Chapter 192

Andrea adjusted her emotions before speaking in a deliberately meek tone. “But Cesar told me to focus on my performance in the show, to make sure people like me.”

She emphasized her next words, knowing exactly how to manipulate Maria. “He also told me to try and befriend Phoebe.” Otherwise, Maria would definitely push her to help Sienna go after Phoebe.

Andrea continued, “I can’t just leave the livestream in the middle of recording to visit Sienna in the hospital, can I?”

Maria, who had been about to scold her, paused. Her tone softened considerably. “Well, if Cesar wants that, then you should follow his lead. But once the livestream is over, go visit Sienna.”

Then, as if trying to guilt-trip her, Maria added, “She’s sent so much money to our family over the years—that’s the only reason we’ve been able to live comfortably. Don’t be an ungrateful brat.”

Andrea sneered internally. That money? Neither she nor her father had ever touched a single cent of it. But trying to reason with Maria was pointless.

So she played along. “I understand. I’ll go to the hospital tonight.”

Andrea wasn’t stupid. There was no way Maria wasn’t being influenced by Sienna. If Sienna was so desperate to have her visit, she would absolutely go.

Maria’s voice warmed again. “That’s the right attitude. You two are sisters—blood is thicker than water. Look out for Sienna more in the future.”

Andrea’s expression was cold, but her voice remained obedient and gentle. “I understand.”

Then Maria hung up. A few minutes later, Andrea’s phone rang again. This time, seeing the caller ID, her expression softened. “Dad.”

Frankie’s warm, caring voice came through. “Andrea, how are you adjusting abroad? I saw you walking so much today—aren’t you exhausted?”

Andrea smiled for real this time, her voice lighthearted. “I’m doing much better, Dad. Walking around doesn’t tire me out anymore. But you—you should stop staring at your phone all day. Your eyes will start hurting again…”

Father and daughter chatted affectionately before ending the call. Andrea felt significantly better afterward. She freshened up and redid her makeup before heading out.

Half an hour later, the four of them left the hotel, making their way to the internet café where Phoebe’s group was gaming. At this moment, Phoebe and her team had already played several rounds and were taking a break.

Seeing the four of them walk in, they were a bit surprised. Maddox glanced at them. “Don’t tell me… you’re entering the tournament too?”

Jamar shook his head. “Nah. Just here to play casually.” Then, with a not-so-subtle nudge, he pushed Joshua forward. “Actually, Phoebe, Joshua has something to ask you.”

Phoebe raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What is it?”

Joshua shot Jamar a glare—he hadn’t even prepared himself yet! Now, with all eyes on him, he had no choice but to plaster on a smile, adopting a pitiful expression. “Pheebs, my throat really hurts…”

Phoebe was unmoved. “And instead of seeing a doctor, you came to me?” She already had a pretty good idea of why he was here.

Joshua always lost his voice after drinking too much. Regular medicine took too long to work. But the herbal lozenges she used to make for him? Instant relief. She had spent over six months perfecting the formula. Looking back, she realized it really hadn’t been worth it. Though, now that she thought about it—maybe she could mass-produce them when she returned home. That way, more people could benefit from them.

Joshua pleaded, “You know me—I’ve had this issue for years. The hospital won’t help. Could you make me some of your lozenges?” Then he quickly added, “I’ll pay, of course.”

Phoebe’s response was immediate and cold. “No.” Then, with a sarcastic smile, she added, “After everything that happened just a few days ago, you really have the audacity to ask me for a favor? Do I look like someone who needs your money?”

Joshua flinched. ‘Brutal.’ Jamar was struggling to hold back his laughter. ‘I told him he had a big ego, but he wouldn’t listen. Now look—completely shut down.’

Joshua side-eyed Jamar, annoyed. “What the hell are you laughing at?” How dare this guy enjoy the show when he was getting roasted alive?

Joshua then forced himself to look humble, apologizing, “I know I was wrong. Can’t you be the bigger person and forgive me?” He had never lowered himself like this before. But if apologizing meant repairing his relationship with Phoebe, then so be it.

Phoebe snorted. “Sorry, no. I’m petty and hold grudges.”

Joshua’s face twitched. He was literally humbling himself on a live broadcast, and she still wouldn’t budge? His voice carried a hint of hurt. “Do you really not care about our sibling bond at all?”

Phoebe rolled her eyes. “What sibling bond? If anything, you should be seeing a doctor for your head instead of your throat—because you’re clearly delusional.”

Joshua was speechless. ‘Is she saying I’m crazy?!’ Seeing that Phoebe had no interest in continuing the conversation, she turned to Maddox and the others. “Let’s keep playing.”

Maddox and the team grinned—they were all on Phoebe’s side. None of them liked the Jenkins brothers, so they weren’t about to defend them. “Yeah, let’s go.”

Andrea, who had been silent this whole time, watched Phoebe with wide, shining eyes. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but filled with admiration. “She’s so cool.”

No one else heard her, but Phoebe did. She turned, giving Andrea a strange look. Andrea’s eyes sparkled, looking both excited and shy.

Phoebe’s thoughts were chaotic. ‘Wait… what? Is she actually a fan of mine? Or just pretending to be?’ Seeing Phoebe looking at her, Andrea flushed, lowering her head quickly. Phoebe was speechless. She honestly couldn’t tell what Andrea’s deal was. But at least—so far, she didn’t find her particularly irritating.

Still, she wasn’t dropping her guard just yet. With Andrea blushing like a fangirl, Phoebe simply turned away and went back to gaming.

Joshua, meanwhile, was fuming inside. Feeling utterly humiliated, he turned to Jamar and deliberately raised his voice. “Forget it. Let’s just go drink at the bar.”

In the past, whenever he mentioned drinking, Phoebe would always try to stop him or at least warn him not to overdo it. He was testing her reaction. But Phoebe didn’t even glance his way. She was laughing and chatting with Maddox, already wearing her gaming headset.

Joshua’s chest tightened. ‘Did she really not care anymore?’ Jamar, after watching the whole disaster unfold, sighed. “Forget the drinking. Let’s just sit and play for a bit.”

Joshua, feeling defeated, let himself be dragged to an empty seat. Reece, wisely, kept his mouth shut and followed. Andrea, however, chose a seat directly behind Phoebe. She didn’t touch her computer. Instead, she leaned back and watched Phoebe play, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Every time Phoebe’s team won, she would clench her fists and whisper cheerfully.

Joshua and Jamar exchanged glances. ‘Is this girl really a Phoebe fangirl?’