Chapter 216

Phoebe chuckled at Andrea’s comparison of herself to a pig being fattened for slaughter. Crude, but accurate. Why were these people so desperate to make certain individuals famous in the entertainment industry? It wasn’t out of kindness or for the well-being of their children. Most likely, they were just fattening them up—preparing for the eventual slaughter.

Luck accumulated in the entertainment industry, as long as it was gained through genuine admiration, wouldn’t harm the fans. And it wouldn’t raise red flags with the special departments or horoscope associations. For example—her own life was extended through the admiration of others. But because her fans were drawn to her naturally, there was no backlash or harm to them.

However, if luck was obtained through dark arts, the results would be instantaneous, but it would come at a high cost. It would drain luck from fans, affecting them negatively. The more loyal and devoted a fan was, the more luck they lost—all of it going to fuel their idol’s rapid rise. That kind of luck transfer was dangerous and easy for special departments to detect—making it risky.

Whoever was behind Andrea and the others had been planning this for over two decades, possibly even longer. A person with that level of patience wouldn’t risk exposure by taking shortcuts. Instead, they were using a safer method—letting Andrea and others naturally rise to stardom, then leeching their accumulated luck. Which meant there were likely more “children” like Andrea in the industry.

Phoebe wrote: [I think there must be others. I’ll keep an eye out. On the surface, you seem really engaged in the show, but behind the scenes, you’re just slacking off with those three. Are you intentionally avoiding fame!]

Andrea wrote back: [Exactly. I don’t want to be harvested too soon or be ‘fattened up’ too quickly. I was forced into the entertainment industry—I don’t actually like it at all. I just pretend to work hard enough to gain steady popularity, but not enough to skyrocket. That way, I keep growing at a slow pace without drawing suspicion.]

If she showed resistance outright, they might force her into the spotlight. But by pretending to go along, they wouldn’t intervene too much. After all, becoming famous wasn’t easy. Unless they used forced-ladder techniques, but even they wouldn’t risk getting caught. This was the loophole Andrea had found.

She still couldn’t understand why Sienna was so eager to throw herself into this mess. When people like herself were trying so hard to escape, Sienna was voluntarily walking into the trap.

Phoebe was impressed—Andrea was smart, cautious, and fully aware of the situation. She knew exactly what she wanted and how to survive. Unlike Sienna, who had been spoiled rotten by the Jenkins family and was too drunk on her own ambition. She thought too highly of herself, never realizing how easily she could be crushed.

Andira wrote again: [They want to get close to you, gain your trust, and then help Sienna take you down. I can only say that you and Sienna are deeply connected—and unfortunately, so am I.]

Phoebe nodded and wrote: [Got it. We’ll follow their plan—let them think we’re playing along. That way, they’ll expose themselves.]

After all, acting was their specialty. Phoebe didn’t fully trust Andrea yet.

Chapter 216

Iterated before, and putting her bluntly would be stupid. Everything either. It led to no conclusion whether Andrea genuinely wanted to compete—or if she was just playing a role to get close. She wouldn’t be paranoid, but she also wouldn’t be naive; of course—as long as Andrea wasn’t trying to betray or harm her, Phoebe would treat her as a real friend.

Asher mumbled: [Sounds good!]

Working with smart people was always easy.

They understood each other without needing excessive words. She really enjoyed talking to Phoebe—it was relaxing and effortless. After they finished writing, James and Jimmy arrived, readily carrying a tray of freshly grilled seafood.

Then, while no one was paying attention, she tossed the paper into the fire. She watched carefully as the flames consumed it before returning to eat and chat with the others. That night, they slept on the yacht.

The next day, they returned to shore and met up with the production team to fly back. The Jenkins family stayed behind in Dormechia, waiting for Lydia to recover before heading back. Reece, however, returned with them—he was cold and distant the entire trip, especially toward Maddox.

His hostility and disdain were clear. But Maddox? He couldn’t care less. He was a rich heir too. He was also a top-tier celebrity. Who the hell did Reece think he was? So not only did he ignore Reece, he also switched seats to sit with Phoebe. On the way back, the two of them chatted nonstop, laughing and enjoying themselves. It was obvious that Phoebe felt lighthearted and at ease when she was with Maddox. That sight made Reece uncomfortable—deeply uncomfortable. And it only made him dislike Maddox even more.

Back in their home country, as soon as they stepped out of the arrival gate, Phoebe spotted Brenda standing at the pickup area. Brenda saw her too, waving with a bright smile. “Pheels, over here!”

After saying her goodbyes to the show crew, Maddox, and the other cast members, Phoebe quickly walked toward Brenda. Reece, watching Brenda wave at Phoebe, felt a pang of bitterness. Still, he followed behind Phoebe, making his way toward Brenda as well.

Brenda linked arms with Phoebe and said, “Let’s go.” With one hand pulling her suitcase and the other held by Brenda, Phoebe replied, “Okay.” She had already informed Brenda of her return date in advance, and Brenda had insisted on picking her up. Walking ahead together, the two chatted as they made their way to the parking lot entrance. Reece trailed behind them.

At the parking lot entrance, Brenda suddenly turned around and looked at Reece with confusion. “Why are you following us?”

Reece said matter-of-factly, “You’re my sister. Am I not allowed to walk with you? Since you’re already here picking someone up, can’t I just hitch a ride in your car?”

The real reason he had followed them was simple—he wanted to spend more time with Phoebe.

Chapter 215

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So shameless? Sure, we’re technically siblings, but our relationship sucks right now. Why would I let two good-looking guys pick you up instead?”

Did he really think she didn’t know why he was trying to get involved? Did he really think she’d help? Hand? Dream on.

Reece’s face darkened. “Tin your—

Hecida scoffed. “Great. Then let’s cancel our sibling relationship. Don’t follow us—find your own ride.”

With that, she waved him off, then quickly walked into the parking lot with Phoebe. Phoebe, from start to finish, never once turned! Not once did she speak to him. Being rejected so outright, so harshly by his own sister, Reece didn’t even have the face to try pushing any further. He stood there watching Phoebe’s silhouette disappear from sight. His chest tightened with disappointment and pain. Irritated and frustrated, he pulled his mask on and headed toward the taxi pickup area.

He had intentionally told his assistant not to pick him up today. As soon as he got into a cab, he opened the group chat and sent a message to Reece: [Come out for drinks.]