Chapter 114
[ 492 words ]
Chapter 114:
When Ethan got off the stage, he glanced at me with a distant look.
I could tell he wasn’t pleased. He thought I was using him and the bond he had been trying to cut off.
Still, that didn’t matter to me.
As expected, Ivy was selected for the second round.
The crowd grew even more excited.
Standing to the side, I watched the livestream comments pour in, filled with remarks like “this was planned all along” and “they’re clearly favoring her.”
𝗝𝘰i𝘯 𝘁𝘩𝘦 𝗰𝗼mm𝘶𝘯і𝘵y 𝗮𝗍 𝗀a𝗹n𝘰v𝖾𝗹𝗌.𝖼o𝗆
But against influence and authority, those opinions meant nothing.
Holding the edge of her luxurious custom gown, Ivy made her way onto the stage while everyone watched.
Each step she took was captured carefully, with the camera making sure to include both of us in the same frame.
The host turned to Ivy first, his tone sharp as he guided the narrative. “Ms. Brooks, getting such a major endorsement with Sparkle has raised a lot of questions. Many are wondering how you managed to secure that chance. Some are even asking if the Alpha supported you.”
Ivy held the microphone and gave a slight tilt of her head, her smile soft and restrained. “Ethan has shared a lot of professional guidance with me, but Sparkle selected me because I match their brand image. As for anything beyond that, I think the focus should stay on the jewelry.”
Her response sounded polished, as if it had been prepared ahead of time.
Turning his attention to me, the host continued, “Lianne, as the person leading this project, how do you see our new endorser?”
When the microphone was passed to me, I felt a thin layer of sweat form on my palm.
A sharp and distant pressure filled the room, and I could feel the audience watching closely.
From the front row, Ethan’s gaze stayed locked on me, intense and unrelenting.
“Ivy is beautiful and gentle,” I answered casually.
The comment carried little weight, yet Ivy reacted as though it was genuine praise.
She slipped her arm through mine and leaned closer, her smile bright as she faced the camera. “Lianne is one of the best people I’ve met recently. She’s thoughtful and supportive, and she’s helped me a lot at work.”
Hearing her describe me that way made my stomach turn.
Even so, I kept myself from pulling away. I needed to maintain the act for the sake of the project’s exposure.
Raising his voice, the host announced, “Up next, let’s welcome Mr. Voss to join Ivy on stage for the final interactive segment!”
Excited cheers filled the venue as I stepped back toward the edge of the stage and watched Ethan walk forward.
The game they prepared was simple, yet clearly suggestive. It was called balloon popping.
The pair had to stand close, facing each other, and burst a balloon held between them.
As the first balloon was placed, Ethan lowered his gaze toward Ivy, his attention fixed on her in a way I had never seen before.
His arm slid around her waist, and he gently pulled her closer.
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