Chapter 198

After winning the championship, Phoebe’s team also secured a $50,000 prize. As they walked out of the private competition room, both groups excitedly discussed where to go for a celebratory dinner. They chatted and laughed, already making plans for the next few days. With this unexpected prize money, they could finally relax and enjoy themselves for the remaining three days.

Lexie’s group was beyond thrilled. No more budget travel or struggling to make ends meet—they had officially hitched a ride on the winning team and were now living the dream. Lexie clung to Phoebe’s arm and grinned. “I knew it—sticking with Pheebs means good food and easy wins! This is amazing.”

James and Jimmy chimed in, laughing. “We can finally take it easy! Pheebs is incredible. No wonder Maddox always sticks to her—getting carried to victory feels great. Next time we get a chance, we’re definitely latching onto Pheebs too! Pheebs, do you have room for more sidekicks?” Their words were half-joking but entirely sincere.

For days, they had watched Maddox post pictures in the group chat of all the food, fun, and luxuries he was enjoying. It made them so jealous they were practically turning into lemons. They would have gladly traded places with him just to experience it firsthand.

Phoebe shook her head, amused. “Alright, that’s enough. Winning the championship and securing the prize money was a team effort.” She smiled warmly and added, “Tonight wasn’t just me carrying you guys—it was all of us playing our best. If it weren’t for the effort and teamwork of you three, Maddie and I wouldn’t have been able to win. This is a five-person game, not a two-person one.” And she truly meant it.

Maddox nodded. “Exactly. You guys played really well today. Without your teamwork, we wouldn’t have won. That’s why tonight, we’re celebrating together.” Hearing their words, the others felt genuinely touched. Even though they knew the real MVPs were Maddox and Phoebe, being acknowledged and appreciated still meant a lot. They all agreed excitedly, “Absolutely, let’s celebrate properly tonight!”

Phoebe and Maddox’s humility only made their fans love them even more. Had it been Sienna, she would have taken all the credit for herself. Because of this, Phoebe and Maddox’s fanbase grew even stronger. Even casual viewers and gaming fans who had tuned into the livestream became fans. Phoebe’s Twitter follower count skyrocketed again, breaking another record. Many celebrities in the industry were envious. At this rate, Phoebe’s follower growth was enough to make anyone jealous.

At the gaming café, the two teams walked out together, laughing and chatting. That was when they spotted Reece’s group of four waiting outside. Maddox raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You guys actually showed up?” Then, with a smug grin, he waved a stack of cash in his hand. “Man, both our teams just won so much money. We don’t even know how to spend it all. Too much money can be such a headache.” He sighed dramatically. “I was actually planning to ask for your advice in the group chat…but since you’re already here, I guess I won’t need to send any more pictures.” Then he smiled playfully. “Any suggestions on how we should spend all this cash?”

Reece and the others were speechless. Dude, can you just shut up and be a decent human for once?! Jamar couldn’t hold back. “Can you stop being such a jerk for once?” This guy was literally rubbing salt in their wounds.

Maddox feigned innocence. “What? I’m just sharing my happiness with you guys. How is that being a jerk?” Jamar and the others were dying inside. Yeah, no thanks. We don’t need this kind of happiness. Jamar groaned. “Just—just shut up. Stop talking.”

Maddox fanned himself with the stack of cash. “Jealousy makes people ugly, you know. And you guys are looking real ugly right now. But I get it—after all, this is something you can only dream of.” Then, with a mocking sigh, he added, “Too bad our Pheebs would never carry you guys like she did for us.”

Jamar, Joshua, and Reece all wanted to punch him in the face. ‘Can someone please drag this guy away and beat him up?!’ The worst part? They really were jealous. Not just because Maddox’s team got to kick back and enjoy the win… but because Phoebe was the one who carried them to victory.

Joshua glared at Maddox. “With that attitude, do you really think you’ll ever get a girlfriend?” Jamar added, “What kind of woman would tolerate someone as toxic as you?” Maddox had been ruthless before, always making Sienna look bad. Maddox scoffed. “That’s none of your concern.” Then, he stole a quick glance at Phoebe. If only Pheebs could be my girlfriend…

Phoebe caught him looking and assumed he wanted her to back him up. So she casually looked at Joshua and Jamar and said, “You two managed to find girlfriends, so Maddie has nothing to worry about. Besides, he’s not like this with everyone. You should know exactly why he’s like this with you.” Maddox’s heart felt warm hearing Phoebe defend him. Pheebs was the best.

He smirked and turned to Jamar and Joshua. “Why do you think I’m not toxic to James, Quintus, or Jimmy? Do you guys seriously not know?” If they hadn’t sided with that fake, bullied Pheebs, and acted like hypocrites, he wouldn’t have targeted them so much.

Jamar and Joshua were speechless. Damn it. Another direct hit to the heart. And yet… They couldn’t deny it. At that moment, they truly envied Maddox. If looks could kill, Maddox would have been dead on the spot from the way they were glaring at him. Reece’s expression was also ice-cold, but Maddox completely ignored their sour looks.

Just then, Andrea happily ran up to Phoebe. “Pheebs! That final headshot of yours was insane!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked, “I play this game a lot too—can I join your squad sometime?”

Phoebe smiled. “Of course. Once this show wraps up and I get my phone back, let’s add each other. We can play together whenever we get the chance.” Now they’d finally have a legit excuse to stay in touch. Andrea couldn’t contain her excitement. She quickly hugged Phoebe and said, “Pheebs, you’re the best!”

Phoebe chuckled. “If we go gaming at the café in the next few days, I’ll call you.” Andrea nodded eagerly. “Yes! Yes! Definitely!”

At that moment, Reece, Jamar, and Joshua all felt a fresh wave of jealousy. That traitor Andrea was getting all of Phoebe’s attention, while they were getting ignored and roasted. They were dying of jealousy….