Chapter 390 Tension on the Water (
Michael’s POV
41
+2 Pearls
I finished announcing the rules and watched everyone move outside, already scheming the next viral moment in my head.
Those three actresses were predictable – they instantly swarmed Kirby, and just like that, the heat was on.
When it came to dividing teams, I cleared my throat and pulled out the rigged draw I’d already prepared.
“First team: Leslie, Kirby…” I paused on purpose to savor their anticipation, then read the last name, “…and… Carl.”
Perfect. The real man, the scandal, and an imitation all in one boat – it was pure theater.
I saw Kirby’s face darken in an instant and felt a thrill. Exactly the effect I wanted.
I stood on the bank with binoculars, watching with glee.
Sure enough, at the starting whistle, the other boat shot forward, but my hoped–for “explosive boat” just sat there, motionless.
Both alphas were keeping up appearances; only poor Omega Carl was paddling uselessly with a paddle that did nothing. Watching his near–teary face, I had to wipe my brow for him.
The director beside me couldn’t stand it. He leaned over and whispered, “If this keeps up, we’ve got the gimmick, but it’s just awkward…”
I lowered the binoculars and gave him a knowing look. “You don’t understand.”
Awkward? Good. The audience eats that kind of conflict alive.
Unpredictable, tension–filled awkwardness
—
that’s guaranteed ratings.
No need to explain further. I just sat back and watched the show unfold.
Kirby’s POV
The three actresses buzzed around me like flies, chirping empty compliments.
Handsome, skyrocketing ratings
—
what utter drivel.
My attention wasn’t on them at all. My eyes and my heart followed that lazy figure lagging
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17:30 Fri, Sep 26
Chapter 390 Tension on the Water
behind.
I heard Kelly ask if I’d come for her.
Then I heard her reply: “For the money, right…”
That line stabbed like a needle.
My body froze; almost instinctively I stopped and looked back at her.
I didn’t care about the cameras or anyone else come for you!”
But she just had the director cut that bit.
My chest sank.
พรน
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+8 Pearl
–
my gaze was full of grievance. “I really did
I walked up to her and lowered my voice, pouring out my resentment and longing: “You haven’t contacted me lately. You don’t reply to my messages, you don’t pick up my calls.”
Finally, gritting my teeth, I–reminded her, “Have you forgotten I’m your lover?”
All I got was a cold look and one word: “Shut up.”
I shut up instantly.
Dammit around her, all the alpha pride and swagger I had collapses like a house of cards.
—
When the teams were called and I heard I’d been grouped with Leslie, I’d been pleased.
Then Michael read Carl’s name, and my face fell.
That fake
—
he just wouldn’t go away. He needed a lesson.
But I couldn’t show pettiness on camera, so I swallowed it.
When we boarded, I offered my hand to Leslie like a gentleman. She didn’t even glance at me; she sprang
aboard smoothly. Deflated, I watched the counterfeit clamber up, trembling and
careful to keep his distance from Leslie.
Ugh. The sight of him made my chest tight.
I sat down between them, creating a barrier.
When Michael on the bank signaled the start, I stayed perfectly still.
What a joke
–
he wanted me to row? Especially with that fake? No way.
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insert DIREC
delete
home
end
pg up
pg dn
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Chapter 390 Tension on the Water
+8 Pearls
So I just sat there, breathing in the pine–resin scent that always clung to her, and felt strangely
content.
Send Gifts
。
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