Chapter 29

Phoebe replied, “From your face, I can see your ex-boyfriend. He helped you a lot once, but then betrayed you with someone else. You started as a strong couple but ended up as rivals.”

Phoebe continued, “You’re not together now, but be careful. He still wants to use you.”

Lexie gasped. “Wow, you’re good! That’s exactly it!”

Lexie’s ex was actually her agent. He’d been the one to help launch her career and had genuinely supported her at first. But once they got together, the agent had cheated on Lexie repeatedly, with more than one woman. When she’d caught him, he’d brushed it off as “just tooling around.”

As disgusted as she’d been, Lexie broke it off. But she’d helped him build his career and connections and didn’t feel she owed him anything.

Meanwhile, the agent has been chasing after Lexie ever since. In fact, this show was partly an escape from his persistence.

“So you’re saying he’s planning to take advantage of me?” Lexie asked.

Phoebe nodded. “He’s still trying to squeeze out every bit of benefit he can get. I’d recommend asking your company for a new agent.”

Lexie came from a good family with plenty of connections in the entertainment industry. A lot of her relatives worked in show business, and they had a decent amount of influence. Plus, with her popularity as a talented singer, Lexie still held a lot of value in her ex’s eyes.

Lexie’s surprise grew. Phoebe had even guessed her ex was her agent. Other than the two of them, no one knew, not even her family or friends.

“Alright, the moment I’m back in Solara City, I’m asking for a transfer,” Lexie agreed.

Lexie had hesitated in the past, thinking she could stay professional. But if he was out to use her, she’d had enough.

They kept chatting for a while, growing closer in the process.

The next morning, Phoebe was up by six, practicing Pilates. Not long after, Maddox came out and saw her training in the courtyard. Maddox stopped, surprised for a moment, and then leaned against the doorframe, watching with a smile.

Phoebe noticed him, but she kept going. When she’d finished, she turned to him. “Enjoy the show!”

Maddox grinned. “You bet!” Then he gave her a thumbs-up. “Pheels, you’re a badass!”

Phoebe chuckled. “Thanks. So, what brings you up this early?”

Maddox shrugged. “You promised to let me help make sandwiches.”

Phoebe hadn’t expected him to remember. “Alright, I’ll get things ready in the kitchen while you freshen up,” she replied.

Maddox nodded. “Got it.”

They went into the kitchen, and soon a camera crew from the show came in to start a livestream, letting viewers watch them make sandwiches. Even though it was early, thousands were already tuned in.

As the cameras rolled, Phoebe was making eggs while Maddox helped out. Once they noticed the live feed was up, they smiled and waved. Phoebe gave the audience a warm smile.

A local farmer had given them fresh eggs, so Phoebe was using those, and she’d already bought the bread before her morning workout. Watching the two of them work in the kitchen, fans couldn’t help but comment on how good they looked together.

As Phoebe cooked, she explained each step to the audience. Viewers who’d initially tuned in for her looks became absorbed in her cooking skills quickly.

Besides sandwiches, Phoebe made oatmeal on the side.

Maddox, having helped with the prep, now just watched. He found that watching Phoebe focus on something was oddly captivating.

When the sandwiches were ready, the others were starting to wake up. Maddox took the tray of sandwiches to a table in the courtyard, calling for James and Lexie to come over.

Phoebe didn’t stop him from showing off and brought the oatmeal out herself.

2:16 PM.

Chapter 29

Grabbing a sandwich, Maddox grinned. “Alright, let’s see what Chef Phoebe’s got here.” He took a bite, savoring the eggy taste.

Two bites later, Maddox’s eyes lit up. He exclaimed, “This is the best sandwich I’ve ever had!”

James and Lexie, intrigued, each took one. They, too, looked delighted. “This is amazing!”

Reece and Jamar walked out, seeing the others with food. Maddox shot them a look and took a bite, smirking. “Mmm, delicious. Too bad you’re only here to watch.”

They exchanged frustrated glances, both fighting the urge to strangle Maddox right there.