Chapter 64

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Aria Bennett popped the last bite of her sandwich into her mouth. The doorbell rang.

"This early?" She wiped her hands and hurried to the door.

The moment she opened it, Aria froze. The production crew's camera was pointed straight at her, an assistant holding up a selfie stick while live comments scrolled rapidly across the screen.

"Surprise livestream?" Aria arched a brow. "You guys really know how to play."

She stepped aside to let the crew in, casually straightening the slippers by the door. The camera panned to the dining area, capturing Theo Bennett mid-sip of his milk. A drop lingered on his fair cheek as he blinked up at the lens like a startled fawn.

[OMG what kind of angelic little brother is this?!]

[Is that face even real??]

[Look at me, little bro! I’ll wait for you to grow up!]

The comments exploded instantly.

Theo recovered quickly, offering the camera a shy smile. "Hi everyone, I'm Aria's brother."

He turned to his sister, eyes sparkling. "You look really pretty today, sis."

Aria ruffled his hair. "Flatterer."

[I’m so jealous of their sibling bond!]

[He’s so sweet and adorable!]

[Someone sign this kid to an agency already!]

A crew member gaped. "Ms. Bennett, has your brother ever considered joining the industry?"

"Not for now." Aria chuckled. "He’s still in school."

Ten minutes later, Aria was packed and ready to leave. Theo followed her all the way to the elevator, murmuring, "Don’t forget to eat on time, okay?"

"I know." She pinched his cheek. "Be good while I’m gone."

At the airport, the trainees were already waiting in the lounge. Aria had barely taken her seat when familiar clicking heels approached.

Serena Blake strode in, dressed head-to-toe in the latest Chanel set, her makeup red-carpet-ready. Her gaze swept the room before landing on Aria, and she instantly brightened.

"Aria~" she cooed, rushing over to link arms. "It’s been forever! I missed you so much!"

Aria sidestepped the contact smoothly. "Ms. Blake, we’re not close."

Serena’s smile faltered before she forced it back. "Why so cold? We’re—"

"What?" Aria cut in, lips quirking. "Fake besties? Or just delusions on your part?"

The lounge fell silent, all eyes locked on them. Serena’s face flushed, her eyes welling up instantly.

"Aria, if I’ve done something to upset you—"

"Stop." Aria raised a hand. "First, it’s Ms. Bennett to you. Second, there’s no misunderstanding—just facts."

She stood, looking down at Serena. "Like how you hooked up with Nolan Reed behind my back."

The words dropped like a bomb. Everyone gasped. Serena turned ghostly pale, her lips trembling wordlessly.

The livestream comments erupted:

[HOLY CRAP THIS TEA IS SCALDING!]

[Aria is savage!]

[Serena the fake sweetheart exposed!]

[FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!]

Just then, other guests arrived, breaking the tension. Serena seized the chance to slink into a corner, typing frantically on her phone.

Aria watched her with a cold smirk. This time, she wouldn’t give her so-called "best friend" any room to scheme.