His gaze kept shifting to Fernanda, who sat closely next to Clement, whispering about tactics.

The sight irritated Kevin immensely, and he fought the urge to go over and pull them apart.

Finding an empty seat, Kevin tried to focus on the match and scout the opposing team, yet his attention repeatedly drifted to Fernanda. Their laughter and continuous conversation seemed to mock him, making him feel even more out of place.

By the time the match concluded, Kevin could barely recall any details of what had happened.

Neal then approached the interview area for his segment. As he did, Clement and Fernanda got up. Clement tucked away Fernanda’s chair to clear the way for her.

By the time Fernanda and her team returned to the studio, it was already past nine in the evening.

Sloane chimed in with a suggestion, brimming with excitement. “How about we grab a late-night snack to celebrate making it to the semifinals? Maybe some barbecue?”

The proposal was met with unanimous approval.

“There’s a restaurant I want to recommend. They have fantastic food. Let’s head there!”

Trusting in Sloane’s knack for finding good spots, the group flagged down a taxi and ventured to the recommended location.

Even late at night, the area bustled with activity. The scents of savory meals intertwined with the night air.

Upon their arrival at the chosen spot, they were quickly greeted by a waiter who offered them menus.

Sloane handed the menu to Fernanda and began naming her favorite dishes, speaking with the ease of someone who had visited many times.

“You have to try the bacon,” she said, fluttering her eyelashes playfully. “It’s incredible—I order it every time.”

Alex was puzzled by her fascination with such a fatty food, despite her charming demeanor.

While straightening the pleats of her plaid skirt, Sloane passionately praised the bacon, trying to win over any skeptics at the table.

Alex, however, stood his ground. He simply didn’t enjoy bacon, end of discussion.

Tall and muscular from regular workouts, Alex might seem intimidating, but he was actually gentle at heart—a true foodie who valued careful eating and maintained a meticulous skincare routine.

He wouldn’t touch anything he didn’t like, especially fatty foods. Sloane was at a loss for how to convince Alex to change his mind and give the bacon a try, so she gave up.

When the barbecue was served, she enthusiastically offered bacon to everyone. Upon reaching Clement, she inquired gently, “Would you like some?”

Clement declined with a shake of his head, leading Sloane to withdraw her offer promptly.

Clement then took the initiative to add pork belly, beef, corn, and green beans to Fernanda’s plate, showing his attentiveness.

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