"One of the audience members commented, "It's finally time for them to choose their partners!"While the production claimed the non-celebrity partners were chosen randomly, the director had actually hand picked them. The background stories for each episode were complex, often tweaked from actual incidents, making it challenging for the celebrities to piece together the original stories. Some even required professional knowledge, so the crew included non-celeb participants with medical backgrounds.Viewers were already speculating about the chosen candidates for this season."Ladies and gentlemen, there are five people in front of you," announced the director. "Only those who successfully match will form a pair for the upcoming challenge. The candidates' information is displayed on the screen. Two have medical backgrounds, while the others bring diverse skill sets. Please carefully consider your needs and choose a partner who can complement your abilities."Everyone's expressions
The third non-celeb participant displayed on the screen was a middle-aged surgeon named Alistair Whitman. He wore glasses, looked ordinary, and was of average height. However, his medical experience was exceptional.A viewer commented, "The second and third non-celeb participants seem to be the best options."The fourth guest participant was Evelyn, and she majored in media studies. She appeared normal until she shouted, "Leon, choose me! I know how to make you win!"Her words brought Leon into the spotlight.Anthony mocked, "Mr. Carver, your fans are quite enthusiastic. Not everyone gets a chance to be on this show, you know."His comment made it seem like the show's crew was favoring Leon.Leon's haters pounced. "Dumb pretty boys shouldn't be on variety shows. Their fans are crazy, and it's unfair to the other participants. He's just embarrassing himself!"Amidst the ongoing conversation about Leon, the fifth participant was introduced. Everyone was surprised to discover tha
Leon was determined not to embarrass himself on national television. Those eager for more screen time were clearly planning ahead. Yet, Chandler and Anthony's performances seemed lackluster compared to his."Has everyone decided on their partners?" Kian asked. In unison, the celebrities and their partners replied, "Yes."As their voices echoed, the veils covering the guest participants dropped.Aria removed her blindfold, unveiling her striking and composed face. She had heard what the celebrities had to say and had already seen all the faces of the guest participants.She'd consented to the filming after sensing a dark, vengeful energy in the air. If this dark presence persisted, it could spell catastrophe. Yet, she hadn't foreseen that she would also be expected to complete various tasks. As soon as all the participants were on camera, Aria's appearance took everyone by surprise. Her stunning features set her apart from the rest, including Lulu, whose innocent looks couldn'
Leon's sudden warning to Aria left the production crew and audience speechless. A viewer asked, "What does he mean?""I'm in tears! What is he doing?" another exclaimed. The other participants also sent odd looks their way. After all, Leon didn't seem like the type to say such things.However, Aria wasn't surprised to hear this coming from Leon. From the pictures and stories Warren had told her, this was Leon's true nature. "Leon, the instructions are on the screen," Aria pressed, not wanting to waste a moment. The sooner they completed filming, the sooner she could drive away the oppressive aura lingering around them.If they didn't hurry, the frail-looking Lulu might not make it to morning.Aria had no intention of revealing her relationship with Leon on camera. She planned to have a private conversation with him after filming.Leon's expression tightened. "I'd prefer if you didn't use my first name. I don't think my sister would like it."Meanwhile, Warren was watching t
To capture the most genuine reactions, the producers and assistants monitoring the participants were called out of the building. Instead, cameras were set up in every corner to record the participants' responses.The children's hospital, a two-story building with long, dimly lit corridors, wasn't particularly frightening when bustling with people. Now, with the production crew gone, the atmosphere turned chilling.All the female participants seemed unnerved except for Aria. Lulu, in particular, nervously rubbed her stomach as she glanced at the delivery room.The livestream audience was intrigued. "Why is Lulu rubbing her stomach?"Suddenly, the signboard above the delivery room fell, crashing loudly and startling everyone. Despite his own unease, Chandler saw an opportunity to take the lead. "Given the hospital's age, accidents like this are expected," he announced. "Let's be cautious."He continued, "I don't think we need to head that way. I believe the clues will be in a well
Chandler erupted in anger. "What did you say?""The camera’s rolling, Mr. Lucson. You might want to consider your image," Aria said calmly.Chandler's anger twisted his face into a repulsive scowl.Anthony stepped forward. "Have you no manners? Is this how dumbasses like you usually speak?"Aria's expression darkened. "As a public figure, you should set a proper example for your fans. What are you doing? Are you trying to incite cyberbullying?"You should spend more time improving your acting skills. You sidelined Leon impressively just now, but why can't I see the same talent on your shows? Do you believe you're a good actor just because your fans say so?"Aria's tone was deliberate, as if revealing a harsh truth. "With your ordinary looks, your family must have invested heavily to land you the lead role when you debuted."Anthony seethed, "You little—"Nobody expected someone as gorgeous as Aria to deliver such cutting remarks. The comments section exploded in reaction.One
Chandler went upstairs after saying that, with the others following. Lulu, her face ashen, dared not glance at the delivery room.Aria and Leon lingered downstairs. Aria's eyes fixed on Lulu's shoulder, and her brow tightened in concern. The dark spirit clinging there was deeply entrenched, its removal demanding more than the usual effort. She couldn't help but wonder if the production team was aware of the shift in the storyline's dark currents.Kian hadn't noticed any issues as the changes were subtle. Besides, surprises would keep the audience engaged. Aria inspected the camera equipment to ensure it was in proper working order. She needed to keep the supernatural entities hidden from view, as their presence would quickly become a focal point.She turned toward the dark corridor. The fallen signboard of the delivery room, bright and colorful, seemed to beckon them inside. Why would such malevolent, vengeful energy align with the production's designs? If this was the will
The scream came from the second floor. The cameras positioned there showed nothing but darkness. Despite Kian's orders to activate night mode, the equipment malfunctioned at this crucial moment.While Leon and Aria continued to rack up points on the first floor, the participants on the second floor struggled to see anything. Only Alistair had picked up the flashlight provided by the crew; the others had neglected it.Kian's brow furrowed. "Where's the production assistant? Why is the light off so early?"Nothing was going according to plan, but the participants remained oblivious.Chandler, who had been brashly confident earlier, now appeared almost laughable in his fear. He grabbed Alistair's flashlight and tried to project calm. "Mr. Franco loves to cut the power on this show. There's no need to panic.""Chandler, we only have one flashlight now," Anthony said, his regret evident. He would have chosen a male partner if he'd known Helen would be so inept.Sensing Anthony's conde
Landon's sudden appearance wasn't just a coincidence. With Aria's intelligence, she would figure something out soon—he knew that. He hadn't planned on revealing himself like this. But something that belonged to him was here, and the demonic energy in this place… Aria couldn't face it alone.She studied him from head to toe, her hand still in his. His grip was firm, protective."There's a lot of mist ahead," he said quietly. "We'll need to tread carefully."Aria tilted her head. "You speak like you know this place well.""I do," Landon replied with a calm honesty. "I was deathly ill once. My soul wandered into a place just like this. Homer pulled me back."His voice made it sound like a distant memory, and Aria gave a soft laugh, tightening her hold on his hand. "You really are full of surprises. I guess it's true—handsome men are the most dangerous."But Aria's thoughts were racing. Why had he come after her like this, knowing it would reveal parts of himself he'd tried to keep h
Landon was still handling the stragglers behind Aria when he paused, his gaze flicking upward. Cameras were mounted in every corner—too many eyes. Vanishing without a trace wasn't an option.He glanced in Aria's direction, then lowered his head. His lips moved in a whisper, but the sounds were incomprehensible—something rhythmic, otherworldly. It was less like a speech and more like a chant—an exorcism.Meanwhile, Dave descended into the underground, calm and unrushed. That place reeked of foul energy, dense and suffocating. His master had cast a spell over it—one designed to kill anyone who dared to enter, no matter their strength. Dave wasn't afraid. He had more pressing priorities—destroying documents, erasing traces, minimizing damage.His bodyguard stayed close, watching for anyone who might try to stop them.Aria, moving swiftly, reached the lower floor—only to halt. Mist curled along the ground, thickening with every step. The air turned icy. And the corridor behind her…
"Why would there be people outside?" asked Dave. He had been disguising himself as a doctor for years, and that was the first time he looked so anxious. After all, if someone did approach their building, the villagers would have informed them about it. However, they received no news this time.Dave wondered what was going on."Dr. Dave, what should we do now? I think we're surrounded!"He was still in his coat as he slightly clenched his fists. "Let's move out. Bring the girls in the basement with us.""T-They're not in the basement."When Dave heard that, he looked furious. "What do you mean they're not in the basement?""Someone took them away, and I'm guessing it was her fault!" The bodyguard pointed at Aria, who was standing on the highest point, showing off her skills. With swift, lethal kicks and a taser turned weapon, no one dared get close.Whoever touched Aria would die, and no one dared to approach her at all.As for Landon, he still had his mask on as he stood behind
Chaos erupted at the auction. For all their pride and arrogance, the wealthy clients' expressions had twisted into pure panic the moment something went wrong.So, their first reaction was to seek a staff member."The power's unstable!" Dave spoke into the microphone, trying to project calm. "Everyone, stay calm. There's scheduled maintenance in town—it's just affecting the electricity. Nothing's wrong."He genuinely believed that. It was what he'd been told.But Aria knew better. The blackout wasn't random. It was a signal. Sam had tracked down the source of the call. With the exits sealed off, Aria had everything she needed to act.A faint smirk curled on her lips. Without hesitation, she grabbed Landon and swiftly took Aliya hostage. Her movements were sharp, practiced, so fast that no one around her even had time to react.Then came the needles.Aria flicked her wrist, sending a series of acupuncture needles flying. The rich guests closest to her froze in place, locked in stu
Tony's accusation stirred a ripple through the room, and it didn't escape Dave's attention. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he signaled to someone nearby.Aria caught the movement. Her fingers tensed, ready to slip free of the rope she had already loosened. But before she could act, she heard a smooth, composed voice glide through the air."I need her to boost my luck," the man said coolly. "I've done my research. She's the ideal bride for someone like me."Dave stopped in his tracks, and it seemed like he was telling someone else to verify what Landon had said."Sir, it checks out," one of the staff murmured after a brief consultation. "Mr. Crow's fate is complicated. The master said only a spiritual match could extend his life. Otherwise, he won't make it past his next birthday."Dave let out a low chuckle, visibly relaxing. "Well then, Mr. Crow, it seems you've come to the right place. Please—carry on, everyone."Aria listened in stunned silence. Landon hadn't lied. His life
Aria couldn't tear her eyes away from Dave.He was still quietly speaking to the man on the screen, their exchange shrouded in secrecy. No one nearby could hear what they were saying—but Aria could guess. It had to be a deal of some sort, something about her. Everything about Dave's posture, the glint in his eyes, told her this wasn't just business. It was personal.She glanced up at the clock again, nerves coiling in her chest. Something was wrong. Sam was taking longer than usual. That wasn't like him.The auction was nearing its close. They couldn't miss the chance to strike. Sasha, glowing with excitement, clapped her hands and declared, "Six million! It looks like no one else is bidding—congratulations to our newest member, Mr. Tiger—""Ten million dollars."The voice sliced clean through the noise, calm, clear, and cold.Everyone turned toward it.A man stood at the edge of the crowd, dressed in a sleek tuxedo dusted with black feathers, his mask intricate and dark.T
Aria had once told Sam to avoid chaos if he could—but she'd also said that when desperation knocked, rules could bend.Now was one of those moments.Sam hesitated only briefly before diving in.He had to know who was behind this. Who kept targeting Aria? Who was pulling the strings in the dark? And once Sam decided on something, there was no turning back.Without Aria by his side, he breached the system, knowing full well the other side had already alerted the police.The firewall he faced wasn't just tough—it was nearly impenetrable. It filtered everything, controlling access with surgical precision. But Sam wasn't interested in the broader network. He narrowed his focus and cut straight to the source, filtering out all the noise to lock onto the actual IP.The auction raged on aboveground. The man behind the screen, confident in his usual routine, remained calm and unaware that the mask he'd worn for years was finally slipping. He'd always stayed out of sight, appearing only
While Aria discreetly signaled to move, the auction hall was buzzing with excitement. Laughter echoed, wine glasses clinked, and the room pulsed with greed.Sasha's voice came through the mic, smooth and cheerful. "While everyone's enjoying themselves, let's welcome our latest arrival of the evening."She glanced at the man beside her—her bodyguard—who immediately stiffened under her gaze.To the crowd, it looked like he was escorting Aria to the stage under control. In truth, Aria's hand was already pressed lightly against his chest, right over a poisoned pressure point. He knew better than to resist—he'd seen what she was capable of.And she'd made her warning crystal clear—if she was exposed or captured, he wouldn't live to see morning.The guests didn't notice a thing. All eyes were on Aria, their expressions hungry. They saw value in her—fresh, young, healthy. To them, she wasn't a person. She was premium merchandise.She was brought to stand beside a young woman who had alr
Eamon and Waymond had just been thrown out of the Chamber of Commerce. Waymond's face was flushed with fury, his eyes red. "Eamon, why didn't you let me speak earlier? Mr. Lincoln was being unreasonable!"Eamon, ever perceptive, shook his head. "Mr. Lincoln's been bribed. He was never going to take our side."Wise and strategic, Eamon had always been top of his class—but now, he was even sharper when it came to reading a room."I'm guessing Aria found something during her investigation that made them nervous," he continued. "Durand couldn't have controlled Lincoln on his own. There's more to it."Waymond frowned, still struggling to piece things together. "But who could bribe Mr. Lincoln? Not even the mayor has that kind of sway. He's—""What if it's someone from the state?" Eamon cut in, eyes flicking back toward the building. "We need to tell Dad. There's no point in staying here, but there is someone we can talk to.""Who?" Waymond asked quickly. "Lucas Murray—the new secr