan doing a wilderness survival program? Eddie, make Evangeline join, but trick her into signing a contract. We'll make her look bad and Meghan look like a star. Viewers will back Meghan and give Evangeline a hard time online."

Edward agreed. "That could work. There's another woman from my label on the show; I'll replace her with Evangeline."

With their plan set, Edward called Evangeline. Her voice was icy.

"Hello?"

"It's me, Eddie. We need to talk business," Edward said. Evangeline remembered the five-year deal she'd signed with Edward's company after Meghan had brought her into showbiz. One year down, four to go. She'd owe $20 million per year if she broke the contract—$80 million total. 'Man, I should have asked for more money when I left George,' she thought. "So, what's the gig?" she asked impatiently.

"You'll join Meghan on a wilderness survival program," Edward said. "Your job is to make Meghan look good and keep her name in the spotlight."

Evangeline laughed. "Sure, I'll do the show, but forget about bullying Meghan. That wasn't in my contract."

Edward was furious. "You want me to ruin your career?"

"Do it. Money's not a problem," she retorted coolly.

"You—" Edward was livid.

Evangeline proposed, "I'll do your show, but afterward, we're done. You drop the contract, no penalties." Edward hesitated.

"If you leave me hanging after the show, I'll be ruined," Evangeline pressed, casually.

Edward conceded. "Fine. Unblock me and I'll send the details."

"First, I want it in writing. Once the show's taped, we're through," Evangeline demanded.

Grinding his teeth, Edward agreed.

The next day, Edward sent two contracts. One for the show, where she'd play the villain; the other was her release. Evangeline had the contracts reviewed by a law firm, signed them, and had them notarized.

At home, she researched the show—a new series with live streaming. She knew only the director's name and the show's theme. She bought survival gear, just in case. If the director forbade outside items, she'd simply hand them over to the crew. She also intensified her workouts. Soon, the shoot day arrived.

Hauling a large suitcase, she let her bodyguards take her to the location. After everyone arrived, they piled into a production van.

Arriving at the set, Evangeline realized the crew had been waiting. "Edward, you—" she cursed inwardly. He'd told her to arrive by 10:00 a.m.; it was only 9:30 a.m., and everyone was already there. "He's setting me up, and the show hasn't even started," she muttered.

Carrying a huge suitcase, Evangeline approached the group. She wore a large, funky green sun hat, a dark green windbreaker, black cargo pants, sturdy hiking boots, and carried a hiking pole.

The others—three men and two women—were dressed to impress. Meghan wore a white dress and high heels. Jolene Zielinski, from a girl band, wore pink and heels. The men were Kendrick Dixon (a big-shot actor), Travis Powell (an A-list celebrity), and Samson. Evangeline thought, "Why is he here?" Samson was there to watch Meghan and Evangeline.

"Who's that ninja under the big hat?" Jolene asked.

Evangeline lifted her hat brim, revealing her makeup-free but gorgeous face.

The livestream chat exploded when Evangeline appeared.

[Man, I thought it'd be someone huge! It's drama queen Evangeline. She's such a show-off!] [How can she be so full of herself?] [LOL, what's with the giant suitcase?] [Gross. She thinks she's cooler than everyone.] [Seriously, she's got a "so prepared" vibe. What a show-off!] [Why her? Doesn't the director know Devil Evangeline framed Meghan three months ago?] [Three months ago, Devil Evangeline failed to hurt Meghan but harmed herself. This time, she'd better behave!]

Evangeline approached the group.

Meghan smiled. "Evangeline, you're finally here. Let's bury the hatchet."

Evangeline nudged Meghan, causing her to stumble.

Evangeline said, "I like this spot. It's shady. You don't mind, right?" She smirked. I'm already acting as requested, she thought. Samson helped Meghan up and glared at Evangeline. "You've gone too far."

Meghan stopped Samson. "Don't blame Evangeline. I lost my balance."

[What the hell! Evangeline blatantly kicked Meghan!] [Devil Evangeline should quit!] [Meghan is too kind!]

The other guests distanced themselves from Evangeline.

The director used a megaphone. "Okay, everyone, here's the deal with Jungle Survival! You'll spend a week in the forest. Work together, but no help from us. No food, nothing. You can't take your luggage into the forest. You'll each get a backpack. No electronics. Ready? Get your backpacks."

Evangeline took a backpack, opened her suitcase, and started packing: a flashlight, pocket knife, matches, water bottle, cooking utensils, raincoat, mini first-aid kit, toiletries, toilet paper, outdoor bathroom kit, seven sets of underwear (in vacuum bags), three T-shirts (in vacuum bags), and a windbreaker. She also packed some snacks, but the production team confiscated them. She tied her folded tent to her bag. It weighed about 30 pounds. She was the first to finish packing. The others were still packing.

Meghan's suitcase was full of clothes, shoes, hats, skincare products, and cosmetics. She packed seven dresses, shoes, hats, and satchels. She couldn't fit everything in her backpack.

She asked Samson, "Samson, I can't fit my cosmetics in. Can you help me?"

"Sure," he said.

Meghan put everything into Samson's bag.

The director, Dallas Fowler, reminded them, "We're going to a real old-growth forest. I suggest long sleeves, long pants, and wilderness survival tools." He'd sent a list of suggestions, but they'd come unprepared. Do they think this is a fashion show? he thought. Meghan and Samson assumed the crew would help them. Meghan planned to ask for help later. She'd packed pretty clothes to stay stunning and boost her popularity.

When everyone was ready, the guests paired up for transportation. Meghan and Samson rode together; Travis and Jolene rode together; Evangeline and Kendrick rode together. Kendrick closed his eyes; Evangeline didn't speak to him. She reviewed her wilderness survival knowledge.