Dallas's voice cracked with emotion. "Damn it! Those people from other countries—bastards! Except for a few, the rest hate and reject Clusians. They gang up on us, suppress us, and even frame us deliberately." He continued, his curses escalating. "Those beasts mock us for being useless, yet they shamelessly target us in numbers. They even laugh at our contestants!"

He paused, catching his breath. "Sorry," he said apologetically. "I got carried away. My grandfather and father were in the army. It infuriates me to think about that veteran—a broken leg, a blind eye…" He trailed off, his voice heavy. "He joined because his daughter was critically ill; he needed the money for her medical bills. He didn't get the prize money, and he became disabled. Alas…"

Evangeline listened impassively. Most people would be enraged by his story, but her expression didn't change. It wasn't a lack of sympathy; her childhood in the slums had numbed her to the cruelty of human nature. Those harsh years left an indelible mark, a memory she couldn't erase, though it wasn't a crippling trauma.

Dallas continued, "My friend asked me to contact you. He'll pay you $20 million in appearance fees, and I get $1 million in agency fees. If you win, there's at least another $20 million in prize money."

He added, "Their offer is tempting, but consider it carefully. You're stronger than most, but Xtreme Survival contestants aren't amateurs. Some are mercenaries and specially trained warriors. You can't compete with them. And participants usually pay to enter, hoping to win the prize money. Since they're paying you, they must have ulterior motives."

Noticing Evangeline's silence, he asked, "Evangeline, are you listening?"

"Yes," she replied quietly.

Leaning closer, he whispered, "Let me tell you a rumor. I was shocked they offered you such a high price, so I investigated."

He explained, "Some perverted foreign billionaires have put a bounty on you after watching your livestream. Dozens of demands, with even the lowest bounty in the millions. I haven't seen the details, but it's nothing good. If you go, you might end up worse than the previous three contestants."

Evangeline said, "Thank you. I won't participate."

Dallas smiled. "Okay. Tell my friend you refused. And send me your account number so I can repay the money I owe you."

Evangeline hung up and texted him her bank details.

Later, Arthur asked, "What was that long call about?"

Evangeline explained briefly, "A friend of Mr. Fowler's invited me to Xtreme Survival, offering $20 million. He advised me against it."

The others' faces fell at the mention of Xtreme Survival. The show's past bias against Clusian contestants had caused a major international incident, ending in a diplomatic standoff with no resolution. Xtreme Survival was bankrolled by powerful foreign billionaires who exploited legal loopholes, leaving little recourse beyond a domestic ban.

Hugo grimaced. "You were right to refuse. That show is vile, especially hostile toward women. Harassment is the least of your worries." He hesitated, then added, "You've rejected them, so don't worry."

Evangeline grinned. "They won't give up." Confusion filled the car.

"Those billionaires put a bounty on me; the lowest is already a million dollars," she said mockingly. "They'll do anything to make me participate. Even if they don't force me, the contestants will try to get that bounty."

Arthur, grim-faced, patted her shoulder. "Don't leave my sight. I'll protect you."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I was worried they wouldn't come. I've been waiting for this." The others stared, bewildered.

Steven asked, "Who put the bounty on you? Do you have a grudge against them?"

A chilling smile spread across Evangeline's face, causing a collective shudder in the car.

Arthur said, "Please, calm down. Even if you want revenge, don't risk your life."

"I know what I'm doing," Evangeline replied.

Arthur tried to speak again, but Evangeline's glance silenced him. The others looked worried, but wisely refrained from pressing the issue.

Meanwhile, Jasper was rushed to the hospital. The Gallagher family arrived as he was still in surgery. A doctor presented an amputation consent form; Jasper's leg was beyond repair.

George signed, his face etched with grief. Bethany fainted. Meghan wept, blaming Evangeline. "I saw it online! She deliberately hit him!"

George was shocked. Edward confirmed he'd seen the news; Evangeline (Jade, the famous racer) and Jasper had been in a race, and her car had crashed into his. The video was inconclusive.

Meghan's jealousy flared. "That bitch! Her driving is average! Those racing fans are idiots!"

She insisted, "Don't defend her! It was deliberate! The online analysis shows her skill level makes that accident impossible. Even if it was a mistake, it wouldn't have been so severe! She holds a grudge against us. She tried to kill Sam and me; now this! Thankfully, Jas survived!"

Edward remained silent; he'd seen the online discussion too. It seemed…likely.

George raged, "That ingrate! I shouldn't have let her live! Eddie, avenge Jas! He's crippled for life!"

Meghan echoed his plea.

Samson returned, his face darkening at Meghan's words. "Calm down. We wronged Evangeline first. In the forest, she never started anything. Maybe Jas provoked her this time—"

George slapped Samson furiously. "Traitor! Why are you defending her? Has she bewitched you?"

Samson, his face bruised, said quietly, "Evangeline saved my life. Without her, I'd be dead. And Dad, Meghan almost killed me, and you said nothing! Why are you so harsh on Evangeline?"

George, red-faced, snarled, "You scoundrel! You didn't protect Meghan, so she was triggered! You blame her? Do you have a conscience?"