"I'd like to see if Leon will be as arrogant as he is now during the mission," a viewer commented.One of the biggest draws of "Survival of the Fittest" was its missions. Participants had to choose a non-celebrity partner to complete challenges in locations like ancient castles or schools. Each area had a backstory that participants had to unravel.The first location remained a mystery, and the participants would find out simultaneously with the audience, which made it extra exciting."I can't wait to see how the participants react!" someone commented."Who will be this season's MVP?" another asked.As online buzz grew, concerns surfaced. Lulu, a highly popular star for the past two years, was anxious. Recently hospitalized due to poor health, the "Survival of the Fittest" crew advised her to recover and return for the next season. However, Lulu was determined to participate and eager to dispel rumors. She could not let the world know she had been pregnant. Lulu clenched her f
Aria removed her helmet and noticed a camera overhead. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. Sam hadn't mentioned this was a filming set.While Sam remained excited, Aria considered approaching the crew members. The directors and audience watched as Aria perched atop her motorcycle. Her one foot casually braced the ground, the other resting easy on the bike's belly. Her grip on the handlebar was a casual command while her free hand danced effortlessly across the phone screen, seemingly texting someone. Not receiving a reply, her fingers drummed impatiently on the handlebar. Her profile appeared flawless under the lights. She was stunning, with an indifferent allure. Her dark, depthless eyes and a small mole beneath one eye added to her mystique.She was a masterpiece of casual seduction, a femme fatale on two wheels. The camera refused to pan away from her. When she looked up, the comments section buzzed."I want to know everything about her, now!""Is she a new celebrity fro
The season's celebrities were scattered across different areas of the set, blindfolded until they arrived. The non-celebrity guest participants, however, were guided in without any blindfolds by the production assistants.Evelyn's eyes widened at the filming location. Lily had been right—the first challenge this season was set in an abandoned children's hospital! Although Evelyn was from Janovin, she had never known such a hospital existed in the suburbs.The dilapidated building and overgrown grass suggested it had been abandoned for years.While the show used real locations, the hospital's interior had been refurbished. However, the exterior remained untouched, giving the building a haunting, time-frozen appearance.Lavender Erikson, an award-winning actress, was the first celebrity to arrive. Removing her blindfold, she surveyed the building with a teasing remark, "Are they trying to scare off the newbies before we even start?"Chandler Lucson, standing beside her with a confid
"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
The aged voice was filled with indifference. "It seems like she reached a dead end."Amos sneered. "I don't understand why these peasants like staying in the city. Still, it's fortunate for us. Otherwise, it'd be hard to get our hands on them.""Amos," the person cut in sharply, as if reminding him of his place.Amos only dared to speak so harshly when no one was around. If word got out, his image as the perfect secretary would be ruined.He quickly calmed down and fell silent. The caller didn't press the matter, simply saying, "You need to change the way you speak and act from now on."Since she's already agreed, give her the money. Don't treat her requests as a nuisance. The more requests they make, the less likely they are to cause trouble later."After picking her up tomorrow, send a few men to check if her grandparents need any help. Make sure everything is done properly."Amos nodded. "I understand. You always see the bigger picture. We'll continue looking after them."Poo
"I promise it won't happen again!" To an outsider, it might've sounded like Amos was talking about the cafeteria mishap. But the truth was much darker. What Amos really meant was that incidents like this could continue, just never publicly. Once the media's attention died down, they could go back to doing whatever they pleased. But for now, the performance had to be flawless.The man on the other end of the call seemed satisfied. Though his voice was flat and monotonous, there was a noticeable shift; it was now less stern."She's been manipulating the stock market," he said. "It's caused major damage to several of Luwditen's corporations. We can't let her walk free."Amos removed his glasses, a grim look on his face. "That's exactly what I told the Securities Regulatory Department. It doesn't matter who comes to plead on her behalf. Even if she's the late Mr. Barron's heir, she has to face the law."She's confessed. No one's going to let her off the hook now. You know what jail'
At first, Eden didn't understand what Aria meant. But as night fell, Aria lowered her head and started fumbling with something. When she looked up again, Eden was stunned—Aria looked exactly like her.Eden's eyes widened in disbelief. She'd only seen something like this in movies. But now, it was unfolding right in front of her. So there really was such a flawless disguise technique in the world."Aria, you…""Since I'm using your identity, I have to be you," Aria said with a soft tug of her mask, smiling. She had always been bold, yet precise. Working in the Special Missions Unit meant secrecy was second nature to her—this part was routine."Stay home and rest tonight. I'll leave first thing in the morning. Once I'm gone and the coast is clear, take your grandparents and leave."Eden opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond. She didn't even know when the people watching them would leave."My team will come get you," Aria reassured her. "What's important is that your grandparent
Eden nodded. "Okay. I'll do as you say, Aria."She sent the text just like Aria instructed. Moments later, her teacher replied—everything had been arranged. A car would pick her up from home. There was no need to return to school.A cold shiver ran down Eden's spine. They knew where she lived. They'd been watching all along. Not just the school—they were everywhere.Eden didn't linger at school. Outside the entrance, the main topic of conversation was the officials' arrival for an investigation and the school's public exposure.Everyone knew the cafeteria was a mess. Students had complained countless times, but each time inspectors came, the food improved just long enough to pass the checks. Then it would all revert. It had become the norm—something they were forced to accept.Eden was no different. She just wanted to get home. She needed to see her grandparents. She feared something might happen to them next.Every step on the way home, she stayed alert, scanning her surroundings
Eden listened closely, her brow furrowing. Her teacher wasn't speaking Farshyan. School was no longer a safe place, and Eden didn't know who she could trust. Her classmates were too caught up in mocking Aria to notice anything was wrong, all assuming Eden was lucky to have been chosen.She considered calling the police, picking up her phone, but then paused. What could she even say? That there was a mole at school? Her face turned pale as she remembered how close the principal was to influential people. The authorities might not believe her, or worse, they might be involved.Despite the headlines claiming Aria had been arrested, Eden felt a spark of hope. Aria had promised she'd show up if Eden ever needed her. Taking a deep breath, Eden dialed the number Aria had given her.She didn't expect anyone to answer. But then came a cool, familiar voice. "Eden? What's wrong? Did someone give you trouble again?"Eden's heart soared. "You're not arrested! The news is fake, isn't it? I knew
Lucas gave Amos a sidelong glance. "In that case, let's do as Mr. Lune suggested—punish everyone involved."Announce to the public that Oakvale Academy will be used as a test case. We'll be conducting surprise inspections in all middle and high schools."As for why Mr. Kelsey encountered two completely different scenes during his visits—well, that's easy to explain." Lucas' gaze swept across the room. "Someone tipped off the school before your visit. If any other school received advance notice, every one of you will be under scrutiny."Though Lucas spoke with a smile, none of the seven present—including the three officials—could return it. The smile, in this context, was more chilling than rage. This was a warning. Amos, in particular, felt deeply unsettled. He had come intending to redirect Lucas' attention away from Oakvale Academy. Instead, the incident had blown up. With public attention turning toward the school, transferring Eden would soon become impossible.Still, Amo
Now that Miguel, who was an expert in covering up, was gone, the long-standing issues in the school were exposed.The group stood frozen as they watched a cafeteria worker pour something into a large pot. A closer look revealed it was leftover mushroom soup. But that wasn't the worst of it. The soup reeked, clearly spoiled, yet it was still being reheated for the students.Things only got worse when they entered the kitchen. Hygiene standards were appalling. Not a single chef wore a mask, and some were even smoking while cooking.Amos' expression darkened immediately, even before Lucas could react.One of the chefs noticed them and slammed his ladle onto the counter. "What are you doing in here? Outsiders aren't allowed in the school—don't you know that?"Unlike other schools, Oakvale Academy had somehow always slipped through the cracks during routine inspections. When required to present something, they staged it well enough to fool a camera.So, the staff never expected a surp
Aria understood that this was all the person could offer. The real mastermind would never reveal himself so easily—not even to his most trusted subordinates.Those in power never needed to explain themselves. Those who understood them would earn their favor; those who didn't were destined to remain at the bottom.Her thoughts raced. She needed hard evidence to capture whoever was behind Amos. Baseless accusations would only alert the enemy and push them deeper into hiding.Allowing herself to be arrested had been part of Aria's plan. She needed the mastermind to lower his guard. After all, she had been too visible in Ludwiten lately. With eyes constantly watching her, she couldn't make any real moves. But she couldn't let the incident at Oakvale Academy go unresolved. Her instincts told her it was the key to everything.Before Philip found his family, she had to act—and that meant changing her identity to save Even.Just then, the person's phone buzzed. He turned the screen towa
"Boss!" Weston rushed over the moment he finished dealing with the other officers. Aria arched an eyebrow, flexing her wrists. "He's the mole?""Yes." Weston nodded. The Securities Regulatory Bureau, dispatched by the Securities Regulatory Commission, was tasked with auditing listed companies—particularly sniffing out insider trading and market manipulation.While not everyone in the bureau could be corrupt, it was common for a few to be compromised.The officer who had been interrogating Aria was of a minor rank, but the one Weston had just exposed held real power.Aria looked over at the trembling man. His legs had given out, sending him to the floor. His phone lay discarded beside him as he shook uncontrollably.They had met before—at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. To him, Aria had just been a clever heiress with some market luck, thanks to Landon's influence. No one would have expected her to single-handedly bring down the Draycott family.No one would logically believe