Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio)

Astrid had her suspicions for quite some time, and the breadcrumbs of evidence were slowly coming together.

Yet, she wouldn't just lump everything into one messy pile.

With a casual lowering of her eyelids, she drawled a response, "I don't need anyone dictating my life. Whom I choose to spend my time with is my business. The older generation's affairs are theirs to deal with, not mine. I have no interest in it.

And why on earth should I believe a word you say, you deceitful snake? You're trash. I wouldn't trust you as far as I could throw you! Let me make this crystal clear. If I want Johnnie gone by midnight, there isn' a force on this planet that can keep him safe until dawn. Your scheming will only hasten your son's end. The more you try to come at me, the quicker he'll fall!

If someone I care about is harmed, I'll come after your son. Don't believe me? Just try me!"

With that, Astrid ended the call.

She turned around to see Parrish and the others staring at her, dumbfounded.

Parrish snapped out of it after a few seconds, "Holy smokes, Astar, you were freaking awesome. Jay from Morgenster Corporation is a top dog, and you just chewed him out like he was nothing. What an epic!" Elio chimed in, "What's Morgenster Corporation to her? If she wants, she could own the whole damn thing and get a bonus of a handsome devil to boot."

Elio's words sent the bodyguards into disarray.

Could this brazen flirt really be their notoriously ruthless and cold-hearted boss?

Was he calling himself handsome?

Sure, he had good looks, but it was weird hearing it from his mouth!

Love didn't just corrupt but also blind!

Gifting the entire Morgenster Corporation? Parrish was starstruck, but Astrid was unimpressed, giving him an eye roll, "As if I'm interested in your little empire. It's not like I don't have my own." Elio was at a loss for words.

The bodyguards escorted the killers away. By the time Maddox arrived with backup, all they found were traces of blood on the ground.

Feuds and assassinations were common in the world of the elite. The Lampard Group, a powerhouse at home, was no stranger to such conflicts. Maddox asked no questions wisely, simply instructing the staff to get the live stream back up and running. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Shortly after, the show's official announcement came through. "Due to uncontrollable factors like the weather, our live stream was interrupted for forty-five minutes. We are now back live. Thank you for your concern."

With a week to go for the live stream, the production team promoted the silhouette of a new guest.

It was just a shadow, but the outline of that guitar-carrying figure stirred up a storm of guesses.

[Wow, just from the silhouette, you can tell he's a heartthrob! I'm smitten!]

[Who could that be? Isn't that Nathan Brooke? My lead singer! If so, I'm losing it!]

[Holy cow, is this our idol's variety show debut?]

[Didn't he just support Astar on social media? Is he going star chasing?]

[Ah, I can't wait! What kind of sparks will fly between him and Astar?]

[Uh oh, Mr. Lampard, the jealous king, is probably stewing. Nathan is handsome, amiable, and talented, a formidable rival for sure!]

The discussion on this mysterious guest was heated.

While netizens were abuzz with speculation, the production team dropped another bombshell, a female guest silhouette.

But the hype was noticeably dimmer.

Minutes passed with only a smattering of comments, mostly asking, [Who is she?]