The one caught red - handed had shock , disbelief , and panic written all over her face . The moment was ended by a sharp scream from Alicia , followed by William waking up from the effects of the medication . His gaze brimmed with resentment as he took in the family scene . The female lead finally accompanied the hero and went to prison for the second time in just one day . Fast forward three days later to the night of our family's recognition banquet . In the original timeline , this banquet did not occur at all . On this day in the previous one , Alicia and Jeremy got engaged , sparking the first explosive argument between me and my parents . That night , I stormed out of the house , starting a journey that would only widen the distance between us . My three brothers , intent on protecting their adopted sister , completely forgot about their real sister , who had endured loneliness her entire childhood . But now ? Now , things were different . My parents showered me with love , and my brothers stood before me , each offering heartfelt apologies . The cycle of prejudice and lies that had colored our family's beginning was broken . It turned out our lives could have a different story . Guests from the variety show I had participated in showed up . The assistant director handed me an invitation to his daughter's baby shower celebration while the main director , brimming with confidence , dramatically laid a new contract in front of me . " A new show , " he declared , his enthusiasm practically lighting up the room . " The line - up is stellar . Miss Stone , you absolutely must join us ! " 1/2 Chapter 10 Gossips Motter Most +25 Bonus I hesitated , caught off guard , but inwardly , I couldn't help but admire his audacity . ' The director is truly something else . After all , not only did he manage to get his wife's lover , but he secured the investment he had originally planned to give her ! And he kept his assets intact in the " Oh … " The crowd looked at the director meaningfully . process . ' The director , now thoroughly exposed , maintained a forced composure . " Trust me , this show is going to be a hit . Miss Stone , all we're missing is you to complete the magic formula ! " " Sure , that's a solid pitch , " I said , nodding slowly . " But why is " I'll be joining as well . " it તે dating variety show ? " I turned , startled . Donald had somehow appeared beside me , his hand casually tapping the invitation on the table . He was wearing a tailored suit , and his lips were curled into a faint smile . His sheer charm was so dazzling , it seemed he couldn't care less about the collateral damage it caused to others . " Wait , what ? " " Some people , " he said , " think they can play games and walk away . But I , for one , believe in keeping my promises . " He leaned in closer , the deep timbre of his voice brushing against my ear . " Well , if it's someone like you , then maybe this doesn't seem so- " No way ! " My three brothers jumped in unison , cutting me off . " Huh ? I actually- " " Yunice ! " Jimmy interrupted sharply . " Didn't you say you wanted to join a production team ? I've got a great script for you . " " Forget about it , " I said . " Money - making is way better than wasting time on some guy ! " Donald didn't even flinch . " The most popular couple on the dating variety show stands a chance at securing a film role with none other than the international director , Mr. Mike , " he said smoothly . My eyes widened . " What ?! Sign me up ! " The Stone brothers glared at him in unison . " Shameless ! " Donald merely smiled but said nothing . The scene was tense , and the atmosphere was subtle . ' What should I do if my future boyfriend doesn't get along with his brothers - in - law ? ' And then , out of nowhere , my system delivered an urgent gossip alert . ' What ? The lady from the villa next door is catching someone in the act of cheating ? ' The guests around me perked up instantly , their eyes lighting up with curiosity . ' Wait a minute . The woman catching the cheater is actually the hostess herself ! And she orchestrated it all because she's in love with their gardener ! ' The crowd collectively leaned in , faces brimming with excitement . ' You won't believe it . The husband's countering her now ! Turns out he's known about her affair all along ! ' ' What ? They're fighting now ? And the gardener - oh my god - he's … He's mutilated himself to prove his innocence ! He forced him into it , but his heart has always belonged to the husband ! " says the hostess Gasps erupted from everyone around . The hostess has completely lost it ! She's in the backyard now , lighting a fire and planning to take everyone down with her ! And the flames , oh no , they're spreading to our villa ! ' " Put out the fire ! " someone shouted . Grabbing Donald's hand , I bolted for the door . Family and guests alike scrambled behind us , rushing toward the chaos outside . Love might be unpredictable ; progress was a possibility , and career goals were essential , but juicy drama ? That was non - negotiable . If there was gossip today , we would just enjoy it . Tomorrow's worries ? We would deal with them tomorrow . 2/2 410