Chapter 65

Serena Blake never expected Aria Bennett to confront her so bluntly on live broadcast.

A shadow flickered across her eyes before she quickly replaced it with a pitiful expression. "I thought after last episode, we were friends..." Her voice trembled, her eyes already glistening with unshed tears.

Aria let out a cold laugh. "Friends?" She tapped the table lightly with her fingertips. "You nearly got me canceled with that photo scandal, and now you're pretending we're close?"

She turned to face the camera directly. "Let me make this clear—I don’t hold grudges, but I don’t forget either. I won’t start anything with you this episode, but stay out of my way."

The set fell silent.

No one had anticipated Aria’s bluntness.

[OMG! Queen Aria slays!]

[Finally, someone calls out Serena’s act!]

[That was so rude of Aria!]

Serena paled, biting her lip. "I—I apologized for the photos... But we still have to work together..." Her words carried an unspoken accusation—Aria was being unprofessional.

Then Damian Cross chuckled.

"Honesty." His long fingers drummed the table. "That’s what the audience wants." He glanced at the director. "If we wanted fake politeness, we’d be filming a soap opera."

The director’s eyes lit up. "Damian’s right! Authenticity is what this show is about!"

Aria blinked in surprise, turning to Damian. Under the studio lights, his sharp profile looked even more striking.

A warmth spread through her chest.

For the first time, someone had publicly taken her side.

Nolan Reed clenched his fists, about to speak—but Damian beat him to it.

Serena’s eyes welled up. "Damian, I wasn’t—"

"Forcing others to play along with your act," Damian cut in calmly, "is that your version of authenticity?"

Serena froze as if struck by lightning.

Her idol—the man she admired most—had just exposed her on national television.

The director quickly intervened. "Alright, everyone! This episode’s theme is—"

[Damian is KING!]

[Now THAT’S a real man!]

[Serena’s mask finally slipped LOL]

[Aria x Damian forever!]